wagonerjim

I have a 1980 L48 coupe and had a vacuum leak. I tracked it down to the three prong connection of the vacuum reservoir tank where the hoses connect to. It just fell off in my hand when I touched it.

I've taken it off and put a vacuum "T" brackett on it so I can still operate the headlights. Everything still works great with the "T" and I no longer have a vacuum leak.

Does anyone know if I really need the tank (coffee can) other than to have reserve vacuum.

It still makes me laugh how it looks just like a coffee can.

Binnie77

I believe the can you are referring to may be the charcoal filter for the gas tank vent. Your vacuum tank is the large piece of steel tubing up front that supports your bumper.

chuck d

Yes is does look like a coffee can. You need it for proper operation of the headlights.

Retro78

I am not sure which tank you are working with as per the above posts. A vacuum leak anywhere will mess up the lights.

However to answer your question.. you do NOT need the headlight vacume tank, but of course you will be restricted to operation only when the engine is running in a state with good vacume. For example...when aggressively accelerating you will have little vacume to pop the lights

I have run without mine for a long time. On mine, by eliminating both the tank and running both lights from a single vacume relay makes them work better.

rudolph schenker

I really disliked the coffee can look and replaced it with this.

http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/store...0002_353778_-1

Corvette ED

1973 to 1979 cars used the tube in the bumper support. 1980-1982 used the round can that mounts in the center behind the front plate.

gq82

terry82

the replacement tank that you used is a good idea .and only a couple of dollars more than the stock replacement.

7T1vette

If you have a "coffee can" vacuum cannister, a PO has replaced the original with an aftermarket one (no on makes and original-looking replacement). Yes, you do need it. With engine throttling, the vacuum in your manifold goes up and down. If your vacuum systems were linked directly to the manifold, your wiper would be "in time" with your right foot, as would be the headlights. The vacuum cannister regulates that vacuum level for your operating systems. There is a one-way check valve in the vacuum line coming from the manifold and going to the cannister so that the can will maintain a good level of vacuum whenever the engine is running.

pws69

Not true (except perhaps the check valve) - he has an '80 - very different than yours.

7T1vette

The reservoir may be different...but he still has a reservoir and it needs to stay in...which is what he asked.

wagonerjim

I want to thank all of you for your advice.

I definitely like the chrome one from JEGS. I think I will buy that one.

At least it will look better.

Again, thank you very much.

I love this site just because of all your help.

THANK YOU!