Purge canister

Just wondering what a purge canister does exactly. Does it draw the gas fumes from the gas tank using vacuum from the engine and filter it? Or am I way off base. Was trying to find a vacuum leak and noticed that the purge canister wasn't there. Is it necessary?

yep you have it right. The canister is part of the emissions control system. Take another look, it might be there. I've got an old '89 and I couldn't find mine for while. Finally located it down and under the battery. The other thing I found was that the vaccum line from the tank to the canister had half the hose from the tank worn away from vibrating against metal. Big vacuum leak.

yep you have it right. The canister is part of the emissions control system. Take another look, it might be there. I've got an old '89 and I couldn't find mine for while. Finally located it down and under the battery. The other thing I found was that the vaccum line from the tank to the canister had half the hose from the tank worn away from vibrating against metal. Big vacuum leak.

Thanks for replying. The purge canister is gone, the bracket for it is there but empty. Couldn't figure out where the vacuum line was that ran to the gas tank from the canister but found it today, vacuum hose rotting away. Time to replace hoses and purge canister. Thanks again.