Evap canister
 

My evap canister has no bottom. It is just a foam filter. Is this normal. Please help. 1989 base model 4.0

When the canister purges, air is filtered and enters there. That is normal and nobody EVER cleans that filter! LOL! There is a purge solenoid that cycles when the engine is running, usually at idle, and sometimes can be heard as a background clicking that makes you wonder what's wrong.

Thank you Dave, I wasn’t sure if it was supposed to have a bottom. I was smelling a little bit of gas when I was working in it and reached down and felt the filter on the bottom of the canister and it smelled like gas after touching it. Saw the filter from underneath and wasn’t sure if I was missing something. Just picked this rig up for my first xj build. Thanks again 👍

If you smelled gas in the canister it hasn't been purged in a while. There are carbon granules in the canister that absorb vapors from the tank and it gets purged into the intake on a regular basis when the engine is running.

It’s had been sitting awhile when I purchased it. It runs and drives and passed Ca smog. No rust other than in small paint chips. Everywhere else is solid. Does need brakes. Excited about this build and appreciate you replys👍