Not an expert on the LDP, but I'm pretty good with filters. Assuming the element isn't some kind of paper that will turn to mush, you can restore a little flow by "washing" it, but not much. On a typical filter element, the real action is down in the pores of the filter, and you can't get much out of there. Surface crud is just what builds up after the pores are clogged. This is a pretty non-mission-critical part, so I'd likely just brush/blow it off rather than spend $45 for a new one.

 

Go to about 9:25 in the video and there is a diagram of the LDP and it's function. It will show you the proper placement of the springs.

 

thanks much, gents. I appreciate the help.
I was actually thinking to gently wash the filter with some Dawn and then let it dry thoroughly for the rest of the week, but I'll try air-blowing it.

 

When I cleaned mine a while back I just blew on it with a vacuum. Mine was about as dirty as in your pics. I wouldn't try washing it.

That video is golden. It was quite handy when I was chasing down some EVAP system issue. I learner a lot about it at the time, but it was a hard system to troubleshoot in detail because it goes all around the car.

If in doubt, you can put the ldp back together and execute an EVAP test via vcds. It will run the pump.

 

If in doubt, you can put the ldp back together and execute an EVAP test via vcds. It will run the pump.

And have the engine running at the same time to provide the vacuum. That was a real head-smacker, when it dawned on me why the LDP wasn't pumping.

 

thanks, Nick.
I agree, it is a very useful video course and it "answered" to my earlier self-questions about the valves found under the inner liner on the other side.
It is amazing how much debris can accumulate on those parts even though are protected by the inner liner and tucked in there at the very top. It also crossed my mind to stop at the local part stores and look at the filters, maybe I can concoct something, but it probably is hard to find something similar that the hose from the LDP would fit onto.
cheers

 

Based on the video course's illustration, the spring is on top of the valve so I'm ok.
I'll watch though the course again to better understand the fresh air intake/vacuum cycles that close/open that little valve. It sounds like by "default" the spring doesn't push too hard on the valve since it needs to be open to let in fresh air from the filter. When the vacuum cycle kicks in, then it closes and the spring provides more of an aid in closing it, rather than be the main closing factor. Actually the coils are pretty loose, doesn't seem to carry too much tension.
thanks, guys.