1997 Sunfire 4 spd automatic repair & modding

[Daox]

Here is the 3800 Sunfire build thread: http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...wap-20678.html


I'm pretty sure anyone can make a new team: EcoModder Team Competition

[backpacker3]

Ok I got it to work this time this morning it kept saying there was a database error when I tried to create a team anyway join it here EcoModder Team Competition

Thanks for the link I must have missed that thread.

[Daox]

Glad you got it figured out. I joined, but the car is under my wife's login name.

[Daox]

Woohoo, its been over a month since the last fill up. Bad brake lines and motorcycle use will do that though. Sadly, it doesn't show the increase in my mileage though!

[Daox]

Last night I fixed up the brake lines on the Sunfire. It was one of those 'nothing goes according to plan' fixes, but it is done and I'm back to driving it when its rainy (like today).

I did end up getting 34 mpg on the way in today which is pretty good for the car. I'm happy about that.

The engine light did pop on on the way to work today though. P0442 - small evap leak. I already tried the gas cap, so I'll check the vacuum lines next. If its not that, my guess would be one of the charcoal canister solenoids.

[backpacker3]

Bummer about the cel. 34 mpg is great though with that engine/trans.

[Daox]

Its kind of been a reoccurring thing. I'm not surprised about it. Its been there since the day I got the car, but its very intermittent. I cleared the code in late winter, and it probably took 2-3 months to come back.

[kir_kenix]

Seems like all of the GM small cars and trucks from that era have the same evap canister problem. My 1997 S10 throws that code from time to time. I've seen it in Cavaliers from the same era as well.

I've looked into fixing it, but nobody makes a replacement canister, and it probably isn't venting much (if any) fuel to the atmosphere. Mine comes on maybe 4-5 times a year, usually on a 1/4 tank or less. I clear it and life goes on for a few months.

[Daox]

I googled it and someone said to check for cracks in the canister itself. It might just be a JB weld or plastic welding fix? I'll check it out and update the thread when I know.

[IsaacCarlson]

check the filler tube. It gets rusty and then you get a pinhole leak. It might not leak fuel at the pump, but it will let air in/out.