Fuel & Emissions System

Hi. I have a 1997 P38 4.6 and was wondering if anyone can tell me the expected service life of the Evap Loss Control System charcoal canister. It's that black box on the LHS with two pipes connected to the top.

Thanks.

Good morning,i wondered the same thing when i found the canister under the car, had to ask what it was to start with!! The service guide states it should be renewed at 96K.
According to most of the replies dont bother changing it unless its broke, about £200 for a new one.

Thanks for the reply. Now I know what it is, but no idea what it really does. I had a fire in the engine bay recently and suspected a wiring fault, but wasn't sure if it was aggravated by fuel vapour. The black vent pipe got well cooked where it goes past the ABS booster and needs replacing. That's what I love about working on the car. You find out so much when things go wrong!!!

I think it takes the fumes from the fuel tank,runs them through the charcoal then into the air inlet, dont quote me on that