what is it?

[Doug 22747]

1947 Cadillac - in the picture of the engine bay...there is a canister on the firewall behind the distributor.  Anyone know what that is? (see attached).  Thanks Doug 22747

[Barry M Wheeler #2189]

Doug, this intrigued me enough to start up the lap top and look at the picture. I can't get pictures on this computer... In any case, what is it hooked up to? It may be an aftermarket tank to increase the vacuum from the engine. That's about where the fitting would be on the firewall. The firewall fitting looks something like a hook, I believe.

[Doug 22747]

that could be, and that got me thinking maybe it's some kind of oiler? But don't know how you'd refill it...doug

[Jon S]

There appears to be a "line" coming out of it - either oil or elecrtical.  If oil, then my guess is aftermarket oiler; if electrical does it go to the distributor?  Then maybe a super coil?

[Jim Stamper]

     I can't see much about where the line goes or how it is filled, if it is. But post WWII there was a period when water injectors enjoyed some popularity. The time period is right. I don't know if they worked as well on cars as on fighter planes but there were sold. I think they worked off vacuum. Does anyone remember those things and how they worked.

     I believe they were the sort of thing hawked at fairs and carnivals, print ads and such. I never heard of it as a dealer option. 
                            Jim Stamper,   CLC# 13470

[wrench]

I think that's a marvel mystery oil top end oiler. My car has one. It is disconnected and I just leave it there to take up space. Interestingly, it is the most popular topic of discussion (when I have my hood up at a cruise night).

[C.R. Patton II]

Hello Doug

I concur. It is a post WWII Oiler. A feature added by the owner.