Author Topic: Vapor Separator-----a look inside  (Read 3267 times)

Offline Mickm

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Vapor Separator-----a look inside
« on: April 17, 2014 - 04:41:26 PM »
I posted in the general forum seeking information about the internal workings of the vapor separator as found on my '72 Cuda.

Since I received no replies, I took it for granted no one had seen the inside of one  :clueless: so I decided to open mine up and share with those interested what is truly going on inside this mystery box.

Here it is:


I had read where some thought there was some sort of valve  or filter but as you can see, there is only straight tubes.

Now, before you  :bricks1:  for cutting this nice looking original piece open, please know two of the tubes are not usable as is. One is broken off at the outside surface and the other is rusted thru at the surface.

I plan to make all new tubes for this one and tig it back together. After a bit of effort from a sanding disc it should be as good as new.

I have also digitized this one and plan to make a replacement if anyone is interested in one.

Thanks for looking,
Mickm
MickM




Offline 7212Mopar

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Re: Vapor Separator-----a look inside
« Reply #1 on: April 17, 2014 - 05:50:34 PM »
Great. Thanks for the info. I changed all the original hoses and clamps on mine last year after noticing some gas on the garage floor after a drive. Mine just had some minor corrosion on the metal but the rubber hoses were brittle and fell apart when I pull on it. I was glad to spotted the leak instead of getting the car on fire.

Also FYI, how this separator gets piped  to the canister, valves on the firewall and to carb can be found in the Owner's manual under the emission section.
1973 Challenger Rallye, AT with 1971 340
2012 Challenger SRT8 392 YJ,  6 spd

Offline brads70

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Re: Vapor Separator-----a look inside
« Reply #2 on: April 17, 2014 - 06:45:01 PM »
Interesting!  :2thumbs:
Brad
1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
Barrie,Ontario,Canada
Proud to own one of the best cars ever made!!!!!

My restoration thread 
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=59072.0
 My handling upgrade post
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=73985.0

Offline ntstlgl1970

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Re: Vapor Separator-----a look inside
« Reply #3 on: April 17, 2014 - 11:39:04 PM »
I posted in the general forum seeking information about the internal workings of the vapor separator as found on my '72 Cuda.

Since I received no replies, I took it for granted no one had seen the inside of one  :clueless: so I decided to open mine up and share with those interested what is truly going on inside this mystery box.

Here it is:


I had read where some thought there was some sort of valve  or filter but as you can see, there is only straight tubes.

Now, before you  :bricks1:  for cutting this nice looking original piece open, please know two of the tubes are not usable as is. One is broken off at the outside surface and the other is rusted thru at the surface.

I plan to make all new tubes for this one and tig it back together. After a bit of effort from a sanding disc it should be as good as new.

I have also digitized this one and plan to make a replacement if anyone is interested in one.

Thanks for looking,
Mickm


I'm getting ready to do the same thing on the 70 seperator (banana shaped thing in the trunk) in mine- good info
« Last Edit: April 19, 2014 - 01:04:34 PM by 4Cruizn »
70 Cuda, 7.0L Gen-III Hemi, Viper T56 w/9310 gearset, 3.91's, Megasquirt MS3x v3.57, Innovate wideband, Firm Feel upper arms, torsion bars, springs and strut rods, QA1 DA shocks. I did everything on this car except the fancy paint stuff and I drive it...and I can't seem to stop messing with it....

Offline burdar

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Re: Vapor Separator-----a look inside
« Reply #4 on: April 18, 2014 - 10:53:14 AM »
There should have been a check ball inside of the output tube.  When you blow into and suck on that tube, you should hear and feel the ball moving.  It only allows flow in the middle of it's travel.  It blocks flow when it's seated.

Mine was full of pin holes.  They can be brazed.  You could still weld yours back up and use it.  There should be a check ball or valve of some kind in there though.

The first year for that tank was 72.  It's possible that the early ones didn't come with a valve.  My 73 definitely has one.

Here's another picture of one cut open. 
« Last Edit: April 18, 2014 - 11:13:09 AM by burdar »

Offline DMZ73

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Re: Vapor Separator-----a look inside
« Reply #5 on: April 18, 2014 - 12:20:48 PM »
Awesome! For some reason, my original disappeared. I ended up rigging one up with two filters. I found one on EBay a few years back, so I planned to use that one. I thought that there was rust in it, so I never installed it. But if it is indeed a check ball then I should be in good shape.
By any chance do you still have the original bracket that the vapor separator is mounted to?
Dan


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One E body saved, 7 years and counting.

Offline Mickm

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Re: Vapor Separator-----a look inside
« Reply #6 on: April 18, 2014 - 12:23:30 PM »
burdar,
Thanks for the input. Mine is a '72 so I guess that is why there was no check-ball present.
In mine, the output line has a restrictor inside the tube located just above the slot opening. This is a tiny hole for vapor escape that may have been redesigned in the '73-74 models.

DMZ73
Mine has the bracket inside the rear crossmember. I'm not looking at it right now but this separator was bolted there when I took it out.

Mickm
MickM

Offline larry4406

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Re: Vapor Separator-----a look inside
« Reply #7 on: April 19, 2014 - 07:32:25 AM »

Dumb question - where are these mounted?

Offline cuda346pk

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Re: Vapor Separator-----a look inside
« Reply #8 on: April 19, 2014 - 08:54:59 AM »
burdar,
Thanks for the input. Mine is a '72 so I guess that is why there was no check-ball present.
In mine, the output line has a restrictor inside the tube located just above the slot opening. This is a tiny hole for vapor escape that may have been redesigned in the '73-74 models.

Mickm
Mine is a 72 and has the check ball. I assume it is original due to condition of it and surrounding area. Mine also has the oval hole in the passenger side of the trunk floor where the earlier style vent setup ran. It has a factory looking cover over it.
David - In Georgia

1972 'Cuda In-Violet 340 6 Pack 4 Speed 3.91 Sure Grip - Finally, after 27 years of waiting and dreaming it is real. Now the fun begins!

Offline burdar

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Re: Vapor Separator-----a look inside
« Reply #9 on: April 19, 2014 - 09:33:11 AM »
They mount right in front of the gas tank on the shock crossmember.


"cuda346pk" that's very cool. Your car must have been built right during the changeover to the new style separator. What is your SPD? Is there an MDH code on your door sticker?(probably not) The factory had changed to the updated system but was using up the existing stock of trunk extensions. Do you have a picture of the cover? That should go into the reference pics thread.