I have a 1992 Ford Ranger 2 wheel drive.

I am trying to identify the part that I have circled in the photo. If I am standing in front of the vehicle, it is to the right of the radiator. It has 2 tubes that extend up from the top of the box: one that is hidden by the A/C line and wiring harness (this one has a cap on it and is intact), and one you can see in this picture that is broken off.

Any input about what this part is would be appreciated!



Thanks!

Mike

 

That is the carbon canister, part of the evaporative emission controls. Looks like it is chipped, missing one cap and has one hose disconnected. Probably not good any more after being open on top like that for what looks like a long time.

 

The line coming from the fuel tank isn't connected either.

 

Yes, +1 ^^^^

EVAP(evaporative emissions) system

It uses engine vacuum to pull air from the gas tank while driving, the part circled is the Charcoal canister that filters the air coming out of the gas tank.

Gas tank---------------------------------charcoal canister----------EVAP solenoid--------engine intake manifold

EVAP solenoid is controlled by the computer, computer opens it to suck gas fumes from the gas tank after engine starts up.
Only a slight negative pressure is applied to prevent fumes from escaping the tank
Gas fumes are "air pollution", and when driving the gas sloshes around making a lot of fumes.
So this is part of the Emissions control systems in a vehicle

Unless there is a Vacuum leak between solenoid and engine this system can't effect performance

On most vehicles when you stop to put gas in when you open the gas cap you will hear a WHOOSH of air being sucked into the tank, thats from the EVAP systems negative pressure in the gas tank which would still be there for a few minutes after engine is off.
It also means EVAP system is working.
I imagine you haven't heard that on this truck

 

It's designed to temporarily store fuel vapor until the engine can burn it off properly.