DIY vacuum canister for VI
07-05-2002, 01:20 PM
#1
DIY vacuum canister for VI
Well, about a week after installing the VI, I took the VI cover off to inspect and noticed that the NAPA (plastic) vacuum tank looked like it was starting to buckle. It gets very hot under there and I'm thinking the softening effect of the heat coupled with constant vaccum pressure might ultimately spell the demise of the NAPA long term.
Although I could have relocated the NAPA somewhere cooler in the engine bay, I liked the idea of the cover hiding the vacuum tank which also means less clutter elsewhere in the engine bay. The tank is also in close proximity to the solenoid which keeps vacuum lines as short as possible. Tried the local parts stores in my area but could not find a metal vacuum canister. Summit (SUM-G1464, $34) has one but is fairly large. I've seen some on ebay as well but none fit the bill. Hit the local stores and eventually found the parts I needed at Target and Home depot for a DIY job. It is based upon a very sturdy stainless steel vessel (Target soap dispenser). The opening was near perfect for 3/4" ID rubber hose to fit over it. The brass fittings with 3/16" hose barb were had from home depot.
Though at little larger than ideal, it still fits under the VI cover but does bulge out a tad. No biggie.
(continued below)
Although I could have relocated the NAPA somewhere cooler in the engine bay, I liked the idea of the cover hiding the vacuum tank which also means less clutter elsewhere in the engine bay. The tank is also in close proximity to the solenoid which keeps vacuum lines as short as possible. Tried the local parts stores in my area but could not find a metal vacuum canister. Summit (SUM-G1464, $34) has one but is fairly large. I've seen some on ebay as well but none fit the bill. Hit the local stores and eventually found the parts I needed at Target and Home depot for a DIY job. It is based upon a very sturdy stainless steel vessel (Target soap dispenser). The opening was near perfect for 3/4" ID rubber hose to fit over it. The brass fittings with 3/16" hose barb were had from home depot.
Though at little larger than ideal, it still fits under the VI cover but does bulge out a tad. No biggie.
(continued below)
07-05-2002, 01:21 PM
#2
(continuation)
Vacuum lines (I had previously) required some modification simply because the NAPA was a dual port vacuum canister which had a built-in check valve; DIY version is single ported. Accordingly, the manifold vacuum line T-pieced from the Fuel Pressure Reg was connected to a check valve, then to a T-piece with one end going to the switched port of the solenoid, and the other end to the port of the DIY vacuum canister.
Summary: it gets hot under the VI cover. If you plan to stuff a vacuum canister under there, make sure the parts you select can handle the heat. The DIY vacuum canister will fit the bill and do it on the cheap (soap dispenser $7, Brass fittings ~$3.50, small segment of 3/4" ID hose, 2 clamps $1.50, check valve $5).
Summary: it gets hot under the VI cover. If you plan to stuff a vacuum canister under there, make sure the parts you select can handle the heat. The DIY vacuum canister will fit the bill and do it on the cheap (soap dispenser $7, Brass fittings ~$3.50, small segment of 3/4" ID hose, 2 clamps $1.50, check valve $5).
07-05-2002, 03:19 PM
#3
Donating Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Boise, ID
Posts: 500
For future variable intake installers another out of sight location is under the battery tray. Assuming you are not using the stock intake there is a threaded hole from where the resonator bolted to that you can use. The two hoses that need to be run to the vacuum canister look stock to anyone but a die hard maxima driver.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
HerpDerp1919
3rd Generation Maxima (1989-1994)
2
09-29-2015 02:02 PM