question about a part

[ve39]

Hello under my hood i found some thing like a contaner with 2 pipes coming into it it's located next to a left front head light
the reasone i'm asking is because it is broken in half and dunno what it does
http://v.onlinev.com/problem.jpg
thank you

[winfred]

flavor of car???

[ve39]

it's 525i 1989

[bimmerd00d]

I believe it's called a "charcoal" canister. It has something to do with fuel vapor, if yours is cracked i would seriously recomment replacing it. The E34 fuel system is a closed type, and if that's cracked i believe it allows fuel vapors to enter the engine compartment. That could be bad.

[ve39]

Well i took a picture it's dark and cell phone camera shitty quality
http://v.onlinev.com/problem.jpg

[winfred]

that sorta looks like a charcoal canister in the "picture" you should be able to score a used one from someone here on the board, they generally last forever, wreck damage is what usually takes them out

[ve39]

hrm 1 time out of 20 i have problem starting my car i have to hold start for like 10 sec could this thing be a problem

[winfred]

slightly normal for a m20, it may need a tune up or have a vacuum leak that's not helping

[ve39]

can i drive with out it for now couse i can't seems to find this part any where

[winfred]

it's not needed for proper running

[ve39]

what is it needed for any ways ?


it's not needed for proper running

[winfred]

it catches fuel tank vapors and recycles them into the intake on start up


what is it needed for any ways ?

[ve39]

sorry i know i sound dumb what what does it do it for ? to start up easyer ?