Cleaning the filter on the carbon canister

[grannyknot]

How does one do that? Is it possible to open it up and clean the filter on the bottom?

 

[Patcon]

Do you suspect it needs it or is this excessive spring cleaning?

[rcb280z]

This tucks in under that bar running across from left to right. MSA sells it. It's the only "canister" filter I've ever replaced on my 77. I'm not sure that the charcoal one can be cleaned. Good question though.

 
Code: 18-9061
Price:$13.98

Edited June 12, 2018 by rcb280z

[grannyknot]

2 hours ago, Patcon said:

Do you suspect it needs it or is this excessive spring cleaning?

41 yrs, it deserves to be cleaned. But yes, once I get started...

41 minutes ago, rcb280z said:

This tucks in under that bar running across from left to right. MSA sells it. It's the only "canister" filter I've ever replaced on my 77. I'm not sure that the charcoal one can be cleaned. Good question though.

 
Code: 18-9061
Price:$13.98

So that yellow pre-filter is missing from my canister, I wonder how long it has been gone.  I might try to drip some ABS solvent in that seam around the outside to see if that cap loosens a bit.

[Captain Obvious]

Mice used your old filter to build a nest a very long time ago.

AC Delco claims to have a replacement available on Rockauto for $1.48. Look for ACDELCO part number A478C.

I've heard that Rockauto is no fun in Canada though. Shipping costs are high?

[Captain Obvious]

And forgot... I think dripping ABS solvent down into that crevice is a really risky move. I think that if it wasn't securely glued before you do that, it most certainly will be afterwards!   

[Zed Head]

You need to test it first.  Make sure you get your eyes to bug out like the picture.  There's an illustration of the filter change also.  This is from 1976.

[Mike]

Ha!  Love this...

 

[Patcon]

10 hours ago, grannyknot said:

But yes, once I get started...

I understand...

[Captain Obvious]

Queen wrote a song about this.

 

[240260280]

I read this on an aquarium maintenance site for cleaning carbon filter:

 

1. Run warm water through the charcoal to rinse out impurities if using loose charcoal. If using charcoal cartridges, allow warm tap water to run through the cartridge for several minutes.

2. Hold the rinsed charcoal up near your ear. If you hear a sort of subtle crackling or popping noise emanating from the charcoal, place it back into the filter. If you hear nothing, the charcoal is no longer activated and should be replaced with fresh carbon.

[240260280]

So maybe try back flowing warm water by pumping it into the outlet on the top with valve held open by vacuum.

If it has inhaled oil over the years, some soapy water may help remove the coating on the charcoal.

Edited June 12, 2018 by 240260280