Hello

There is a part in the engine bay of my cutlass and I don't know what it is. It's a black circular canister and it's located behind the passenger headlights.It has 2 or 3 hoses coming from it.
Does anyone know what I'm talking about???

 

That's the evaporative emissions cannister. It captures gasoline vapors that would have gone into the air and burns them in the engine instead.

 

OK.What would happen if I removed it?

 

Car would not pass emissions inspection and you'd probably smell gas fumes in the car. It recovers fuel vapors from carb and fuel tank, and also serves as the tank vent.

It doesn't cost a thing to run it and it recovers expensive fuel vapors to reburn. It's virtually trouble-free. Leave it there. Change the filter on the bottom if you do anything. Those tend to get overlooked thru the years and they're cheap at chain parts stores.

PH, you really do need to invest in a 1972 factory service manual.

 

I do own a 72 factory service manual but I'd figure it would be faster to ask you guys.I'm going to change the filter tomorrow because I am smelling gas fumes in the car.
Thanks for the info I decided that it will stay.

 

If it was safe to do, I'd hide a little NOs bottle in it.
It's not legal or safe though.