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Small Evap System leak

Last year my Forester developed a "small evap leak" fault code. I requested info from the group and got some excellents replies, but none of them were the cause. It turns out that almost all Subies have the same problem. The plastic cowling that protects the tank fill tube collects dirt and moisture and of course salt if you live where I do because it is exposed in the wheel well.. The dirt never allows the moisture or brine to dry and it eventually eats its way through the tube. The mechaninc at my local Subaru dealer informed me that he replaces these tubes almost on a weekly basis - its that common!

My solution was to get the new tube (old one was riddled with pin-holes) and give it several coats of "Rust Destroyer" before bringing it back to the dealer for replacement. Also, I would recommend everyone to remove the cowling every once in a while and blast the dirt/mud/salt away before replacing it. A coat of rust paint or protector would not hurt either. Replacing the tube came to about $400 Cdn., all in.

Cheers

Reply to
4orester
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Is there an illustration online that shows the location of the plastic cowling and tank fill tube?

I haven't had this problem in nearly 30 years of Subaru ownership in Colorado -- where they use magnesium chloride on the roads -- but I'd like to head off potential corrosion (and a big repair bill).

Thanks!

Reply to
Ben Jammin

You're very lucky to live where salt isn't considered as a way to do winter road resurfacing like they do here in Nova Scotia. I swear they have some sort of fetish for the stuff here (and of course it is easy overtime pay for the drivers!). As far as the cowling, just look into the wheel well directly below the fill tube. Its the black piece of plastic running vertically beside and to the immediate rear of your strut. Easy to pop-on-and-off, and easy to spray with a hose with the tire off.

This evap leak was tricky to find on my own, because I was expecting to find a cracked hose or bad valve or something, but the mechanic at the dealer went directly to it because it is so common here.

Cheers!

Reply to
4orester

Thanks for the good information. I'll take a look: I'm big on preventive maintenance; it has helped me get two of my Subarus to

200,00+ miles.

All the best

Reply to
Ben Jammin

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