Code P0441 ... 1996 Dodge B3500

cci

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1996 Dodge B3500 fixer-upper. Very poorly maintained previously, but in surprisingly good mechanical condition.
Filled up the gas tank yesterday, in a distracted moment dropped the gas cap on the pavement, and about five, maybe seven miles later the check engine light came on. Ordered an inexpensive code reader to clear the code, in the meanwhile went to O'Reillys today and had the OBD read, P0441.
The report says the van has 359,000 miles on it, I doubt that. Odometer says 80K, which seems consistent with the condition of the rest of the vehicle.
I'm thinking to start with a replacement gas cap, it has a Stant on there now, NAPA has a store brand cap for less than $12.
I have a vague conceptual understanding of how the evaporative emissions recovery works after reading about it but no direct experience working on the systems.
The engine seems to run as well as before the light came on, which is surprisingly smooth and powerful given the age and treatment of the vehicle.
I did notice an unusual sound from under the engine cowl about the time the light came on. If the purge solenoid failed or if there was a leak somewhere in the system, could that be audible?
 
You sure know how to tell a story.
That you're a fellow who elected to buy a "fixer-upper" with a reported 359,000 mi. and only just ordered an entry level reader is notable.
A purge valve unit in a pal's truck was available in generic form IF that's your problem, you might get lucky.
However, a vehicle claiming that much wear could have bad hoses too.

Has this "unusual sound" continued?
 
That code can mean 3 things starting with the easiest:
1) Gas cap on tight? Seal is cracked?
2) Check purge valve - engine off, remove the hose and blow through it. Should not be able to. If able to, replace purge valve.
3) Crack hose somewhere - need to put a smoke machine on it.
 
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That code can mean 3 things starting with the easiest:
1) Gas cap on tight? Seal is cracked?
2) Check purge valve - engine off, remove the hose and blow through it. Should not be able to. If able to, replace purge valve.
3) Crack hose somewhere - need to put a smoke machine on it.
Thank you for the practical diagnostic tips.
I try to be careful about post hoc ergo propter hoc but I did drop the gas cap onto the concrete right before this happened so I will start there. Great trick about blowing through the purge valve, I did not know about that and it will save me $52 if that isn't it.
 
Thank you for the practical diagnostic tips.
I try to be careful about post hoc ergo propter hoc but I did drop the gas cap onto the concrete right before this happened so I will start there. Great trick about blowing through the purge valve, I did not know about that and it will save me $52 if that isn't it.
You are welcome.
 
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