Fuel pump and mysterious cannister

[Bruce74B]

I took Dolly Clementine to a real garage last week to get the alignment checked after rebuilding the front suspension this winter. It was right on..amazing for a 30 YO car. But while he had it on the lift, the mechanic noticed a canister in the fuel line hanging down and rubbing against the reat spring and helpfully tied it up with a wire strap. On Sunday, I backed out of the garage and she stalled...after a little exploring, I discovered that when he tied it up, he pinched a rubber hose between the fuel line and the cannister. This cannister is about 5 inches long, maybe 2 inches in diameter and in hooked up between the fuel pump (I don't think it is an original pump) and the fuel line.

Does anyone know what the cannister is? A pressure restrictor? A filter, as it seems rather simple, in one end and out the other?

Does anyone have a good picture of what the fuel pump and related wiring and pumbing should look like?

I am half afraid to unhook it but I can't get enough fuel through it to keep the car running for more than a couple of blocks.

Bruce /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

 

[aeronca65t]

Really sounds like an aftermarket fuel filter.
Some of the newer fuel filters (made for fuel-injected cars) are much larger than the traditional size filters used for carburetted cars....perhaps it's a filter intended for an injected car. It's probably fine (as long as it doesn't rub against anything).

 

[Steve]

Another possibility is that this could be one of those "snake oil" add-ons designed to give better gas mileage/performance/emmissions/etcetera, fitted by a previous owner. Could be a fuel filter, but this sounds too bulky to be even an aftermarket item. Certainly doesn't seem to be anything that the factory may have fitted.

 

[Dave Russell]

[ QUOTE ]
.after a little I discovered that when he tied it up, he pinched a rubber hose between the fuel line and the cannister.
Does anyone know what the cannister is?
I am half afraid to unhook it but I can't get enough fuel through it to keep the car running for more than a couple of blocks.
Bruce /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

[/ QUOTE ]
Does this mean that you un-pinched the hose & still have problems? If so, the pinch must not have been causing the problem. The can is probably a filter which is a good thing to have, with old, possibly dirty tanks. If in doubt about the filter being clogged, replace it. If it filled up once, it is probably still needed, & may gradually fill up again.
D

 

[Ed Sweeney]

Scroll down and see In-Line Fuel Filter from MGOC
https://www.mgocaccessories.co.uk/acatalog/MGOC_Accessories__Tuning_37.html

Is this similar?

 

[Bruce74B]

Let me clarify...I moved the wire tie holding the cannister up onto the outlet, but the hose is still kinked a little bit to cause a slight restriction, due to the angle it is at now. I am pretty sure it is a filter, but is solid metal body, the likes of which I have never seen. I put a new gas tank in last year, so I don't think I need it...so I guess I will remove it and see what happens. I do have a see-through filter in the conventional location.

Thanks for the input /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Bruce /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

 

[Dave Russell]

[ QUOTE ]
I am pretty sure it is a filter, but is solid metal body, the likes of which I have never seen.
Bruce /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

[/ QUOTE ]
Does it looksomething like this:
https://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33660&item=2479944265&rd=1
D

 

[Bruce74B]

Thanks, Dave....I think we have identified it as a filter...soon to be removed and discarded, so the fuel line will align properly and let the gas flow. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif

Bruce /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

The knowledge of the people on this Forum never ceases to amaze me! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

 

[mjamgb]

Agreeing with the others that it is most likely an aftermarket fuel filter.
The position (before the fuel pump?) is not a good one. The pump is weak in suction and will not pull fuel through a decent filter very well, much less a clogged one. A much better position is just before the carbs (and a place you can get to it easier). I have found that the 99-cent see-through plastic units are plenty good and easy to check whenever the bonnet is lifted.
When you do remove the offending cylinder invert it over a glass container (input side down) and take a good look at what comes out. Lots of rust chunks may mean a good flushing of the tank (at least) is in order.

Another possibility is that a small pool of water collected in the large housing of the filter. When it was re-positioned the water happily flowed up to your carbs. Checking the carb bowls may be wise as well!

Mike!

 

[Bruce74B]

thanks for the help...I untwisted the pinched hose and the gas is flowing fine now. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif

Bruce /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

 

[Bruce Bowker]

[ QUOTE ]
thanks for the help...I untwisted the pinched hose and the gas is flowing fine now. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif

Bruce /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

I would still put in a small inline filter regardless if tank is new or not. These are quite small and can be well hidden or obvious. Won't be so big as to cause a kink problem. Available at any auto store.