Observations after removing the hydrocarbon filter

[LV4R]

So I removed the HCF about a month ago. I have a few observations that I thought I would share. First one is that the sulfur smell seems to have been reducecd significantly. I have done the TSB for it and it really didnt do much. It seems that now I can actually punch it and not have to worry that I will pass out from the smell.

My second observation happened when I went to Huntington Beach, CA which is about 290 miles from here in Las Vegas. I had 7 people on the way there in the 4R including our luggage and a hitch luggage carrier. 5 on the way back. Did about 70 mph avg and got around 17 mpg. I had over a quarter tank when I got back to Vegas which has never happened before on a trip to Cali.

No I have not done any scientific calculations on my mpgs before and after the removal. These are simply observations. The car also does not rev up then drop down when I start it.

Anyone else removed the HCF and noticed any changes?

 

[CJ3Flyr]

So I removed the HCF about a month ago. I have a few observations that I thought I would share. First one is that the sulfur smell seems to have been reducecd significantly. I have done the TSB for it and it really didnt do much. It seems that now I can actually punch it and not have to worry that I will pass out from the smell.

My second observation happened when I went to Huntington Beach, CA which is about 290 miles from here in Las Vegas. I had 7 people on the way there in the 4R including our luggage and a hitch luggage carrier. 5 on the way back. Did about 70 mph avg and got around 17 mpg. I had over a quarter tank when I got back to Vegas which has never happened before on a trip to Cali.

No I have not done any scientific calculations on my mpgs before and after the removal. These are simply observations. The car also does not rev up then drop down when I start it.

Anyone else removed the HCF and noticed any changes?

HCF? The filter in the vapor tank (charcoal canister in the old school vernacular)? Having an effect on the smell is interesting.

:cheers:

 

[LV4R]

Re: Re: Observations after removing the hydrocarbon filter

HCF? The filter in the vapor tank (charcoal canister in the old school vernacular)? Having an effect on the smell is interesting.

:cheers:

The Hydrocarbon filter, I used HCF for short . It is the filter after the air filter that requires removing the divets to get it out.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Got it, thanks. I did not understand it's purpose. Does it have a replacement schedule? Did you just decide give it a try outta the blue or did you read of someone doing it on a FJC or something?

:cheers:

 

[LV4R]

I actually was reading on tundrasolutions that guys were doing this with their tundras and seeing positive results. I figured why not try it. I guess it would be the same thing as using an aftermarket cold air intake. The filter is to prevent the escape of unburnt fumes after turning the engine off.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I actually was reading on tundrasolutions that guys were doing this with their tundras and seeing positive results. I figured why not try it. I guess it would be the same thing as using an aftermarket cold air intake. The filter is to prevent the escape of unburnt fumes after turning the engine off.

Very cool... I might give it a go The amount of HC that can escape from a sequential fire FI that shuts the injectors off when the engine shuts off has got be near 'nil.

:cheers:

 

[kn38ms]

I removed my filter box and took a look at the filter.
Looks EZ to remove but I have not done it yet.
IMO it looks like it would restrict airflow.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Bump- LV4R, update please

:cheers:

 

[davem]

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.

 

[kn38ms]

Remove the box, set on a bench and drill em' out.
Thats what I will do when I get around to it.
That filter has to resticting some air.
Fook the carbon foot print

 

[MikesToy]

pics please?

 

[RoarFunner]

So, am I correct in assuming that the HC filter would be eliminated by installing an aftermarket cold air intake anyway?

 

[LV4R]

So, am I correct in assuming that the HC filter would be eliminated by installing an aftermarket cold air intake anyway?

Absolutely. Pretty easy removal and you can do it with it still on the engine. I just drilled one of the lower ones out then yanked it out.

 

[LV4R]

Bump- LV4R, update please

:cheers:

Bought a new Sequoia over the weekend and sold the 4runner . The only thing I can tell you is that my mileage seems to have stayed the same with a possible increase in power.

 

[kn38ms]

I removed mine today.
EZ to do and took less than 30 minutes.
I removed the housing and drilled out the plastic rivets.
Drill only .125" deep so you don't ruin the housing.
I then just used an exacto knife to shear off the drillled plastic rivet.
EZ, EZ to do.
Seems like better throttle response from 60mph +
Too soon to tell if mpg will increase

 

[SConnors]

Don't bother drilling, just try to "pull" it out with a putty knife. A couple of the plastic nipples will shear when you try to take it out.

I did this ages ago and have been getting 20-21 MPG from the trip computer when I commute in So Cal Traffic (slow & go). That translates to 18-19 MPG via the real world odometer readings, traffic and some city driving. I thnk there's more difference between 3/4 and full throttle... kind of hard to explain. Also, I got in the habit of turning off the a/c whenever I get in the truck.

Now I'll wait for the same response telling me how I have no proof that removing the filter improves gas mileage or power... Toyota engineers are all knowing, and how I kill four thousand infants with the additional polution I contribute to the enviornment.

<sigh>

Sean

 

[shuly]

Very cool... I might give it a go The amount of HC that can escape from a sequential fire FI that shuts the injectors off when the engine shuts off has got be near 'nil.

:cheers:

Toyota engineers are all knowing, and how I kill four thousand infants with the additional polution I contribute to the enviornment.

<sigh>

Sean

The problem is not with one or two people removing smog control devices. It has to do with clean air requirements. In my field, CARB requires, we install special valves in VOC service. This used to be limited to lethal services only. (For example...something that might cost $100 bucks easily costs $1000+ for a 1" valve) If it is just one person (or one valve) it isn't that big of an issue. But when you multiply that over 10,000 4runners (or piping connections,) the fugitive emissions add up FAST! Fortunately or Unfortunately (depending how you want to see it) it is a part of the system we have. There doesn't seem to be much you can do about it anymore unless you own a vehicle older than 1978/79 (something like that) you don't have to worry about anything and you can pollute to your hearts content!

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Bought a new Sequoia over the weekend and sold the 4runner . The only thing I can tell you is that my mileage seems to have stayed the same with a possible increase in power.

Thanks! The mpg thing is what I was wondering about. You rig had tires and a lift. That mileage is very respectable. I don't have the stink bad but it's enough that I'm going to give removal of the HCF a try.

I did see the Sequoia, very cool:bigok:

:cheers:

 

[LV4R]

Thanks! The mpg thing is what I was wondering about. You rig had tires and a lift. That mileage is very respectable. I don't have the stink bad but it's enough that I'm going to give removal of the HCF a try.

I did see the Sequoia, very cool:bigok:

:cheers:

Hey thanks!

Just did this mod to the sequoia as well Once again it seems to have stepped up the throttle response (not that it really needed it ) but it also made it so I can actually hear the engine. Now to get an exhaust put on to wake up the neighbors.

 

[kn38ms]

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?