Catch Can Thoughts

[TheRoyalStig]

Hello all!

Been reading around about catch cans as it's something I've never really bothered with but seeing a lot of folks recommend them for VQ engines.

But also seeing things like this: "there is a wrong assumption that oil catch can will remedy the oil burning issue. While it clears the intake charge of oil ( which prevents carbon deposit in the combustion chamber) , the oil that get in the intake is from crankcase pressure being abnormally high and some of that pressure is sent back to the intake for recycling. An oil catch can simply filters that pressurized air and remove oil vapors, water vapors, etc... , before it is sent back into the intake for recycling. It is then stored inside the can and should be emptied regularly.

The main reason that the crankcase pressure gets high is from blow-by combustion: basically, the burnt mixture makes its way past the piston into the crankcase, this increase the pressure and temperature , vaporizing some oil during that process. There is nothing that can fix that other than replacing the ring/piston.

If you have an engine that have a lot of blow-by, this can help clean the intake charge greatly and you'll temporary gain some power back but since the rings are shot, your engine is on its way out anyway."

So what is everyone's thoughts on them here? Trying to decide if I should do it or not. But if it's more of a bandaid that just technically adds more points of failure(however small) I'd rather not. But I'd like to get some more thoughts!

 

[Racebox]

Hello all!

Been reading around about catch cans as it's something I've never really bothered with but seeing a lot of folks recommend them for VQ engines.

But also seeing things like this: "there is a wrong assumption that oil catch can will remedy the oil burning issue. While it clears the intake charge of oil ( which prevents carbon deposit in the combustion chamber) , the oil that get in the intake is from crankcase pressure being abnormally high and some of that pressure is sent back to the intake for recycling. An oil catch can simply filters that pressurized air and remove oil vapors, water vapors, etc... , before it is sent back into the intake for recycling. It is then stored inside the can and should be emptied regularly.

The main reason that the crankcase pressure gets high is from blow-by combustion: basically, the burnt mixture makes its way past the piston into the crankcase, this increase the pressure and temperature , vaporizing some oil during that process. There is nothing that can fix that other than replacing the ring/piston.

If you have an engine that have a lot of blow-by, this can help clean the intake charge greatly and you'll temporary gain some power back but since the rings are shot, your engine is on its way out anyway."

So what is everyone's thoughts on them here? Trying to decide if I should do it or not. But if it's more of a bandaid that just technically adds more points of failure(however small) I'd rather not. But I'd like to get some more thoughts!

What you said is all correct. We still recommend getting an oil catch can as it keeps the intake clean and helps against carbon build up in the manifold and valves (beneficial since DI doesn’t clean the way PI does). Just make sure to be careful about boost leaks when installing an oil catch can.

 

[amp19]

anyone willing to recommend a setup they've been using?

 

[Stefanovich]

I’m running the Z1 catch can on my 23 Proto, IMO every DI engine especially turbo charged should have a catch can.

 

[VR30Z6spd]

Z1 installed and drain the oil from it every oil change i do, works well

 

[SavedByFaith_]

Mishimoto baffled oil CC

Got it like half full after ~4500km / ~2800mi

 

[Who.Am.Eye.2716]

Z1 installed and drain the oil from it every oil change i do, works well

Mileage between oil changes?

 

[VR30Z6spd]

Mileage between oil changes?

3000-3500 milage usually

 

[ujnx2000]

How many PCV lines off the intake manifold are there?

 

[Hernandooo]

How many PCV lines off the intake manifold are there?

2

 

[VR30Infection]

Okay. So, MOST of what was said is correct. BUT the idea that if there is blow by like this it means that our rings are shot is incorrect. Blow by is normal. Especially in a boosted application or super high compression engines. Keeping as much of the atomized oil out of the intake as possible is a good thing. The reason this is an issue really at all is JUST because of direct injection. In other fuel injection setups like tune port or throttle body injection it is not an issue because fuel is running across the back of the intake valves constantly cleaning them off. Direct injection has no fuel running through so the oil mist gets baked on. Then you need an intake cleaning service to help get rid of it. Direct injection is great for making power with mileage but bad for engine cleanliness.

 

[TheRoyalStig]

I actually just got a Mishimoto catch can set-up the other weekend!

So thanks to all the thoughts and conversation in this thread.

 

[5amp5on]

This was after about 300 miles of mostly Grandma driving with several WOT launches added in. I checked it just for the heck of it.

Seems like it's catching a good amount. And there is less soot on the tail pipe exists.

This is the Mishimoto catch can. Car had 1,800 miles at the time.

 

[TheRoyalStig]

Yea i did my first check at 500 miles to see when i should be changing and there was a decent little puddle in there.

Definitely makes me feel like it was a good decision.

Thinking 1000miles will probably be a good emptying interval.

 

[FSUZ33]

I'm ready to hop on board the Catch Can Train.
Anyone heard any negatives about any of the systems/manufacturers? Are any easier to install and/or empty?
Don't have a preference. Z1 has a drain kit, which seems convenient, but not sure if it's worth it. Was checking out one site, not sure which, and there were multiple (15?) options for the Mishimoto. Some were clearly individual parts, but there were multiple kits, and the $100 kit appeared to have the same parts as the $250 kit. I don't know exactly what's needed.