alternative to fuel vapor separator

[Silver R/T]

I just dont know if I can spend $60 on one. What would be cheaper option? Its basically fuel filter with 3 inlets or i am wrong

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Wrong...spend the $60......actually I doubt they are only $60 now.......actually more like $80+

[4402tuff4u]

Purolator makes a fuel filter very close in dimension and pipes sticking out it, but it's a "filter". The Charger's cannister is a vapor separator. So the filter will have some sort of membrane/filtering device inside. Whereas the vapor separator simply has some baffles to allow vapor to escape through the return line. It might hinder in the performance of the vehicle.

[4402tuff4u]

Jack Parts has them for $ 59.00

[hemigeno]

The Vapor Separator does double-duty as a filter too.  Here's a quote from the service manual:

The separator is serviced as an assembly only and consists of a sealed can, a filter screen, an inlet and outlet fitting and a metered orifice outlet fitting for the return line to the fuel tank

Later on they give procedures on how to check to see if the filter screen is restricted or plugged, so apparently they expected it to pick up some crud from the system.  I can scan in the picture if needed, but my scanner is buried at the moment and I'm postponing that paperwork  excavation operaton as long as possible... 

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

I scaned these a while back for someone.......

As you can see the vapor seperator is much more than "basically fuel filter with 3 inlets"

PS----silver r/t.....a FSM is a MUST have if your wondering how to change front shocks....

PSS---is that the "online" price that hasnt been updated in years or did you actually speak to Jimmy?

[4402tuff4u]

I scaned these a while back for someone.......

As you can see the vapor seperator is much more than "basically fuel filter with 3 inlets"

PS----silver r/t.....a FSM is a MUST have if your wondering how to change front shocks....

PSS---is that the "online" price that hasnt been updated in years or did you actually speak to Jimmy?

I paid $59.00 for one about 3 months ago.

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Good to hear Mike...I just figured like everything else these would go up as well......

[Silver R/T]

I scaned these a while back for someone.......

As you can see the vapor seperator is much more than "basically fuel filter with 3 inlets"

PS----silver r/t.....a FSM is a MUST have if your wondering how to change front shocks....

PSS---is that the "online" price that hasnt been updated in years or did you actually speak to Jimmy?

whats FSM

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Factory Service Manual

[Ghoste]

Silver, those are three words I thought you'd know. 

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Silver, those are three words I thought you'd know.

He's asking how to install front shocks........how would he know that? 

[bill440rt]

Wowee.
Wouldn't it seem that someone with almost 3800 posts would have learned something from this 'site by now?? 

[gtx6970]

I paid $59.00 for one about 3 months ago.

Does it have the lettering stamped into the top and bottom of the can like  it's supposed to ? Theres two companies making seperators, one is right and one is wrong

[4402tuff4u]

I believe mine did not have any numbers on it. Mopars by Crane (941-322-1121; www.moparsbycrane.com) also carries them at $ 69.00.

[myk]

Do any of you guys run an additional fuel filter in addition to the separator?  I had my fuel lines replaced a few years ago, and the 'tech installed the separator and another filter between the pump and the 'carb.  I thought that the vapor separator was supposed to be a fuel filter, but the 'tech says that you can never have fuel that's too clean.  Isn't this a little much?  If it is, I'll just remove the additional filter...

[4402tuff4u]

Do any of you guys run an additional fuel filter in addition to the separator?  I had my fuel lines replaced a few years ago, and the 'tech installed the separator and another filter between the pump and the 'carb.  I thought that the vapor separator was supposed to be a fuel filter, but the 'tech says that you can never have fuel that's too clean.  Isn't this a little much?  If it is, I'll just remove the additional filter...

If you got room for a filter between the carb and pump, and you don't care for the "stock/original" look, then it can't hurt. I don't know what carb you are running, but does'nt your carb have one of those stone/screen filters at the carb?

[myk]

I've got the 750cfm Edelbrock.  I'd really like to take out that secondary filter, as I've been planning to sheath my pump to 'carb line in heat resistant material because I've seen my fuel actually boiling/bubbling in the filter which is a see-through type.  Ultimately though, I think I'd rather have cleaner fuel rather than cooler fuel...

[8WHEELER]

I always run a clear Mopar filter before the pump, and still have the separator hooked up. I have been behind
a car, going to a car show 2hrs out of town. His car started bucking away, yep his $60 separator was clogged.
I would much rather replaced a basic inexpensive filter, than spend $60, and wait for it to come in the mail
to fix the car.

Dan

[myk]

So, run the clear filter before the separator-good idea.  That way I can have both filters on, protect the more expensive separator, AND be able to completely sheath my upper fuel lines in heat reflective material...

[Chryco Psycho]

I never run a filter on the suction side of the pump , a slightly dirty fiter can restrict flow , pressure side is far better 

[8WHEELER]

I never run a filter on the suction side of the pump , a slightly dirty fiter can restrict flow , pressure side is far better 

I agree, but if you are running the vapor separator, there is no more room for a regular filter, they a huge.

Dan

[myk]

The only reason I'm able to run a secondary filter between the pump and 'carb is because of my rubber fuel line.  If I had the stock steel line I wouldn't have room either...

[myk]

Got a question for you guys: After replacing my fuel pump and hooking everything back up, I noticed that the rubber fuel line that I use between the pump and the separator is forced to shape itself into a sharply bent "L" in order to make the distance of the pump and the separator; this has got to be a problem, at least in high RPM's right?  I ordered the steel fuel line that's supposed to go between the pump and the separator but when I received it one end of it had a screw-on type fitting.  Well, my "stock" replacement fuel pump, not to mention all of the other "stock" replacement pumps I've seen, don't have a screw-on type fitting so how's that supposed to work?  Looking at the shop manual also shows the pump that I have to be correctly shaped with press-on inlets and outlets, but in later diagrams with the pump mounted it suddenly has a screw-on fitting?  I really don't want to go back to the sharply bent rubber-hose setup, as I strongly suspect that's causing fuel delivery problems...

[hemigeno]

I have two of the M4434 fuel pumps, which is the stock 440HP pumps.  Both have one fitting for a rubber hose & clamp, and one screw-on type fitting for the steel fuel line stub.  I can see where using a short length of rubber hose going to the separator might put quite a kink in it - guess that's why the factory went with that short section of steel line.

Maybe try using a longer length of rubber fuel line to take the kink out of it??  For the spot-on factory look, you would need to change out the pump though...

Geno

[myk]

Your pump has a screw-on fitting?  Gah!  Why do they keep selling/showing me something different?  Anyway, looking at my ultra-cramped Camaro's engine compartment gave me an idea that is ugly but will keep the kinks out: I am going to try routing the vapor separator and line along under the motor, then inner-fender and then up and over to the 'carb.

I'm gonna' feel really stupid if I find that my high speed surging was caused by that kinked fuel line and not the pump, 'carb, ignition and everything else I've been messing with over the past week...

[471_Magnum]

Here's a big ol' bump for you. Just stumbled across this thread.

The vapor outlet has an oriface in it.

Anyway, yes there is a much cheaper alternative. There is a WIX/Napa filter available that will work. Unfortunately, I'll have to do some digging to find the p/n.

It does not look like the factory one though. It does not have a mounting bracket. It is bare metal. Also, the vapor port is on the outlet (top) end, opposite the originals/repops.

[Nacho-RT74]

VERY interesting thread... din't know about this. THANKS! Now I see this, I think a buddy of mine got a problem with vapors and gas didn't arrived to carb so engine just died continuouslly!

[BrianShaughnessy]

Anyway, yes there is a much cheaper alternative. There is a WIX/Napa filter available that will work. Unfortunately, I'll have to do some digging to find the p/n.

Here's the stock mopar version  5/16" lines / 1/4" return    http://napaonline.com/masterpages/NOLMaster.aspx?PageId=470&LineCode=FIL&PartNumber=3054&Description=Fuel+Filter+(Gold)            FIL3054

Heres the 3/8" version used on a  chevy   FIL3041  http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPages/NOLMaster.aspx?PageId=470&LineCode=FIL&PartNumber=3041&Description=Fuel+Filter+(Gold)

[Bobs69]

Son of a Bitch!  I don't think I even have that on my car, I'll have to check!  Funny how many "mechanics" don't check these small things!

[grdprx]

You know, it's a funny thing.  I was readying over the shop manual last night and read about the vapor separator.  In the first paragraph, is says it's used on the 440 hp and 426 motors.  Does this mean it's not required in a build, as my car isn't a HP?  Just a 440...

[craigandlynda]

this fuel separator was the key to a problem i had when racing a sixpak superbee years ago.....everything went well during the quarter mile, til about 3/4's way down the 1320 the motor would starve for gas....turned out that i was using a regular two legged str8 thru filter....once i changed and put in the proper piece, the three legged separator, it solved the problem. consistant 12.0's.

[MoparMotel]

Anyway, yes there is a much cheaper alternative. There is a WIX/Napa filter available that will work. Unfortunately, I'll have to do some digging to find the p/n.

Here's the stock mopar version  5/16" lines / 1/4" return    http://napaonline.com/masterpages/NOLMaster.aspx?PageId=470&LineCode=FIL&PartNumber=3054&Description=Fuel+Filter+(Gold)            FIL3054

Heres the 3/8" version used on a  chevy   FIL3041  http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPages/NOLMaster.aspx?PageId=470&LineCode=FIL&PartNumber=3041&Description=Fuel+Filter+(Gold)

I know this is a very old thread but I had a question on this post. I have been having vapor lock problems everytime I drive the car and went to napa today and purchased the #3054 vapor seperator above. My question is where is the 1/4 vapor line suppose to go out too?

[471_Magnum]

Connects to the return line. Only 440 and hemi cars were equipped with the return line.

[MoparMotel]

With my car being a 383 that explains why I couldn't find the return line 

Thank you

[471_Magnum]

I'd be looking other places for your vapor lock issue.

Is your filter before or after the pump? Should be after.

Do you have an insulator under the carb? 5/16" insulator is pretty much a necessity.

[MoparMotel]

Filter is after the pump- no insulator just doubled up on gaskets when installing carb.

[Dino]

So although I have the 440 and the rest of the drivetrain out of a squad car, I don't know if I have a return line.  Where is it and how do I recognize it?

[y3chargerrt]

It runs on the frame rail right next to the fuel line.

[Dino]

It runs on the frame rail right next to the fuel line.

I'll have to crawl under the car and see if I have a return line.  If not I can imagine it's not that hard to add?

Thanks Ron!   

[Dino]

Awww nuts, guess I don't have one of them seperator thingymajigs....

Man...where's all this oil coming from??