Just removed Hydrocarbon filter

[eskimochaos]

After reading around online and learning what a hydrocarbon filter does I decided to remove it like others on here. I removed it because I heard of increased throttle response, the fact that it really does nothing on modern cars and because when you get a CAI in almost any car - the hydrocarbon filter is not replaced.

The process is simple - open up the air filter box and seated right above the filter itself is the hydrocarbon filter. It mounts on rivets that are easily pried off using a flathead screwdriver. Looking at the hydrocarbon filter, it looks like a large fish tank filter with the same black beaded charcoal inside. Furthermore, it definitely restricts airflow. Blowing through it as hard as I could yields only a small amount of air that actually gets through it.

After removing it I immediately noticed increased throttle response. Not so much increased acceleration but the engine felt like it revved easier and idle seemed smoother as well.

I cant yet report back on MPG but on a recent 500 mile trip I got 22mpg going about 80-85 so that is my current benchmark.

For those that dont know, the hydrocarbon filter is used to keep hippies happy. Furthermore, it is used to prevent the escape of exhaust fumes or hydrocarbons from the engine after turning it off. However, I learned in another thread that modern EFI engines turn off because the ECU turns off the injectors which ultimately means that essentially zero fumes are produced.

Any questions just ask, I will report back with MPG as I drive it more.

 

[dylanc]

thanks for the info, keep us updated!

I will probably do this soon as well

 

[EH007]

For those that dont know, the hydrocarbon filter is used to keep hippies happy. Furthermore, it is used to prevent the escape of exhaust fumes or hydrocarbons from the engine after turning it off. However, I learned in another thread that modern EFI engines turn off because the ECU turns off the injectors which ultimately means that essentially zero fumes are produced.

.

Lets be honest here... First of all, hydrocarbons are unburned fuel. They can be produced by incomplete combustion and expelled out of the exhaust. They are also produced by raw fuel, which is the exact reason that Toyota engineers put a hydrocarbon filter on the intake of the 4Runner. The idea is to filter hydrocarbons produced by the raw fuel instead of letting them vent to the atmosphere.

To say (or think) that "zero fumes" (hydrocarbons) are produced is completely wrong. Do you really think Toyota would waste money on engineering and then installing filters to capture hydrocarbons that don't exist in the first place? Come on, lets keep it real.

But of course it is your choice whether or not to remove the filter, and I don't really care either way. But please don't try to convince everyone else that the filter does nothing and that removing it will make no difference when it comes to venting hydrocarbons into our atmosphere. I'm glad that you're happy with your mod. I'll be keeping mine in place.

 

[eskimochaos]

Re: Re: Just removed Hydrocarbon filter

Lets be honest here... First of all, hydrocarbons are unburned fuel. They can be produced by incomplete combustion and expelled out of the exhaust. They are also produced by raw fuel, which is the exact reason that Toyota engineers put a hydrocarbon filter on the intake of the 4Runner. The idea is to filter hydrocarbons produced by the raw fuel instead of letting them vent to the atmosphere.

To say (or think) that "zero fumes" (hydrocarbons) are produced is completely wrong. Do you really think Toyota would waste money on engineering and then installing filters to capture hydrocarbons that don't exist in the first place? Come on, lets keep it real.

But of course it is your choice whether or not to remove the filter, and I don't really care either way. But please don't try to convince everyone else that the filter does nothing and that removing it will make no difference when it comes to venting hydrocarbons into our atmosphere. I'm glad that you're happy with your mod. I'll be keeping mine in place.

Yes but if an engine is shut off via injectors - there is no unburnt fuel left and yes Toyota had to put that there by law not because the engineers wanted to.

 

[EH007]

Re: Re: Re: Just removed Hydrocarbon filter

Yes but if an engine is shut off via injectors - there is no unburnt fuel left and yes Toyota had to put that there by law not because the engineers wanted to.

There's always fuel present, even if the injectors are off. Think about how the fuel system works. 4Runners are not direct injection.

And no, there's no law that says a hydrocarbon filter must be installed. If there was, then it would have to be a Federal law that applies to all vehicles sold in the U.S. or a state law that applies to certain states, such as a California emissions package. But even if there was a law, think about what that means... obviously the potential exists for hydrocarbons to vent into the atmosphere.

If you research LEV and ULEV vehiles, you'll learn how/why things like hydrocarbon filters are important to maintaining and achieving that status in the first place.

 

[EH007]

BTW, have you ever noticed that some gas pumps have that sliding collar over the nozzle? That's the same idea...it is a vapor recovery device which is intended to stop venting hydrocarbons while refueling. Actually, those hoses can be a pain in the ass because people tend to actually get liquid fuel into the recovery line, causing the pump to click off well before your gas tank is full.

Another example of the same principal (hydrocarbon recovery) is the EVAP system in the 4Runner. That's why we have a charcoal canister at the end of the EVAP system. It absorbs and holds hydrocarbons that then get sucked back in and burned during the normal combustion process. It's all about preventing hydrocarbons from venting into the atmophere in the first place!

 

[eskimochaos]

BTW, have you ever noticed that some gas pumps have that sliding collar over the nozzle? That's the same idea...it is a vapor recovery device which is intended to stop venting hydrocarbons while refueling. Actually, those hoses can be a pain in the ass because people tend to actually get liquid fuel into the recovery line, causing the pump to click off well before your gas tank is full.

Another example of the same principal (hydrocarbon recovery) is the EVAP system in the 4Runner. That's why we have a charcoal canister at the end of the EVAP system. It absorbs and holds hydrocarbons that then get sucked back in and burned during the normal combustion process. It's all about preventing hydrocarbons from venting into the atmophere in the first place!

I still disagree with you. If it was that important, CAI's would have them installed but most do not.

Furthermore, I dont care if hydrocarbons get into the atmosphere. Global warming is a communist idea.

 

[ALLEGRO]

 

[Annoyed]

Furthermore, I dont care if hydrocarbons get into the atmosphere. Global warming is a communist idea. [/B]

You've nailed that one to the barn door. The entire scheme has never been nothing besides yet another attempt to redistribute the wealth.

Now that "The One" is in the White House, wait till you see what happens to energy costs due to the taxation that results from these nut jobs' plans such as Cap & Tax

 

[eskimochaos]

You've nailed that one to the barn door. The entire scheme has never been nothing besides yet another attempt to redistribute the wealth.

Now that "The One" is in the White House, wait till you see what happens to energy costs due to the taxation that results from these nut jobs' plans such as Cap & Tax

Go to youtube and look for obama busdget cut visualization. It shows all ignorant americans what 100M out of 3.5Trillion looks like. Furthermore, look at the quote in my signature. I have always thought that way just needed some figure to back me up.

 

[4boer]

Besides the MPG please tell of any difference in the sulfer smell. I stomped on mine yesterday for the first time in several weeks. I thought I was going to die! And all windows were closed.

 

[eskimochaos]

Besides the MPG please tell of any difference in the sulfer smell. I stomped on mine yesterday for the first time in several weeks. I thought I was going to die! And all windows were closed.

That doesnt make sense - were you behind someone?

 

[4boer]

Other cars around and maybe one of the kids had a window open I didn't know about, but there was some major stink going on

Later my wife was just ahead of me in her 911. I motioned that she should hit it off the light. She did and I was right on her bumper: Not saying she's the quickest chick with a 5 speed, but it must have been an interesting site for everybody else on the road as a black monster tailgates a little blue carrera at double the limit. Didn't notice the stink on that one. Maybe since it was the second stomp of the day? Kids were in her car so windows were up for sure. Maybe I just didn't notice as I was concentrating on not killing my family while drag racing in Chicago on Mothers day.

BTW while everybody else in the country was enjoying a 3 hour lunch we went to Great America (Six Flags). Nobody there. We didn't even have to get off the rides. Did more roller coasters in 3 hours than the rest of my life combined.

 

[EH007]

Furthermore, I dont care if hydrocarbons get into the atmosphere. Global warming is a communist idea.

LOL, who said anything about global warming? There's other problems associated with breathing in hydrocarbons. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if you told me that you sucked in a lot of hydrocarbons at the gas station when you were a kid! That would explain a lot!

 

[Tego]

Can someone get pics?

 

[ric]

Can someone get pics?

a quick search: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=50270&highlight=filter+airbox

 

[ran]

for us V6 fans, I thought there was a picture somewhere. Not sure before I start cutting things out. I know where my filter is, must be the 'other one', that needs to come out.



______________
2007 SE V6 4x4

 

[V8Limited4wd]

i just did this today also and it definitely made a difference. i could feel the engine be more responsive and probably a little more power. that hc filter is definitely a very restrictive part... especially when you are going faster and the engine needs more air.

 

[ric]

i just did this today also and it definitely made a difference. i could feel the engine be more responsive and probably a little more power. that hc filter is definitely a very restrictive part... especially when you are going faster and the engine needs more air.

yeppers, I tried to explain like this.
Put a dust mask on,,,,,

and now run around the block....

Now remove it, and run around the block again....

which time would be easier ????

The engine will run smoother/easier, the easier it can breath...

some people understood, some didnt, lol

 

[offshorebear]

I took mine out, my 4Runner is new to me so I don't have a base to compare it to, but it seems way too restrictive. I saved it if I want to put it back for whatever reason.