1969 vacuum canister

[William S.]

I was walking out the door on my first road trip in my 1969 since I took it off the road three years ago. Neither my headlight doors or wiper panels would open. I used a vacuum gauge and found the problem to be the canister. I unplugged the input line to the canister and plugged it into the t-fitting where the output line is supposed to go. Everything worked fine. I've since put about 700 miles on the car with no problems.

What is the canister supposed to do? My preference is generally to repair things back to stock, but I don't want to have to take off the master cylinder or look for a new canister with the car off the road if the one on there isn't repairable. This is a driver, not a show car, but I am curious what the point of this thing is.

Thanks.

[Dick W.]

Re: 1969 vacuum canister

It is a vacuum reservoir. It allows vacuum operated items to be operated during times of low engine vacuum, such as accelerating. Check the hoses first for leaks. If they do check ok, the cannister probably has a hole in it. Usually they can be repaired on the car by plugging the hole(s) with epoxy.

[William S.]

Re: 1969 vacuum canister

Thanks. Is there any way to take it out without removing the master cylinder? I don't have power brakes. If not it will at least have to wait for next winter.