[0die]

The 74 spider I recently picked up is missing the vapor canister. In fact, the canister bracket that my 78 has up near the left rear shock absorber is not even present nor does it look like one was ever there.

Do 74 and earlier not have the vapor canister? It was converted to webers so not even sure it's needed. I see no evidence of the hard vapor return line that usually goes thru the passenger compartment and then along the rear drape area before entering the trunk.

 

[Alfajay]

74 and earlier not have the vapor canister?

Yes, I think that is correct. My '71 didn't have one, my '76 did. Dunno exactly when they were introduced, but my guess is that they came about the same time as the catalytic converters, air pumps, etc. But as long as you don't need to pass an emissions test, I'd say it's a moot point.

 

[otteud96]

All fuel inj cars had the vapor canister. The 69 didnt have a vac hose that came from the tank and went to the valve cover were the large hose is. For carb cars you can run the large hose at the valve cover to a catch can...unless you have a euro air filter then there is a spot of it there. Good luck

 

[0die]

the car is original FI from Cali. At some point it was carbed and the large hose from the valve cover is already going to a breather filter hanging down low. I'm sure it's not correct but that's how it's set up.

The fuel return to the tank appears still hooked up. I would expect that to have been eliminated with a carb set up. I can't say I've seen other vehicles with a carb that return fuel to the tank.

 

[73AlfaOEMOwner]

Yes, '73s and '74 Spica US model Spiders had a fuel recovery system. It should be mounted on the left side of the trunk. See the attached photos of my '73. As I've owned the car since new I know it's been there all along. My brother's '74 has the same setup. My car has been converted to Webers to and the recovery system is still operational.

 

[otteud96]

Take a pic of what u are calling a fuel return. On the valve cover there is a small hose attached there that is fir the fuel vapor recovery. The fuel return is on the fuel filter if it is still used. Usually it would only be used if the original higher pressure pump was used. If not a low pressure pump replaces the fi fuel pump and the return should be eliminated. Good luck

 

[0die]

In the picture u can see the large hose for the OVS is going to a breather filter that hangs down low. The small hose for the fuel vapor system is missing and the port is just open to the atmosphere. The fuel return line from the front carb loops back to the fuel return on the fuel filter housing like the SPICA would have. This is how I got the car but it has not been running for many years.

 

[0die]

There appears to be a FPR so I guess the OEM pump psi is being reduced and if the carb floats are shutting off then the fuel just loops back to the tank? That’s how it appears to me. Not sure what the FPR is doing or damaging the OEM pump that’s still in place. I will be installing a low pressure pump around 5 psi