What is the canaster next to the battery. If you are looking at the engine it is to the right. It is a plastic canaster about the size of a cup with vacuum line going into it. What is its purpose. My is missing and the vacuum line is capped off.
Thanks John

 

Usually something described like that is a vacuum reservoir. I cannot picture exactly what you are describing off hand as I havent noticed it on mine yet..LOL. But from the description it does sound like a vacuum reservoir.

 

yes that's what that is

 

JBrown, yes that would be the vacuum cannister or vacuum reservoir. It holds a surplus of vacuum. I have not driven mine without it, but I believe if you run without it, you might lose power brakes, and other features that are vacuum operated/assisted, once the intake manifold becomes pressurized.

 

Not brakes, just A/C/Ventilation controls. A lot of the flaps are controlled by vacuum.

 

I am having heating issues. This could be affected by the canaster?

 

Likely only if you commonly fiddle with the HVAC controls while the engine is making positive boost pressure.

The diaphragm control valve in the coolant line to the heater core causes a lot of heater/temp problems.

 

That canister If I am not mistaken is connected via a connection T to the heater control valve

He would know better

 

As I recall my 87 turbo didn't even come with that cannister.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the only flaps that are vacuum controlled are for the fresh air intake in the HVAC system, the rest are all controlled by electric motors. Other than the heater control valve (which would default to open when not under vacuum) everything else is electric.

 

I ripped that thing off years ago...

 

so what about relocating it? would the extra vacuum hosing mess with its proper use?