An oil catch can keeps the engine’s intake manifold clean, improving its performance and efficiency. It’s a crucial part of any direct injection engine, which is why knowing how this engine type works is the first step to understanding how it works.
Direct injection technology is a system in modern-day vehicles with diesel and gas engines.
It directly injects the fuel into the main combustion chamber of each cylinder before mixing the air and fuel inside the chamber. On earlier gasoline systems, the fuel injectors sprayed gasoline mist directly on the intake valve, which tends to keep it pretty clean.
The problem with some early gasoline direct injection platforms is that the valves tend to gather sludge from the oil steam drawn into the intake by the PCV system and this can lead to thick, dense sludge deposits on the intake valves that reduce volumetric efficiency. That being said, many newer gasoline direct injection platforms now have an extra set of MFI injectors above the intake valves that work with the direct injectors to supply fuel, mitigating the valve deposits.
The oil catch can separates the oil droplets from the air that flows from the engine breather and the intake system.
Pressure from the combustion chamber can get into the crankcase or the oil pan. Oil droplets form when the pressurized air comes in contact with moving engine parts.
The vaporized oil then escapes through the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valves. It gets processed in the combustion chamber and, by extension, the different emission control devices downstream of the combustion chamber to ensure it doesn’t contribute to air pollution.
The oil catch can connects to the PCV hose so that the pressurized air travels from the bottom of the catch can, through a tube, back to the top of the can, and towards the outlet passing through a filter. The oil naturally condenses and settles into the bottom of the can, reducing the oil steam that is being drawn into the intake while still allowing the PCV system to do its work.
Oil catch cans improve engine performance by protecting the intake manifold and valves from contamination (oil particles).
Getting an oil catch can revokes the validity of the engine’s warranty because installing the oil catch can is considered a modification to the PCV system. In states where emission systems are regularly tested and inspected, this could bring heavy fines if the catch can is revealed. Research your own state’s regulations before installing an oil catch can.
The change also disqualifies the vehicle for smog detection, but the car owner can always remove and reinstall the device when performing a smog test.
Oil catch can installation usually involves the following steps.
If you’re not confident with your auto repair know-how, it’s best to leave the installation to a licensed mechanic.
Here are the answers to some of the frequently asked questions about oil catch cans.
Yes, it can improve engine performance, as it prevents oil from entering the combustion chamber. This limit knocks and pinging when you accelerate because the air/fuel mixture won’t detonate in the cylinders.
Oil catch cans don’t directly improve fuel economy, but they do help by limiting engine wear and tear caused by knocking and pinging.
Oil catch cans slightly increase horsepower by decreasing the amount of unwanted oil that enters the engine, reducing the risk of pre-ignition and knocks. This results in a more controlled air and fuel mixture in the cylinders, which improves combustion efficiency.
The oil catch can might be full (and in need of a replacement) when there’s liquid at the bottom and when the engine runs rough.
A filled oil catch can could reduce fuel efficiency, lower driving performance, or even damage the engine when the oil vapors aren’t properly emitted.
Replace the oil catch can filter once every 500 miles to ensure it’s not overfilling and causing a mess in the engine area. You could also replace it every time you replace your oil to save time.
Installing an oil catch can is beneficial to your engine because it filters out debris and other impurities. This keeps the intake manifold clean, resulting in improved performance and better efficiency. Replace it every 500 miles or each time you change your oil to keep the engine clean.
Oil catch cans come with a lot of advantages, and you can take advantage of them when you shop for one at CarParts.com.
Simply use your mobile device or computer to visit our website. Our catalog includes accurate and detailed fitment information, so you’re sure to get exactly what your car needs.
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Improve your vehicle’s performance now. Order an oil catch can that’s built to last with CarParts.com.
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