Expansion Tank?

[Blackdimonds]

I removed my charcoal container on my 81 SC last year and blocked the lines. Now I would like to get rid of the fuel expansion tank that sits above the washer fluid tank (want to use the expansion tank as a smaller washer fluid tank).

My question is, can I just block off the two lines that run in and out of the expansion tank? Should I come up with some other small tank to replace it with, or should I connect them togather?

Thanks,

[Blackdimonds]

Got you all stumped do I?

[MotoSook]

I too took the charcaol canister out (when I converted to the 3.0), I just taped the end of the small hose that went into the canister. I assume that to be connected to the expansion tank up front. So very related to the topic, what harm, if any, I am causing by blocking that line to the charcaol cannister. If there is no harm and the fuel system will work fine with out it, then the expansion chamber might be trashed w/o ill affects, right?

[Gordo2]

This is based on knowledge of my '87 Landcruiser, but the concepts should be the same.


The charcoal canister catches hydrocarbon vapors that come from the fuel tank. It catches them in the charcoal and normally has an air pump/air supply attached that blows them back through the intake. It's mainly part of your emissions control. Most states at a minimum have anti-tamper laws (few really enforced...). Venting fuel without a way to reclaim the hydrocarbons is against emissions regs (I know, blah, blah, blah... my vehicles are licensed in Ohio vs. NoVA for good reason)

It also serves as part of the pressure venting system for the fuel tank. If the fuel tank isn't properly vented you will find out the hard way on a hot day. Fuel and fuel vapor expands when heated... The tank system only has a few places to vent the vapors, the canister, the expansion and the gas cap as a last resort (assuming it is a pressure relief type). If you close off the other two places and your gas cap is like mine (non-venting I think) you will more than likely be welcomed to a shocking surprise if you try to top off on a hot day... Gasoline volcano. Has happened to other TLC owners.




Just a few things to consider.


Good luck, Gordo

[Blackdimonds]

That's my first thought. I just wonder if the fumes in the gas tank need to be vented. If so, I can't just cap the lines, I need to come up with a kind of "breather" solution.

[RoninLB]

Originally posted by Blackdimonds
That's my first thought. I just wonder if the fumes in the gas tank need to be vented. If so, I can't just cap the lines, I need to come up with a kind of "breather" solution.

I dumped the expansion tank.. but took the hose from the tank and curled it up in circles.. on a full fuel re-fill there is some overflow. no big deal.. no leakage afterwards