If I dont have a charcoal cannister, do I need to substitute?

[jaredmac11]

I dont have a charcoal canister. Do I need to plug the line or can I lead it to a DIY type filter or pick up an ebay filter and rebuild it?


If I just plug the source of the line from the throttle body, can I make an assumption these fuel vapors will just burn off?

[roguetoaster]

You can cap the nipple at the TB.

Do not cap the other line or leave the valve unplugged. Zip tie the line/valve to a low point on the car and expect some fuel vapors once in a while.

Unless your filter is rusted to bits you could refill it, or just replace it with anther similar unit.

[jaredmac11]

You can cap the nipple at the TB.

Do not cap the other line or leave the valve unplugged. Zip tie the line/valve to a low point on the car and expect some fuel vapors once in a while.

Unless your filter is rusted to bits you could refill it, or just replace it with anther similar unit.

Good input, and I would leave it open.

Previous owner chucked the can and just left the line open. Its been fine thus far but it probably would be smart to complete the system. I noticed theres a connector for the PCV, it throw a code?

[mitchlikesbikes]

Good input, and I would leave it open.

Previous owner chucked the can and just left the line open. Its been fine thus far but it probably would be smart to complete the system. I noticed theres a connector for the PCV, it throw a code?

i had mine disconnected for 2 years and never had a check engine light on my m20. not sure about m42 if that's what you have though

[roguetoaster]

I don't recall if it will cause a CEL to disconnect the valve, but it's certainly more ecologically friendly to connect it to the TB.

[jaredmac11]

I agree. I dont drive the car as a daily but it would be good to properly manage the fumes.

OOC, is there a cheaper, non BMW charcoal canister I can find? I would really like to get one that isnt 20+ years old but its hard to find a generic one that suits the right purpose.

Not sure if anyone has successfully used one not from the specific car.

[e30davie]

Go to the wreckers and look around.

[JimmyP]

None of my E30s have them.
Cap the port at the engine, if there is a solenoid take it off and throw it in a box.
Take a small filter and put it on the line from the fuel tank.
If I remember right there is some kind of yard appliance fuel filter that plugs right in to the line. I'll see if I can remember / find wat I used.
I never have fuel vapors that I notice.

The filters I have used on the fuel tank vapor outlet look like these.



I'm a stickler about the only air going in to my engines is through the airbox inlet.