Ford Repair: Ford OBD 1443, emission control system, tune ups

Question
Hi Sam,
     I hope that you had a nice Easter. I hope that you will be able to enlighten me on this problem. I have a memo scanner and I scanned our 1996 Ford Escort, 1.8 L Sedan, 80,000 miles, and the code came up as OBD 1443 a few months ago. I cleared it and it went away for a few days and then just left it go and I have been driving it since without any problems. The OBD 1443 code say:Evaporative Emission Control system Valve vacuum system, and Purge control solenoid or vapor management valve malfunction. It seems like the car has been getting stiffer every time you try to put the car into gear. It still goes into gear fine but it takes a lot more effort.Today we noticed that the car is beginning to start really hard too. Do you have any suggestions of what you think it may be? Any help as to where I can get it fixed or what to expect would be great.Thanks for your time.   Justin

Answer
Justin, the code can be solved by changing the gas cap. It seems that is the problem.  As for the other issues, I think you might have the transmission checked. As for the hard start, may be it is time for tune-ups.  

BTW, I did have a nice easter... Thanks!