What is that black plastic can?

sven · Jedi Guardian Joined: 27 Dec 2006 Posts: 814

When I was ripping all parts from the Legacy I took out a black plastic can from the engine compartment. It was mounted in the front, just besides the radiator on the opposite side of the battery (right side in the driving direction). It has two fuel lines on the top.
Now when I think about it, I can't figure out the purpose of it. It's not the fuel filter. Is it some kind of overflow can for the fuel rail?

I have never seen one before. Enlighten me! Happy

rjes · Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2008 11:17 pm Post subject:

Hello Sven,
It's the fuel vapour charcoal canister. It abosrbs evaproative petrol vapour from the tank to prevent it escaping to the atmosphere - a requirement of modern emissions control laws. A solenoid valve mounted under the inlet manifold opens when the throttle is closed (i.e. high inlet vacuum), which purges the stored vapour fron the canister and burns it in the engine.
later mode Subaru's had the canister near the fuel tank instead, but the system is still basically the same.

Usually people do away with the vapour purge system when fitting Subaru engines into VW's, but it can be fitted if you are either emissions conscious, or are required to retain it (such as in California). Some late model T25's, such as my 1990 Swedish spec Syncro had a near identical system fitted as standard. Hope this helps.
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Regards,

Richard,

R J Engineered Solutions
Quality Subaru Powered VW Components
www.rjes.com

sven · Jedi Guardian Joined: 27 Dec 2006 Posts: 814

Ah! Makes sense!
I'm surprised to find it in the front of the engine compartment though. Thanks for the info!