1973 Vapor canister, do you need it??

[Lawrence R.]

Do you need the canister or can it be removed and what has to be done to remove it and all lines?

[Jack H.]

Re: 1973 Vapor canister, do you need it??

Sure it can be removed but why do you want to remove it? It IS a part of the car's legitimate configuration + a part of its automotive history... Removal won't make your car go any faster/better.

It's there to absorb gasoline vapors expanding from a hot/static fuel system, 'hold' them vs. venting them to the atmosphere, and couple the stored vapors to the carb so they can be burned on cold engine re-start. There's no harm in the system being functional...

[Lawrence R.]

Re: 1973 Vapor canister, do you need it??

Sure it can be removed but why do you want to remove it? It IS a part of the car's legitimate configuration + a part of its automotive history... Removal won't make your car go any faster/better.

It's there to absorb gasoline vapors expanding from a hot/static fuel system, 'hold' them vs. venting them to the atmosphere, and couple the stored vapors to the carb so they can be burned on cold engine re-start. There's no harm in the system being functional...

I just have a gas smell when parking in garage, more than just the engine
normal smell. I have been told the canister would take care of the smell, if I change canister and it does not cure the problem I have wasted money. I have replaced all fuel lines and reworked the carb. any sugestions?

[Michael W.]

Re: 1973 Vapor canister, do you need it??

I have a '73 and NO gas smell in the garage. have you verified the vapour separator mounted at the top left of the gas tank? A cracked fitting will stink out the garage in no time in addition to being dangerous.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1973 Vapor canister, do you need it??

I just have a gas smell when parking in garage, more than just the engine
normal smell. I have been told the canister would take care of the smell, if I change canister and it does not cure the problem I have wasted money. I have replaced all fuel lines and reworked the carb. any sugestions?

Lawrence------


If you remove the fuel vapor control system you WILL GUARANTEE a problem with gasoline fumes in the garage. The fact that you have the problem now indicates that there is something wrong with the system. So, you need to repair it, not remove it.

[Clem Z.]

Re: 1973 Vapor canister, do you need it??

take it off and see how heavy it is and if it is not light weight it could be full of gasoline. i don't have the weights but a "good" one does not weight very much. over filling the tank by topping off after the gas pump shuts off can cause this problem

[Alan S.]

Re: 1973 Vapor canister, do you need it??

Hi,
My 71 canister seems very heavy for it's size as Clem describes, and emits quite a strong odor.
Has anyone had any success replacing the charcoal IN the canister? I realize the wool/fiber filter at the bottom can be replaced but what about the rest?
Regards,
Alan

[Dick W.]

Re: 1973 Vapor canister, do you need it??

The cannisters have a replaceable charcoal filter on the bottom. Wix # is 42998

[Alan S.]

Re: 1973 Vapor canister, do you need it??

Hi Dick,
Forgive me but I don't know what a Wix# is. Help!
Regards,
Alan

[Richard C.]

Re: 1973 Vapor canister, do you need it??

Alan, it is the filter wix is the part number

[Dick W.]

Re: 1973 Vapor canister, do you need it??

Wix, the filter company. They make all of Carquest, NAPA, and a couple of more companies filters

[Stuart F.]

Re: 1973 Vapor canister, do you need it??

To be certain you are getting a genuine Wix filter or product, go on their web site and check for a local dealer in your area. They usually are not the chain type auto parts stores, rather some "Mom and Pop" out of the way store usually found near truck depots or airports. That's where I found mine here in Orlando and it has proved to be a motherlode of old parts, and they will usually sell to you with a wholesale discount as I guess they figure if you walk in their door you must be in the business.

If I had the notion to make one major modern improvement to my 63 , it would be to add a closed fuel system with a canister to eliminate the gas stink in my garage. I've done everything I can short of doing that and it has helped, but now that the hot summer is here again, I'm still having a problem. I have to shut it down and leave it sit outside for at least a half hour, start up again and move it in, then shut down right away.

Stu Fox

[Alan S.]

Re: 1973 Vapor canister, do you need it??

Hi,
The Wix 42998 is the 'fiber' pad at the bottom of the canister. I've replaced that a few times in the past.
Is there any way to replace the charcoal? That's where the odor seems to coming from.
Regards,
Alan

[Joe L.]

Re: 1973 Vapor canister, do you need it??

Hi,
The Wix 42998 is the 'fiber' pad at the bottom of the canister. I've replaced that a few times in the past.
Is there any way to replace the charcoal? That's where the odor seems to coming from.
Regards,
Alan

Alan------


I don't know of a way to replace the charcoal. These things are serviced by replacing the entire canister. Unfortunately, the canister for this application is now GM-discontinued. I don't know if an aftermarket equivalent is available.

Here's what you need, though:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/215-12-CANISTER-70-71-72-73-74-BLAZER-/270536055298?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3efd349a02

[Michael W.]

Re: 1973 Vapor canister, do you need it??

Alan,

The canisters always sink of fuel new, old or in the middle. I don't think smell is a good indicator of condition.