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MG MGB Technical - Charcoal Canister

It occurred to me that I have never done anything for the canister in the trunk on my '72B that vents the gas tank. Notes from the previous owner never mentioned any maintenance in the prior 15 years before I owned it. So nothing has been done to it for at least the past 20 years, that I am aware of. No replacement parts seem available per Moss and other catalogues. Sometimes on a warm day I get a wiff of gasoline when working around the trunk area, nothing too serious. Is there anything that should be done to this unit, or should I leave well enough alone? The car now has 101K miles on it, still running OK on the original engine.
Joe D.

Hi Joe,
The carbon can is under the hood (bonnet) near the firewall on the right side. It can be rebuilt:
http://www.shadetreemg.com/cannister.htm

The can in the trunk (boot) is, if I'm not mistaken, simply an empty metal vessel -- it serves to separate liquid fuel from vapor. The only maintenance would be to make sure that the hoses to and from it are not deteriorated.

HTH!
Rob
Rob Edwards

I would also make sure that all of the lines are securely fastened (between this can and the fuel tank as well as the fuel tank and the fuel pump, and the fuel pump to the line going to the carbureators). I think there is also a line going back to the charcoal canister under the hood.

One other thing to check. From past reading of postings here, you might check the top of the fuel tank where it contacts the trunk floor. Over time, salt and road grit can collect here, causing the top of the tank to rust out.

glq Greg

Joe-
Rob and Greg are both correct. The sole purpose of that little tank in the trunk {its correct name is "Vapor Separator") is for fuel vapors to condense in. They are no longer available new. The only maintenance necessary is to make sure that the hoses are secure in good condition.
Steve S.

This thread was discussed between 13/07/2004 and 18/07/2004

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