Another catch can worry...

[trackratZ]

Guys, I've read several threads here about the brands available out there - Z1, Mishimoto, etc. - and some of the issues with installation, access etc. But, need to get some feedback mainly on use pitfalls related to actual warranty work. I know the advantage of these catch cans, esp. on tracking sessions and long term valve crud from DI. Reason asking, I will be at Firebird Raceway in a few months and wonder if these cans will give me issues with any future warranty work due to indirect causes by the catch can. Who here had actual problems with dealers and denied warranty work? I'm talking about if the cans were properly installed, no boost or oil leaks, but still denied, a bit leary about installing mine, still in box.....

 

[haohmaru]

If you ever have engine problems, they absolutely will flag it. If you're worried, don't install it or do any engine mods that you can't easily remove before bringing it back to the dealer.

As far as the crud, you can always plan to have the valves cleaned at one point.

 

[KrackaC8]

DI coking is an incredibly overblown worry across every car forum out there. These aren't 1990s BMW/VWs.

Catch-cans are a solution looking for a problem, and in fact create more issues than they solve by adding restriction to the crankcase ventilation system and slowing down vapor velocity (and increasing crankcase pressure).

Run quality motor oil that meets all modern specs with regular oil changes and you'll be set.

This was a frequent topic on the CorvetteForum, like it is on most, and I actually removed my C7 & C8 intake manifolds multiple times just to prove there was no issue throughout the years/miles of use.

The majority of what catch-cans trap is water vapor from the crankcase that is created during the engine warm-up process. This vapor would normally be consumed during the combustion process and sent out through the tailpipes.

 

[BigBlue]

That response is on the money. Also stick with top tier fuel. The people most likely to end up with this issue are the regular Joe's and Jane's that get around to doing their oil change when they get the service lamp. More so than not it'll have an easy 1k over the already 10K OCI. Worse yet if the car sees more short trips than not. I'm coming up on 40K. Just got back from a 2k+ round trip to the Keys. Got another business trip (aren't they all) to TN. that means I'm in the Dragon's neighborhood again. This car is showing no signs of carbon build up and yes the truth is, a steady diet of WFO keeps the carbon away. As a PSA, if you can't get lucky while at the Keys you just ain't trying.

 

[KrackaC8]

That response is on the money. Also stick with top tier fuel. The people most likely to end up with this issue are the regular Joe's and Jane's that get around to doing their oil change when they get the service lamp. More so than not it'll have an easy 1k over the already 10K OCI. Worse yet if the car sees more short trips than not. I'm coming up on 40K. Just got back from a 2k+ round trip to the Keys. Got another business trip (aren't they all) to TN. that means I'm in the Dragon's neighborhood again. This car is showing no signs of carbon build up and yes the truth is, a steady diet of WFO keeps the carbon away. As a PSA, if you can't get lucky while at the Keys you just ain't trying.

/THREAD

 

[Bumflik]

That response is on the money. Also stick with top tier fuel. The people most likely to end up with this issue are the regular Joe's and Jane's that get around to doing their oil change when they get the service lamp. More so than not it'll have an easy 1k over the already 10K OCI. Worse yet if the car sees more short trips than not. I'm coming up on 40K. Just got back from a 2k+ round trip to the Keys. Got another business trip (aren't they all) to TN. that means I'm in the Dragon's neighborhood again. This car is showing no signs of carbon build up and yes the truth is, a steady diet of WFO keeps the carbon away. As a PSA, if you can't get lucky while at the Keys you just ain't trying.

I was just on rt 129 back in April for the weekend. What a ride! Like being roller coaster for 50 min! Did it also in 2019.

 

[takemorepills]

I have an OSC catch can on my Titan with the DI VK56.

I have programmed the maintenance reminder in the truck to pop up every 5k miles (same as my oil change) to remind me to empty it.
It's about 1/2 full at that point, about 1/3c of oil.

My commute is very short, about 12 minutes every day. Even in winter, there's never any water in the catch can.

So, that 1/3c of oil is in the can, not getting coked onto the back of the intake valves. Will it prevent any buildup, no..... But I'm 100% convinced it reduces buildup.

When I first installed it, I was prepared to remove it if it had been collecting water. Apparently, some engine types with aftermarket catch can will collect water (GM V8 will do that). Water might collect quickly enough that the catch can would need frequent attention. Oil sits on top of water and if the level gets too high, you might get liquid oil into the intake, which I reckon could be more trouble than it's worth. I don't know what the consequences of that would be, but I wouldn't want to find out. Does not occur on the Nissan VK56. Also, that's why I have the reminder programmed into the truck, I think liquid oil would in the intake would be bad.

Regarding the comment about using top tier fuel, oh really? Whatever fuel you are using never touches the backside of the intake valves on a DI only engine. Fuel quality has no impact on backside valve buildup. Go ahead and use top tier fuel for other reasons, but don't think it will help for carbon buildup.

I have had the oil changed at the dealership and I have asked them to empty the catch can too, and they obliged. Fortunately I never needed to use the generous Nissan warranty for any mechanical concerns, but I would warn people that the discretion lies with each individual dealership if they hassle you or not. My dealership had no issues with my catch can, but had I needed an expensive engine repair, they may have been cool about it or they could be dicks about it. But, I knew my truck wouldn't be needing engine work, it's one of the reasons I bought it.

That's my experience with the VK56. Does the same apply to the VR30? I don't know, and I don't have any reliable information. It could very well be that a catch can is unnecessary or harmful on a VR30, although I doubt it'd be harmful. I kept my previous port injected Titan 14 years, so I intend to do whatever to reduce carbon buildup in my new Titan.

As a future Z owner, I never thought that a catch can would be a priority soon after getting a Z. I'll consider it. Nissan DI engines seem to resist buildup pretty well, the VR30 is probably going to be fine for a while.

Regarding the VR30:
I don't see how a catch can would be beneficial for track use, but then again I don't track and I don't currently own a Z.

You don't ever want to let it get so full that it could release liquid oil into the intake system. You need to check it often, and I don't know if the Z has configurable reminders like the Titan does.

Installation, how easy to install, remove and revert back to stock if needed (warranty)?

Regarding warranty, it's definitely something to consider. The VR30 engine is expensive, and a dealership and/or Nissan could deny a claim no matter what the Magnusson act says. So, tread carefully.

I suggest researching the Infiniti forums, the VR30 has been out for 10 years now and those forums should have robust discussions and maybe even some convincing "proof"

For me, during warranty period on a new Z, I'd wait on a catch can. Especially if it's difficult to remove before a major warranty claim. You can install one after warranty if research indicates it may be useful. Other Nissan DI engines seem to develop buildup that needs to be cleaned by 80-100k miles, much better than my Mk7 GTI could do.....

 

[Bumflik]

Im modded like crazy so I voided my warranty and im cool with it. I know the risks associated with hardcore mods. I buy sports cars to push em and mod the 'F' out of em.