Fuel/Emissions troubles

Hey all, I have a 84 xj with a 2.5. I am having trouble with the fuel evaporative canister. when I try to start it fuel just pours out. literaly, of the bottom of the canister. When I try to start it I have to hold the petal to the floor and after a few seconds it will start, it runs rought though. I just changed the head gasket on it, took the carburetor off it also. I did a quick clean of the carb, took the top off to check things out. I checked the vacuum hoses and everything looks ok. It started and ran fine with out any problems before.
I am guessing 2 things, 1. The liquid trap is bad. 2 the floats is stuck?
Any suggestions or help please..