Air Canister, Removal?

wilke3169 · 02-28-2005, 06:24 AM

There is an air canister in the engine compartment of my '79 SC. It is located near the oil fill. One larger hose connection has nothing on it. The other large connection had a hose that was connected to the air box which was rotten. The small hose runs to the front of the car possibly to the fuel tank??? Do I need this device? Engine is out and I'm trying to do away with unwanted/unneeded items.
Thanks,
Kevin

hkspwrsche · 02-28-2005, 06:49 AM

I cant answer you question kev. but, I would like to see what it does.
If it just a crank case vent set up I would imagine it would not be a problem. You would need to install something on the engine side - a filter to let it vent.... can you post a pic of it to make sure it's clear which hoses etc.. youre referring to.? The only thing to make sure of is that it's not something that provides vacuum....When are we getting new pics for the engine teardown/ drop thread??

wilke3169 · 02-28-2005, 07:07 AM

Hi Harold, The tear down is on hold waiting for cam bolt tools. I have been cleaning and removing items such as axles, etc. Hope the tools come today and then it should be relatively quick taking the balance of the engine apart.
The canister had a large, maybe5/8" hose that attached to the air box on the lower left side. While the car was still running I noticed that the hose was disconnected and found that it had dry rotted. It didnt seem to matter if this connection point was open or closed. Seemed that it was merely a ventilation point for this canister. I do need to plug it on the airbox to stop unfiltered air from entering. The hose that is routed and appears to go to the front of the car is very small maybe 1/4" of an inch.
Kevin

mtelliott · 02-28-2005, 07:52 AM

Carbon Canister. Used for venting the oil and fuel gases. Helps prevent ozone depletion (or at least that's what the scientist say).

wilke3169 · 02-28-2005, 08:04 AM

mt elliot. So removal will have no effect on vehicle operation?

Harold. On the Targa isn't there a plug in the air box on the lower left? By the way, the tools won't be here until Wednesday. My error for not ordering sooner. But, I am ready to get this thing apart.

mtelliott · 02-28-2005, 08:12 AM

What I understand is that you can remove it but don't be surprised if you smell gas fumes around the engine bay where once you did not.

As well, you'll need to seal the intake box where the hose connected. Not sure but could cause vacuum leaks if you don't.

Michael

ChrisBennet · ChrisBennet's Garage

If the charcoal canister is the air source for the gas tank (and I think it is) be careful not to plug the line to the tank. The gas tank needs to take in air to replace the fuel as it is pumped out. If the tank can't get enough air in, the fuel pressure out will be reduced causing the motor to run lean... BTDT, got the wrecked pistons.
-Chris

randywebb · 02-28-2005, 09:44 AM

The charcoal canister is a black oblong item. It has little to do with O3 depletion but helps a lot with "normal" smog reduction. Gas fumes go there and then under higher vacuum back to the engine. If your state has smog regs you will flunk w/o it. There is no real benefit to removal.

It is a good idea to connect it correctly. Your car will pollute a lot less and you may get a bit better gas mileage (see high vac comment above). Also, the engine will probably run better, esp. at altitude if you go on a trip to the mtns. It is a big hassle to set the car up properly if the canister is missing...

wilke3169 · 02-28-2005, 10:14 AM

Thanks to everyone for the comments. Guess I will make the effort to keep it in service. Not like its a big eyesore or anything.

Kevin