Observations after removing the hydrocarbon filter

[torero93]

Removed HCF, cleaned MAF, and dropped in a K&N about 2 weeks ago. MPG has improved by about .8. Im happy with that.

 

[Austen728]

did you drill the divets out ? was the air box still mounted on the engine or did you remove it to take the filter out? i was wondering about that filters purpose. thanks for the info.

You don't have to drill at all if you don't want to. I did this yesterday in my 4.7 and all I did was take the top of the airbox off, then wedged a chisel under the plastic lip of the filter until I popped a couple of the rivets. From there you can just yank the thing out. Just make sure you don't leave any little bits of plastic or anything because this section is above your air filter so any loose debris in there are getting sucked into the engine. The rivets are plastic and easy to pop. This isn't a part that gets replaced ever. Toyota put it in there with the intention that owners couldn't tamper with it to try to save face with emissions. From what I've read, the HCF only serves this single purpose of keeping fumes in, and you should still be able to pass emissions tests after removal.

 

[jrm]

So

I removed the HCF,and removed the resonator. Yes i noticed better throttle response but its too soon to determine if ill experience any increase MPG. :mullet:

 

[Raymond_q]

same here

I removed the HCF,and removed the resonator. Yes i noticed better throttle response but its too soon to determine if ill experience any increase MPG. :mullet:

i just did as well, i soon as i started the runner cel came on haha. I resetted the ecu well see what happens tomorrow

 

[jrm]

So did mine..

i just did as well, i soon as i started the runner cel came on haha. I resetted the ecu well see what happens tomorrow

then i turned it off and restarted it and all is fine...

 

[MKIVBB]

Just removed mine. I cut one end of the filter with a razorblade and lightly pulled and the little plastic rivets just let go nice and neatly. Added a drop in K&N filter, and have been averaging 1-2mpg better according to the calculator in the car, and the throttle response is definitely a little better. I'm kind of shocked that Toyota put that thing in there. It's very restrictive. If my car saw tons of off-road and dust, I'd probably leave it and just do the K&N. But it doesn't, so I think it's well worth it.

 

[rugger92]

pics please?

I just found this and I am mos def gonna do this mod later today!

Toyota 4Runner Hydrocarbon filter removal

rugger

 

[Syr4RinNC]

So A little different question for this - Theoretically, eventually the hydrocarbon filter would get get filled filtering the hydrocarbons. I haven't been able to find anything about "cleaning" it to remove any build up or about a replacement part. After 15 years at 200k, is that about the time it gives out or does it last forever? I guess the replacement may come if you buy a whole new air intake system, but nothing about just the filter.

So i wonder if anyone had any thoughts about the filter becoming saturated or developing too much build over time.

 

[ElectroBoy]

So A little different question for this - Theoretically, eventually the hydrocarbon filter would get get filled filtering the hydrocarbons. I haven't been able to find anything about "cleaning" it to remove any build up or about a replacement part. After 15 years at 200k, is that about the time it gives out or does it last forever? I guess the replacement may come if you buy a whole new air intake system, but nothing about just the filter.

So i wonder if anyone had any thoughts about the filter becoming saturated or developing too much build over time.

The filter is for absorbing stray hydrocarbon gases that would otherwise vent to the outside air from inside the engine when it is powered off. When the engine is powered on again it sucks those fumes back in to get burned. There’s nothing to maintain or replace.

 

[SeriousClown]

Just removed mine. I cut one end of the filter with a razorblade and lightly pulled and the little plastic rivets just let go nice and neatly. Added a drop in K&N filter, and have been averaging 1-2mpg better according to the calculator in the car, and the throttle response is definitely a little better. I'm kind of shocked that Toyota put that thing in there. It's very restrictive. If my car saw tons of off-road and dust, I'd probably leave it and just do the K&N. But it doesn't, so I think it's well worth it.

I drive the Black Rock playa and at times up to 5th in line. I will definitely remove the HCF. If my regular filter plugs up, I can remove it, shake it out or just replace it. If the HCF plugs up, well, that sucks.

I appreciate the discussion.

 

[Gamblin4Runner]

Genius

Looking back, and exacto knife around the edge of the filter media would work too.
Just leave in the filter frame.

It appears that at 4000 to the redline is more responsive.
Seems to be a bit more air intake sound at WOT.
This may have provided a couple of ponies above 4500.
Less restriction is a good thing. Good mod. Do it gang.
I wonder if this reduces the converter smell for those who have it?

Boxknife suggestion is GENIUS - TYVM!

 

[Ascelad]

Did you just decide give it a try outta the blue or did you read of someone doing it on a FJC or something?

 

[NukeRog]

hydrocarbon filter in airbox

I came here for into on that hydrocarbon filter. I have seen on facebook posts photos of this hydrocarbon filter in the upper portion of the airbox. I have never seen one of those before. My 2014 SR5 didn't have it, nor does my brand new TRD ORP that I purchased new with only 4 miles on the ODO. Both are Florida vehicles since new. Maybe it's installed depending on the region it's going to? Does anybody have any insight why my 4R doesn't have it?