What are you using for the charcoal cannister

[HealeyBob]

Hello
I have seen pictures of charcoal canisters on certain builds. I would like to add one to my Mk4 build as I am not a fan of gas fumes. Does anybody have a preferred option for a charcoal canister brand and location for it?
Thanks

[MB750]

I made mine out of PVC tubing, brass fittings, some steel wool, and charcoal granules from a pet store. Works great! I mounted it on the aluminum paneling just above the fuel tank using a 1.5" pipe clamp.

Here's a link to my build where I covered this topic: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?42189-MB750-s-MKIV-Roadster-build-thread&p=570181&viewfull=1#post570181

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=207669&d=1734521464

[MB750]

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=207751&d=1734641507

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=207752&d=1734641507

[OB6]

I'm not using one, and I haven't smelled any fumes. I ran the hose to the driver's side of the car and terminated it with a loop. I'm using the larger vent from Breeze.

The boats we've had (stored in the garage) had essentially the same setup, and no fuel smell.

213099

[PNWTim]

I've often wondered about this. I believe the only reason the canisters exist isn't for odors but rather to emulate the evap. controls on modern cars. There is zero atmospheric venting allowed by OEM's and somehow this became a thing? Not sure, just hypothesizing here.

[OB6]

I've often wondered about this. I believe the only reason the canisters exist isn't for odors but rather to emulate the evap. controls on modern cars. There is zero atmospheric venting allowed by OEM's and somehow this became a thing? Not sure, just hypothesizing here.

Most people here seem to use them to prevent or reduce fuel odor, but I think you're making a valid point. I'd get a code if I removed the canister from my truck, but the ECU from GM for my LS3 doesn't care.

[Blitzboy54]

I didn’t put one on my first build and the garage stunk like fuel. I made one out of PVC and installed it inline with the vent hose. Maybe the valve was bad?

On this build I stole this awesome idea from Chad. It’s a cheap inline fuel filter I hollowed out and put charcoal in it.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=208077&d=1735244842

[JimStone]

I converted the kit supplied coolant overflow tank into a charcoal canister

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=211513&d=1742168045

[PNWTim]

I didn’t put one on my first build and the garage stunk like fuel. I made one out of PVC and installed it inline with the vent hose. Maybe the valve was bad?

On this build I stole this awesome idea from Chad. It’s a cheap inline fuel filter I hollowed out and put charcoal in it.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=208077&d=1735244842

That's a pretty clean solution. I am using the Breeze vent/check valve and it has a larger stainless ball that should seal the tank against atmospheric venting but allow some during filling. It's probably cheap insurance either way so why not install one for a little piece of mind?

[TXeverydayDad]

I used a spare brake reservoir, filled with an aquarium filter charcoal pack.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=212909&d=1745280643

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=210716&d=1740280670

[gbranham]

PVC, brass fittings and charcoal. All from Amazon. $15.

213111

[BEAR-AvHistory]

PVC/Brass holding a bag of fish tank charcoal.

[MB750]

I love how DIY some people get with these. Those canisters from OEM suppliers are dozens of dollars, and HUGE!

[Dave 53]

I don't use one. Smell has not been an issue.

[Nickjj]

I converted the kit supplied coolant overflow tank into a charcoal canister

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=211513&d=1742168045

Hey Jim, could you share some details of how you converted the FFR coolant overflow. I'm also not using it and went with a Canton Racing recovery tank for my Mk4 build. Seems like a good use for this unused item.

Thanks
Nick

[JimStone]

Hey Jim, could you share some details of how you converted the FFR coolant overflow. I'm also not using it and went with a Canton Racing recovery tank for my Mk4 build. Seems like a good use for this unused item.

Thanks
Nick


Hey Nick,

Here's a few more pics.

The bottom has two 3/8" NPT ports. I plugged one with this: https://www.amazon.com/Internal-Countersunk-Connector%EF%BC%8CZESE-Stainless-Fitting/dp/B0B49LLXH4?pd_rd_w=FItn0&content-id=amzn1.sym.9de392ec-b470-4211-949c-4070cecfa24a&pf_rd_p=9de392ec-b470-4211-949c-4070cecfa24a&pf_rd_r=MP612MW4BRSPCN5NM92R&pd_rd_wg=LfPNs&pd_rd_r=baba4509-de1c-40fc-b42e-cbdb2c1b8564&pd_rd_i=B0B49LLXH4&psc=1&ref_=pd_basp_d_rpt_ba_s_5_t and I used this barbed elbow in the other port: https://www.amazon.com/Fitting-Hose-Adapter-Barb-NPT/dp/B0D1NC12Y2?pd_rd_w=FItn0&content-id=amzn1.sym.9de392ec-b470-4211-949c-4070cecfa24a&pf_rd_p=9de392ec-b470-4211-949c-4070cecfa24a&pf_rd_r=MP612MW4BRSPCN5NM92R&pd_rd_wg=LfPNs&pd_rd_r=baba4509-de1c-40fc-b42e-cbdb2c1b8564&pd_rd_i=B0D1NC12Y2&ref_=pd_basp_d_rpt_ba_s_4_cp_t&th=1. I'm using the Breeze big bore vent check valve kit which uses a 1/2" hose

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=213153&d=1745804801



Then I stuffed a few stainless steel dish scrubbers down into the bottom, filled it up with filter charcoal, then put some more scrubbers on top. Then drilled some holes in the lid.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=213154&d=1745804801


https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=211513&d=1742168045

[BrewCityCobra]

I didn’t put one on my first build and the garage stunk like fuel. I made one out of PVC and installed it inline with the vent hose. Maybe the valve was bad?

On this build I stole this awesome idea from Chad. It’s a cheap inline fuel filter I hollowed out and put charcoal in it.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=208077&d=1735244842

X2 for this exact re-purposed fuel filter. Makes for a nice clean install and is easily rebuildable if needed (the entire body can be disassembled into three threaded elements).

213155

[danmas]

X2 for this exact re-purposed fuel filter. Makes for a nice clean install and is easily rebuildable if needed (the entire body can be disassembled into three threaded elements).

213155

I did the same.

[M22_COBRA]

I did the same. slightly different location.
213161

[Presdough]

I ran the vent hose back into the filler neck. No gas smell when the cap is on...

[DW66]

I don't use one either. I've built plenty of old Jeeps over the years and those didn't have anything and I've never noticed the smell.

Dave

[Dave 53]

The vent hose back to the top of the filler neck is nearly essential on an 818 because the filler neck attaches to the bottom of the tank. Without it, fill ups can be really slow when the only other vent is the general tank vent.

I think we are talking about the general tank vent. Are you saying you don't have a general tank vent? Seems like the car would only run for a short amount of time without it.

[Dave 53]

I ran the vent hose back into the filler neck. No gas smell when the cap is on...

The vent hose back to the top of the filler neck is nearly essential on an 818 because the filler neck attaches to the bottom of the tank. Without it, fill ups can be really slow when the only other vent is the general tank vent.

I think we are talking about the general tank vent. Are you saying you don't have a general tank vent? Seems like the car would only run for a short amount of time without it.

[DW66]

My fuel tank is vented but I don't use a charcoal canister.

Dave

[gbranham]

The vapor can on Fox Mustangs, for example, is plumbed to engine vacuum, so the gas vapors are pulled in at ignition and combusted. Most certainly an emissions/environmental thing. Most of us that add them aren't plumbing them to vacuum, other than the small vacuum created when fuel leaves tank via the fuel pump. I question the efficacy of the ones we build, but in my case, it was a fun afternoon project while I was waiting on parts delivery. Nothing beats shop time, fabricating even the most trivial thing.

Greg

[Presdough]

It was vented to atmosphere when first built but the vent fitting is lower than the top of the tank and it would purge onto the ground when full. I relocated it to the top of the filler neck and rectified the situation. Technically it is not vented but I have driven multiple tanks of gas through it on road trips and have not had a problem. It must be getting air from somewhere...

[rich grsc]

It was vented to atmosphere when first built but the vent fitting is lower than the top of the tank and it would purge onto the ground when full. I relocated it to the top of the filler neck and rectified the situation. Technically it is not vented but I have driven multiple tanks of gas through it on road trips and have not had a problem. It must be getting air from somewhere...
The fuel fill cap allows air to enter.

[Highplainsdakota]

I built one using 3" PVC, end caps with threads to a 1/2" hose barb. I put a wire mesh screen with a scotch brite pad on each end and activated charcoal between them. I fixed it up under the higher end of the truck so it's well above my fuel tank. I have a CJ7 that stinks of gas a little in my garage so I was just trying to mitigate that issue.

To be clear, I don't have my engine yet so I haven't tested it. I got the design from others on the forum of course.

[mrglaeser]

I used a Motorcycle canister purchased off Ebay. I mounted it under the trunk and will probably exit in the wheel well.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Home/9999-Factory-Five-Roadster/i-3mLMwr2/0/KTrH7HPBSfvwZfsRHDgLd8MbmpvZ6DRqqbPMsWLxF/X2/20230531_194203-X2.jpg (https://mattglaeser.smugmug.com/Home/9999-Factory-Five-Roadster/i-3mLMwr2/A)

[PMD24]

I used that same red fuel filter from Amazon, $28

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0967CXJXC?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_ti tle_2

Tossed the innards, added scotchbrite pad pieces at each end and aquarium carbon in between. But, now I'm wondering if the gas might cause the scotchbright to breakdown, and maybe I should switch to the stainless pads. Thoughts?

Thanks,

Pat