Need new Vent Valve - Throwing code P0440

[GTPDrew]

First post here as I've had pretty good luck with my 2000 1500 Series 4.3L Silverado...

 

Until today that is...

 

Today it threw P0440 and I hooked it up to a smoke machine to find that the Vent Valve that's mounted in the Fuel Tank has it's end cracked off. Specifically the tube that comes off the valve which goes to the vapor canister. Smoke billowed out of it. I bought the Truck in 2003 and have never touched the top of the tank or had any massive Evap air leaks. Per the 1st pic below the valve appears to have been abused and mangled however today is the first day I've ever even looked at it.

 

Perhaps some of you have run into this b4 and may be able to answer a few questions?

 

1. Is this valve bonded to and an integral part of the fuel tank making it non removable?

 

2. A part number 911-001 by Dorman (2nd smaller pic) led me astray as the diameter is about 1.5" and my Vent valve appears to be about 3 to 3.5" in diameter.

 

3. The Dealer says this Vent Valve is not available and I'm SOL. Does anyone know if this part

is available anywhere?

 

B4 I even contemplate looking for a new (maybe discontinued) Gas Tank ($675-) although I found one place who lists it as available or even used Tank would any of u know if a new Tank even has this valve on it?

 

My plan (b4 any Forum feedback) would be to drop the tank and see if I can Drill and tap the existing valve with a 1/8" or 1/4" NPT Tap to accept a male fitting to hose barb, or try and get the old valve out & bond the smaller Dorman valve with Gas Tank Epoxy to a Plastic Disk and then bond that to the Fuel Tank even though that seems real hoaky... However I'm wondering what options any of u may have run into b4 as I searched the Forum and found nothing related to this issue. The last 2 pics show the vent valve (Blue) mounted on tank. Looks like if I can't fix it I may end up driving 6 hours roundtrip to buy a used tank... Scary, unless any of you have any better ideas?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Bulldog8]

Check out this thread.

 

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/75210-evap-vent-valve-solenoid/

[GTPDrew]

Check out this thread.

 

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/75210-evap-vent-valve-solenoid/

 

Thanks, but that link is for the Evap Vapor canister vent solenoid assembly. (see below) This issue is just the Evap Vent Valve (different). But again... Thanks

 

[Dnt]

Do you have a "PullAPart" yard close by. Probably cost you about 5 bucks for the part there and of course your time to take it off..... love these places man. That would also be the place that I would test the theory of how it is fastened, you break it inside the yard you leave it there LOL. You will not get a functional entire gas tank there though they puncture them to make sure they are 100% drained. Bet you can find that part though

[GTPDrew]

No specific PullaParts places, but we do have some junkyards. I had no idea that they puncture tanks to drain em. Hopefully just PullaParts does that as my last resort is to look into a Junkyard tank if I can't fix the valve. Plastic Tank - Plastic Valve so I believe the valve is bonded/sonic welded or even epoxied to the tank. But your point is well taken that the way to find out is try to get one out at the Junkyard.

 

Thanks, Drew

[GTPDrew]

_{As a follow up on this... I found out today that the Vent Valve is friction welded to the tank and is not removable. Friction welding I'm told offers a better bond then does sonic welding or an epoxy bond, as any contaminates are removed during the process. So I've found 4 tanks that are available supposedly for under $50- if I cannot repair the Vent valve after dropping the tank. Also the aftermarket Dorman Vent valve is for metal Tanks only. I can't tackle this for a week or two but will report back on how I make out.}