1985 760Turbo 185,000m Charcoal Canister

[turbo no/go]

I have a question about the charcoal canister on my car.It's under the hood, drivers side near the front of car, to the left of and almost touching the battery.It obviously has something to do with emission control, I suppose to help filter the return line air??
My question is what problems can a bad /damaged canister cause and how do you check to see if you have a bad one?
Mine has a small hole in the plastic, where the metal bracket goes around it to hold it.I can't really tell if it goes all the way through, it seems like thin plastic.
What are common problems associated with a bad one, I've been told by mechanics it's know big deal, it's not 'hurting anything' if it's not working.
My belief is, if it you didn't need it, it wouldn't be there so I'd like to know if it's doing it's job or not.
Thanks.

[billofdurham]

This is a quote from an emission control manual:

Poor idle, stalling and poor driveability can be caused by an inoperative canister valve, a damaged canister, split or cracked hoses or hoses connected to the wrong fittings. The fuel filler cap should also be checked regularly for a damaged or deformed gasket.
Inspect the canister. If it is cracked or damaged renew it.

If there is a hole in the case it is probably leaking and could be part, if not all of your problem.

Bill.

[turbo no/go]

I plan to get a new canister, it's such a simple part to replace it would just take minutes.
I wanted to replace it when I clean my throttle body, but I'm actually having a hard time finding the gasket locally, I've ordered one online and when it arrives I'll (if I find one in time)replace the canister as well.
Thanks for the info and advice.