I took "Daisy" in for the California Smogcheck and she failed on the new evaporative emissions system testing now required for 1995 and older vehicles. The guy who checks my cars at a test-only station is very helpful, but I sometimes find it hard to understand him because of his accent.

This is what I learned (or think I did) about the evaporative emissions system test for the 1985 Volvo 240 series:

1. The evaporative line from the gas tank to the charcoal canister at the left front of the vehicle is pinched off just before it enters the canister.

2. Pressure is introduced to the fuel tank via a cap that replaces the gas tank cap. The tech told me it is only pressurized to 0.5 psi.

3. To pass the test, the system must hold pressure for few minutes, dropping to no less than 0.45 psi.

I'm planning to visually check the system for obvious leaks prior to setting up my own test rig at home (with a bunch of Volvos, I'll be doing this more than once). My question is whether anyone else here has additional info on this topic either about testing, usual failure points or repair tips.

If so, thanks. If not, I soon be inventing the wheel and will report on it here later.

Regards,

Tatra Mike
San Diego, California

1985 244 "Alfsen" (the first - the flagship)
1984 245 "Buster" (with the relatives in Seattle}
1985 245 "Cosmo" (enjoying retirement in the side yard)
1985 245 "Daisy" (back seat down, full of tools, the work truck)
1985 245 "Earl (hoozah, another stick shift!)