Chevrolet Repair: Code P0442 problem, shade tree mechanic, emission control system

Question
Mr. Sheets,
I've got a 2001 Buick LeSabre with the V-6.  Recently the "Check Engine" light came on, so I hooked the scanner to it...and got a code reading:  PO442 EVAP Emission Control System Leak (Small)
I've noticed lately (shortly before the "Check Engine" light came on) that the motor smelled "hot" (if that makes any sense)...like it does when you spill a little fluid on it.  I'm guessing that the emmission control system leak is probably the reason.
What do I need to do in order to fix this problem?  I'm a so-so shade tree mechanic...if this isn't too complicated, I'd like to take a crack at it.
Any suggestions or recommendations you can share would be greatly appreciated.
Warm regards,
David

Answer
HI DAVID,THIS EVAP LEAK IS VERY COMMON AROUND MY HOME TOWN DUE TO RUSTY CONDITIONS..THIS IS A VAPOR LEAK FROM THE GAS TANK TO THE ENGINE AREA. THE EVAP SYSTEM REBURNS THE VAPOR IN THE FUEL NECK AND TANK AREA SO WHEN YOU OPEN THE GAS TANK NO FUMES [VAPOR] ESCAPE INTO THE ATMOSPHERE. IT HAS A CANISTOR,PURGE VALVE,ONE WAY VALVE THAT CONTROLS THIS.IS IT A BIG DEAL? NOT REALLY. IT IS A BIG DEAL IF YOUR STATE CKS THIS FOR A INSPECTION. NEW YORK STATE DOES. SO IF THIS CK ENG LIGHT IS ON THE CAR IT WILL FAIL INSP. BEFORE YOU SPEND ALOT OF MONEY ON THIS CK OR REPLACE THE GAS CAP. MAKE SURE THE CAP SEAL IS IN GOOD SHAPE AND NO RUST BUILT UP AROUND THE GAS TANK NECK WHERE THIS GAS CAP SEALS, THIS CAN ALSO CAUSE A SMALL EVAP LEAK..THE NEXT THING YOU MAY WANT TO DO IS JACK THE CAR UP AND CK THE VAPOR LINE FROM FRONT TO BACK MAKE SURE THE LINE LOOKS GOOD..IF YOU OPEN YOUR HOOD YOU WILL FIND A BLACK NYLON LINE 5/16 THICK WITH A GREEN CAP ON THE END OF THIS LINE.[LOOK FOR A GREEN CAP LIKE A TIRE VALVE STEM] THIS IS THE TEST PORT FOR A SMOKE TEST MACHINE..FOLLOW THIS LINE FROM FRONT TO BACK AND MAKE SURE IT IS OK..CK FOR ANY CONNECTIONS THAT MAYBE SPLIT..THE SMOKE MACHINE PUSHES SMOKE INTO THIS LINE AT THE TEST PORT AND FILLS THIS LINES WITH SMOKE OF COURSE,THIS WAY YOU CAN SEE WHERE THE LEAK IS. SO IF YOU CAN NOT FIND THE LEAK YOU WILL NEED A SMOKE TEST AT A SHOP.I HAVE SEEN MANY GAS TANKS ON THE TOP SEAL WHERE THE FUEL PUMP GOES INTO THE TANK LEAK..YOU WILL NEED TO DROP THE TANK TO REPAIR. THIS IS NOT A LIQUID LEAK SO THERE IS NO SMELL TO IT..THIS WILL NOT MAKE THE ENGINE SMELL HOT,NOR WILL IT CAUSE A RUNNING PROBLEM IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THAT..THE ONLY WAY YOU WOULD KNOW IS WITH CK ENG LIGHT ON..
I HOPE THIS HELPS YOU. ANY MORE QUESTIONS FEEL FREE TO GET BACK TO ME. WHEN YOU LEAVE THIS SITE WOULD YOU PLEASE RATE MY ANSWER. THIS WILL HELP ME, THANK'S TOM..