Charcoal canister for a 1986 Cougar 5.0

Topic: Charcoal canister for a 1986 Cougar 5.0 (Read 1840 times) previous topic - next topic

Charcoal canister for a 1986 Cougar 5.0

November 02, 2012, 01:31:08 PM

I just called for a price for one of these out of curiosity, and it was over $80.00! I would be curious to find out how this thing is made. All the manual says is if it has cracks or is broken replace it. From what I understand, carbon (as a filter) needs to be replace after a period of time. If one were to go down to a pet shop and buy some charcoal and replace the old with the new, wouldn't that be the same as buying a new canister? Also, is this for hydrocarbons and or carbon monoxide? Thanks!

Charcoal canister for a 1986 Cougar 5.0

Reply #1 – November 02, 2012, 01:56:03 PM

Gas Fumes Hydrocarbons!!

Charcoal canister for a 1986 Cougar 5.0

Reply #2 – November 02, 2012, 01:57:42 PM

New emissions parts are never cheap. Seems like most of them start at around $80 (cannister, EGR valve, cannister purge valve solenoid, etc.).

Over time the charcoal does break down. I've found that you either get a dry charcoal pile, or the cannister is full of gasoline--either way, the cannister is unusable.

I have never tried to refill one. It may be possible but I'm not sure. Probably easier to get a different one. Most Fords from our era used the same cannisters so boneyard hopping might yield a decent one. Remember, shake it first...if you don't hear liquid sloshing about or charcoal pieces rattling, you're good to go.

Charcoal canister for a 1986 Cougar 5.0

Reply #3 – November 02, 2012, 05:31:27 PM

I usually throw them in the trash...

Charcoal canister for a 1986 Cougar 5.0

Reply #4 – November 02, 2012, 09:00:27 PM

I need mine, I go through emissions every year. I took it out and it sounds like dry charcoal. Looks like it would be easy to change charcoal. EricCoolCats, if I understand you right, if it sounds like dry charcoal it is no good? Either way, before I spend $80.00 on another one I'm gonna take this one apart to see how it's made. Thanks!

Charcoal canister for a 1986 Cougar 5.0

Reply #5 – November 02, 2012, 10:38:15 PM

Well I've been doing some reading on the internet and it looks like a lot of people rebuild their canisters. They also say they get the activated charcoal at a pet store. From what I have seen most canisters are filled with small pieces of charcoal. I turned mine upside down to make sure none was getting into my intake and none spilled out so I'm good. Looks like I've got another project on my hands.

Charcoal canister for a 1986 Cougar 5.0

Reply #6 – November 02, 2012, 10:53:21 PM

Better put a filter or separator in line with the hose if you plan on running one. Many canisters RUPTURE and the charcoal is sucked in to the engine. I normally trash them and run without it. The midnighter does not have one at all.

Charcoal canister for a 1986 Cougar 5.0

Reply #7 – November 03, 2012, 10:02:52 AM

Actually, I like having an in line fuel filter (transparent and can be taken apart to clean) along with a fuel regulator w/gauge on my vehicles. Problem I see with this car is there is only one place to put them, under the car right before the fuel rail. I like mine on or around the engine where I can see them. Most of you guys say you take the charcoal canister off, but do you have to deal with emissions? Even if I gutted mine, I would have to leave it in the car for show and tell (emissions). So, I will just put a disposable in line filter under the car and rebuild my canister with fresh charcoal. If I'm going to have to carry it around I might as well have it functioning right. I anyone has figured out a place for a regulator w/gauge please let me know.

Charcoal canister for a 1986 Cougar 5.0

Reply #8 – November 03, 2012, 11:02:07 AM

I have a regulator on mine. Its an Aeromotive that bolts to the rail in the stock location. It has a port for a gauge. I used a JEGS guage(very good quality) attached to a braided line with 1/8 npt ends. BBK also makes a direct bolt on regulator.

Charcoal canister for a 1986 Cougar 5.0

Reply #9 – November 05, 2012, 09:10:19 AM

bryan163,
I think I found what you are talking about. Thanks!

Charcoal canister for a 1986 Cougar 5.0

Reply #10 – November 05, 2012, 03:16:47 PM

Well, I opened my canister up with my band saw. Do this outside so you can easily clean up your mess, carbon pellets go every where. I cut mine about 1 1/4" from the bottom and that was about perfect. There is a metal trap on the bottom that allows for about a 1/2" open space. If anyone tries this make sure you rinse the carbon out real good before you use it. I noticed that it was glued around the bottom and I would try a heat gun and see if it could be pulled apart before I cut it. Just make sure you hold it up side down. It will need some foam not much , just a little. As long as my epoxy holds up, I should be good to go.

Charcoal canister for a 1986 Cougar 5.0

Reply #11 – November 05, 2012, 06:46:49 PM

Quote from: 88turbo;401818

I usually throw them in the trash...

Just wondering but if you remove the EVP can altogether what do you do with the vent line from the gas tank?

Charcoal canister for a 1986 Cougar 5.0

Reply #12 – November 05, 2012, 09:31:08 PM

All I have read is that you don't want to leave it hanging open because you might get dirt in your intake. If I didn't have to deal with emissions I would throw mine out.

Charcoal canister for a 1986 Cougar 5.0

Reply #13 – November 06, 2012, 05:43:43 PM

Quote from: 86cougar;402050

All I have read is that you don't want to leave it hanging open because you might get dirt in your intake. If I didn't have to deal with emissions I would throw mine out.

If I unhook the vacuum line from the intake manifold I can cap it easily at the manifold. I was wondering what one would do now that the tank vent is open to the air? I should have made that clearer.

Charcoal canister for a 1986 Cougar 5.0

Reply #14 – November 07, 2012, 06:47:52 PM

thunderjet302,
I'm sure there is someone here more qualified to answer your question than I am. From what they tell me here is they trash them, but they don't say how they set it up afterwards. There is quite a bit on the web about the charcoal canister. My guess is they just plug it up (??).