Hi guys,
NOOB here and I need help on how to get at the vapor canister and the vent solenoid valve so that they can be replaced on my 2001 Integra LS. A mobile mechanic came out and did a smoke test and per his instructions I ordered and have the new canister and valve. Unfortunately I can't seem to get a hold of the mechanic to finish the job. It looks like something I could probably handle (3 hoses and one electrical plug) but I can't figure how to get access to it and not sure what surrounding parts might need to be removed. I see how the canister just slides up out of the bracket, but the fuel filter and lines going to it are directly above the canister and it looks like they would be in the way and prevent the canister from sliding up, and I very am reluctant to mess with the fuel filter. It also looks like the large hose going to the air filter may need to come out.

Could somebody provide some step-by-step instruction on how to get the canister removed and or tell me if it would be a mistake to try and do this myself. I have good mehanical and electrical skills - but not much on cars. (I also see that I could unbolt the steel bracket (bolted to the firewall) that the canister is in and tilt the canister, but it still looks like it would not be enough clearance.) I have read that a lot of people just bypass the vapor canister but I would prefer not to do this as the smell in the garage is just too much.
Many thanks in advance for any help.

 

It's not really difficult to change the canister, hoses and valve (it's an electronically controlled 3 way valve on the '98-'01 right?). That's one of a few reasons why there are no write-ups on how to change the charcoal canister. If you don't feel comfortable doing it, then bring it over to a mechanic to get it done. I don't remember if the fuel filter is too in the way or not but just try to slide it out. If you can't then the easiest way to get the filter out of the way is to relieve pressure out of th fuel system, remove the lower hardline from the filter (with a line wrench please), and then undo the bracket holding the filter and move it aside. If you need to get the air intake arm out of the way, then Just take a moment to asses it. It's really straight forward to pop up out. The socket size for the hose clamp on the throttle body is 7/32" and for the air box you'll need an 8mm socket. Take a picture of all the hoses on the canister before removal. You should have 3 on top and 2 on the bottom. Install the new canister and attach the hoses and valve exactly as they were before. Make sure the clamps are all secure and any of the re-used hoses aren't cracked.

 

Thanks for your reply jdmark1 - that helped a lot. I took another look and it seems like if I remove the battery I will have more access. Also I read that there is a hose that attaches to a plastic fitting on the fuel filter but that hose is simply open, so if I slide that hose (that goes to nowhere) off it will also give more clearance. I'll try tomorrow and post the results.

 

That hose you mentioned attached to the side of the filter is a "drain sub tube" according to Honda. The other end is one of the two hoses connected to the bottom of the charcoal canister.