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Does removing the charcoal filter really do anything?

Bluesurf

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First thing I did was replace my filter with a K&S. I've put them in all my vehicles since 2002. I have one in my cabin filter receptacle too. I never came across a secondary charcoal filter in any vehicle.
 

jdefoe0424

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Some Subaru's have a pzev or sulev certification so that may be why it's not seen on other vehicles.
I had never heard of such a thing for engine intake filters so I had to watch the video.

So, @Goatmann, do our new Rams have this filter or not?

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Richard320

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Some Subaru's have a pzev or sulev certification so that may be why it's not seen on other vehicles.
I had never heard of such a thing for engine intake filters so I had to watch the video.

So, @Goatmann, do our new Rams have this filter or not?

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Some older GMs had a charcoal-filled ring inside the round air cleaner that the paper filter fit around. It was to catch any fumes evaporating out of the carburetor.
 

Goatmann

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Some Subaru's have a pzev or sulev certification so that may be why it's not seen on other vehicles.
I had never heard of such a thing for engine intake filters so I had to watch the video.

So, @Goatmann, do our new Rams have this filter or not?

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Yes, there is a charcoal filter attached to the top of the air filter box.
 

Kob0583

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I’ve removed mine on my Tacomas TRD intake and my RAM, no idea if it made a difference but the charcoal filter is super restrictive to airflow. I do seem to get better than average MPG than others are reporting with a Rebel with 3.92 but that’s not proof by any means.


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Diamondback

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I don't have the filter box any longer (RAMAIR), so now I'm gonna go have to look out in the garage to see if the RAM does. Wonder if there is an interval replacement time on that filter.
 

DesertRebel

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I’ve removed mine on my Tacomas TRD intake and my RAM, no idea if it made a difference but the charcoal filter is super restrictive to airflow. I do seem to get better than average MPG than others are reporting with a Rebel with 3.92 but that’s not proof by any means.


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the charcoal filter is designed as a fixed non replaceable unit. Does not stop some from breaking the plastic rivets and removing it.
I'm tempted to remove mine - just in the hopes that I get better MPG like Kob0583 :giggle:
 

jdefoe0424

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I'd say something about the environment, but let's be real... we're driving thirsty, powerful v8's in a heavy truck. I don't think removing that filter is going to change the pollution of the truck a whole lot.
Now if you live in California, I'd recommend leaving as they'd probably throw your *** in jail if you did remove it.

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bigdaddymac

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Removed mine and did an AEM Dryflow. MPGs ticked up about 0.3 on the highway or maybe my foot wasn’t as heavy I don’t know.
 

VaderRebel

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That was an excellent explanation. Exactly what I suspected... minimum gains, but since I don't live in a socialist state like California that restricts fun and choice, I removed mine for the 0.0065 increase in G-force. I suspect though it would change the numbers slightly with a larger intake and more horsepower to have less restriction, but I still make no claims of noticeable improvement... I just like having the choice to have the minimal improvement.
 

Nails

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I believe bigger gains would be seen without a lot of miles on it. Slowly but surely it will grab/trap particulates from the filter side. Seen many older mile-aged bmws and yotas fuel trims, mileage, performance come back to life pulling or replacing(expensive!) them
 

Edwards

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I don't have the filter box any longer (RAMAIR), so now I'm gonna go have to look out in the garage to see if the RAM does. Wonder if there is an interval replacement time on that filter.

This is an interesting point for removing it. If you spend the $$$ to upgrade to the RamAir intake, you are removing the charcoal filter by removing the stock air box anyway. Ram did not engineer a charcoal filter into the upgraded intake.
So how much of the upgraded intake's performance (if there is any) could be attributed to not having a charcoal filter? (Just asking as a theoretical question.) Say the RamAir intake adds X performance and the charcoal filter was .5X, then you could get half the RamAir performance by simply removing the stock charcoal filter and you are no worse for the environment than if you had upgraded your intake. That pencils out pretty well.
 

adampsmall

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I'm sure it's part of the manufacturers compliance requirements to catch evaporation of gas from the intake. Basically pointless, but meets a government requirement. Modified parts aren't generally required to comply like original equipment... except in the people's republic of California...
 

Scram1500

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I felt better removing it simply based on the dumb idea of the thing. The charcoal will eventually become "saturated" and will loose it's ability to absorb hydrocarbons. Since it isn't serviceable what's the point?
 

derp

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I felt better removing it simply based on the dumb idea of the thing. The charcoal will eventually become "saturated" and will loose it's ability to absorb hydrocarbons. Since it isn't serviceable what's the point?
.... you realize it cycles and desaturates as it warms up right? absorb when not running, purge when hot.
 

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