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Best Oil Catch Can
- Thread starter Yort3000
- Start date
Hey everyone, I'm new here. Just took delivery of my ST last week. It's a '23 with ~10k miles on it. There is currently no catch can installed. I've got the itch to do SOMETHING to the car (y'all know how it is) and it seems like this is a pretty inexpensive, straightforward, and simple (looking at the J&L) install.
Here is my question though: The car's been running for 10k miles already with the stock setup. Presumably, there's been a fair bit of oil already deposited to the intake. Is this something to worry about? Oil catch cans are a new concept to me. I understand the premise of them, but I'm curious if any benefit to be had with them has been diluted for me given the use already on the vehicle.
Thanks
Here is my question though: The car's been running for 10k miles already with the stock setup. Presumably, there's been a fair bit of oil already deposited to the intake. Is this something to worry about? Oil catch cans are a new concept to me. I understand the premise of them, but I'm curious if any benefit to be had with them has been diluted for me given the use already on the vehicle.
Thanks
hfrog355 - Not all turbo engines expel a lot of oil. Some much more than others. For example, my 2018 twin turbo Fusion Sport has had a catch can on it since day one of my buying it brand new. I have yet to ever see much more than half a teaspoon of oil in it at best and it has 65K miles on it now. Some engines are tighter than others and you won't see much oil from a tight engine. Adding one at anytime doesn't hurt.
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I guess I have this question too: why are we porting air from the crankcase back to the intake? Why not just vent it out of the system altogether?
The only other performance engine I've had was a 370z and I don't remember catch cans being a part of the conversation. I never dabbled in forced induction though. I take it that this isn't really an issue with naturally aspirated motors?
The only other performance engine I've had was a 370z and I don't remember catch cans being a part of the conversation. I never dabbled in forced induction though. I take it that this isn't really an issue with naturally aspirated motors?
All engines recirculate crankcase air (with oil mist in it) through the PCV valve. The biggest issue with the 3.0 liter engines in the ST's is that they are direct injection only and not port injection or a combination of both direct, and port fuel injection. Port injection sprays fuel directly onto the back of the valves and keeps them clean from carbon build up from the recirculated engine crankcase air that contains the oil mist that many of us are using the catch can to seperate the oil from the air. The oil mist collects on the back of the valves and causes gumming and sticky valves, that over time, may not close completely and seal off. Oil catch cans eliminate (or greatly reduce) that and of couse since the air and oil is seperated before the intake, everything else downstream (intake, inner-cooler, turbos) remains much cleaner and uncontaminated.
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It is a cost and convenience issue and its not an absolute necessity.
Most people don't want to be bothered with needing to drain a catch can. Its more work.. Some people call oil catch cans snake oil fixes or add-on's. Do lots and lots and lots of engines function just fine without oil catch cans - yes. Do some have failures or issues because they do not have an oil catch can - again, yes. It is purely a personal choice and for some it is called cheap insurance or piece of mind. It's all up to the individual.
Most people don't want to be bothered with needing to drain a catch can. Its more work.. Some people call oil catch cans snake oil fixes or add-on's. Do lots and lots and lots of engines function just fine without oil catch cans - yes. Do some have failures or issues because they do not have an oil catch can - again, yes. It is purely a personal choice and for some it is called cheap insurance or piece of mind. It's all up to the individual.
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Imo if you keep your cars for a few years and trade them then it’s not worth it. If you keep your vehicle for 100k or 200k miles it is definitely worth. Eventually you will have to have the valves blasted with walnut shells to clean them if you have a DI engine. That can get pricey but does a fantastic job of cleaning. If you run a catch can or separator you can usually greatly extend the time before buildup affects performance.
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