Checking the fuel vapor recovery system (Mazda Capella GC)

An activated carbon filter prevents harmful fuel vapors from escaping from the fuel tank into the atmosphere. Fuel vapors accumulate in a canister with activated carbon - an adsorber - and are burned in the cylinders when the engine is running. The most common sign of a faulty evaporative emission system is a strong smell of gasoline in the engine compartment. Inspect the activated carbon canister located on the engine compartment bulkhead and the system hoses.

To check the system's operation, place your hands under the fuel vapor recovery canister while the engine is running at normal operating temperature and then slowly increasing the engine speed. If air movement is felt under the base of the canister, the fuel vapor recovery system is working properly.

The primary source is the website MazBook