I would like to restore my charcoal canister to help get rid of the gas smell. I read in the archives that someone replaced the charcoal inside the canisterand it worked great. I was wondering how to open the canister. It appears to be glued shut.I took a peice of foam or insulation off of the bottom and I can see what looks like a filter. Is this glued to the canister? How do I get it apart to replace the charcoal?

 

I think the last time I bought a new canister it was about $30. When you look at trying to take it apart, make sure hoses are routed right, getting it sealed, the right kind of charcoal, etc., it is well worth the money.

 

If fumes are escaping, the charcoal in the can isn't the problem,..you have a leak somewhere. Check your connections and check the fuel separator at the tank,..might be a fuel or fume leak there. Also, you might have a proplem with a leaky carb or fuel pump or sending unit or fuel line connections.

Good luck!

 

Another thing to get rid of for weight reduction. Thanks for the thought.

 

I changed out both the filer and the charcoal in mine. It's been a few years but I believe the bottom of the canister just popped off. You might have to work at it but I don't remember having any problems. Bought the filter at NAPA. The other places, Autozone, O'Reilly, etc., didn't carry the filter at that time. Bought the charcoal from Wally world in the fish department. It definitely helped my "gas" smell.

Good Luck

Jay

 

I PM'ed back, but remember 1 more thing. If you replace the rubber lines, check for a small plastic restricter inserted inside the rubber hose from the fuel tank to the cannister. Mine was about 1 inch inside the hose where it connects to the cannister. I believe it is there so when the cannister is "sucking" fumes from the tank, it only allows a bit of suction through---though I may be wrong.

 

so if we believe our charcoal cannaster has been untouched over the years, do we just order a new cannaster from the supply houses? or can we open the existing cannaster up and add charcoal,,andif so what kind of charcoal?

 

Just an FYI- On my '78 I just replace the lower filter on the canister. I started reading about this filter, and they are not easy to find from suppliers, I guess they make more profit on the entire cannister. I got one at Doc Rebuild. The cannister is under the driver fenderwell at the very bottom. You have take off the rocker to unbolt the cover shield over the cannister. The lid then pops off and you can replace the filter. According to what I read this filter clogs and then you get the gassy fume smell. It seemed to work on mine. I used to get quite a smell in the garage after driving and now nothing. Cost to repair about $4 plu S&H.

 

1980 L48 Auto

Just some info- I started smelling gas in my garage and thought it was the canister also. I had no leaks on garage floor. After closer inspection I had a gas tank leak. It was coming out a little at a time and settling on top of the spare tire carrier so it was tough to find. My tank has a polyethylene liner that cracked and a small rust pinhole in the metal tank and had to refinish the tank- gas smell all gone.

Just some more info for you

Darrel1

 

Hey, you may remember last month I was inquiring a few threads about a dangerous gas vapor smell.

Well, I first plugged and capped all the open cut hoses from the cannister as I have an aftermarket performer intake & carb. I then went to Autozone.com and ordered the new Carter fuel pump because it seemed as if the fuel smell was worse around the passenger side of the car and NOT the cannister area (driver side).

Last week while changing over to the Bilstein Sport shocks I decided to have a closer "looksie" at the fuel pump and guage how hard of a task it was going to be to replace this thing. While scoping it out, I wiggled the fuel lines connecting it to the tank & the carb.....Well Holy SH&T....Those lines were loose! The hose clamps were wiggly loose and there was an indication that wet fuel has been ever so slightly spraying the underside of the engine!!! Bottom of the header, the steering linkage!!!

Can you say near fire experiance!!!?!?!?!?!?

So, I just re-tightened all of the connections & fittings to the fuel filter. Now the gas vapor smell is noticably less. About a 70% difference.

I'm wondering if I should still change the Fuel Filter though. I mean, I have a brand new one sitting there or maybe just send it back to the supplier.



EITHER WAY....Sorry this is such a long post to simply describe loose hose fittings.

Be safe

 

I appreciate all the help guys. When I took my canister out I could hear no charcoal rattling inside the canister. So the first step will be to put more in. Ill take a picture today and put it on here. It looks kind of strange, but I guess I just force the charcoal through the grate.

 

I'm very glad this subject came up. I've been considering buying a cannister for my car since I don't have one. Are replacements available at local parts stores or resto houses only?

 

Here is the picture How do i get the charcoal into the canister? Do i work it through the grate and around the foam?

 

Either the top or bottom of the canister comes off. Then you can remove the charcoal and the filter. I believe that the filter holds the charcoal in. It's been years since I did mine but it wasn't difficult.

Good Luck!

Jay

 

If you are building a showcase car, Doc Rebuild.

If it's a go car, check Rock Auto.com

I got a New Delco unit for about 45.00