Fuel Evaporative Control System

[jpearson]

I could only find a few threads discussing this but appears it's only purpose is to recycle fumes for environmental purposes. I have a few questions:

1. If I don't need it for emissions testing is there any downside to removing the entire system?

2. Can I just put a cap on the gas tank port where the vacuum line goes or does the gas tank need to be vented somehow? Do the attachment points on the fan shroud or air box need to be capped?

3. If I keep it and I wanted it to be functional is there a lifespan for the charcoal filter?

Thanks.

[James Brown]

year, type, make car please. yes you can pretty much remove most of that system, or backdate as we call it

[schumicat]

the tank needs to be vented somehow. one downside of removing the system is you might have gas smell in or just outside the car.

[aston@ultrasw.c]

Some people report that removing it makes their garage smell like gas, others do not have this prob.

[jpearson]

75 911s

[Joe Bob]

Since it uses activated charcoal in many cases, breakthrough will give you detectable vapors as well leakage from cracked hoses.

A good idea to maintain the system both to be a bit green and to keep dates or significant others in the car.

[jpearson]

So what I'm hearing is I'll be able to get a date when the car is all done.
Sweet!

Here's a picture - all packed up at the end of the day.

[Joe Bob]

Getting and keeping......not necessarily real linear thinking......but good luck on the project.

[E Sully]

Unless you are running a track car with a fuel cell it is an important part of the car and should be maintained. It vents the tank to prevent fuel starvation, allows fuel expansion and overflow when the tank is filled and gas in tank warms up or sloshes around. Prevents dangerous fumes from filling cabin and garage, prevents fuel evaporation and aids gas mileage. No negatives except for having to replace bad hoses or leaking expansion tank. The early charcoal cannisters in the front trunk last a very long time, some of the later style ones that mounted in the engine compartment occcasionaly have the foam break down and lose a pellets.
There are many threads on it if you search using " evaporative ".

[jpearson]

Thanks for all the great info.