what is this thing for anyway?
is it even needed?
--
1973 145 Lola

It's a smog thing -- gases evaporating from the fuel tank are absorbed temporarily by the charcoal, then recirculated to the motor and burned. This has zero effect on performance -- it's benign to both the environment and your motor.

The only drawback is that if the rubber hoses crack or fall off, you have a vacuum leak that will affect performance. A little maintenance every ten years or so will keep it all operating properly.

The C.A.R.B. would definitely say it is needed. What it does is to
remove the gasoline vapor from the gas tank and air filter vents, and
then gradually transfer it back to the intake by being exposed to manifold
vacuum. If Southern California and selected areas in Northern California
would reduce their population by 97% there would be no need for them
at all. Driving would again be fun, like it is supposed to be, also.
(Please forgive the politico-cultural overtones. I feel obliged to call
them as I see them.)
--
George Downs, The "original" Walrus3, Bartlesville, Oklahoma

I agree, especially if I get to be one of the 3%.
chris ;)

Well put Mr. Walrus =)
--
1973 145 Lola