Re: Re: Tech Tip

[Dana <dasquestbox@xxxxxxxxxx>]

> 
> Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 09:08:44 -0400
> From: George & Cathleen Ax <axes@domain.elided>
> Subject: Re: Tech Tip
> 
> >The latest Bavarian Autosport (BAS) catalog (fall & winter 1998-1999)
> >has an excellent tech tip on pg. 65 that gives a warning against topping
> >off the fuel when filling the tank.  If your car has some of the
> >symptoms below and you haven't been able to locate the cause, they
> >recommend replacing the charcoal canister.
> >
> >"When you fill the fuel right up into the filler neck you are allowing
> >fuel to enter the fuel vapor recovery system.  This will contaminate the
> >charcoal vapor recovery canister with raw fuel and effectively clog the
> >canister and, hence the tank vent system.  Symptoms include: premature
> >fuel pump failure, hard starting when warm, loss of power after driving
> >for a while and premature fuel pressure regulator failure."
> >
> >My 1984 E28 seemed to lose power after warm up and I hadn't been able to
> >determine the problem after trying for over a year.  After reading the
> >BAS tech tip, I immediately went out and simply disconnected the fuel
> >vapor line from vapor recovery canister (right side engine compartment
> >below the washer fluid reservoir) and Voila!  No more power loss after
> >warm-up.  Now the car runs GREAT all the time, not just after cold
> >starts.  The "butt dyno" effect is like putting in a performance chip
> >but without the cost.
> >
> >Even if none of the symptoms above are apparent, it may be a good idea
> >to test your system by disconnecting the fuel vent line at the charcoal
> >canister, especially if your bimmer is over ten years old or has high
> >miles.  I'll (eventually) buy a replacement canister from BAS ($34.95)
> >as a way of saying thanks for the tip.  But for now, I'm just enjoying
> >the ride.  If this info helps solve anyone else's problem, a thankful
> >reply will be enough.
> >
> >        Bavarian Autosport
> >        www.bavauto.com
> >        1-800-535-2002
> >
> >D.A. Smith
> >Indianapolis
> 
> There are two hoses into the canister, one routed to the engine intake and
> the other presumably back towards the refueler.  Which did you disconnect?
> Any concerns about gas vapors around the engine compartment?
> 
> George R. Ax, Jr.
> BDM Federal, Inc.
> Director, Sensors and Photonics


I disconnected fuel tank vapor line at the cannister.  There's been no
perceiveable gas vapors and I make certain to not top off the tank
(anymore) when refueling.

D.A. Smith
Indianapolis

------------------------------