What does an oil catch can do and how does it work?

[00 scrub]

I've seen these around and was wondering what they do and how they work? I know they deal with the PCV system somehow, but I'm not even sure how a PCV system works either. Anyone care to explain?

 

[Dave]

As you probably know, the PCV system pumps crankcase vapors from the crankcase into the intake for burning for emissions purposes.

A oil catch can plumbed in the PCV system is designed to catch any oil that is in the PCV line.

The benefit is that it will keep you from burning any oil which makes it to the PCV system, keeping the throttle body, intake valves and cylinder cleaner as motor oil doesn't burn too cleanly.

 

[needtoknow]

I've seen those things as well. I suspect that if the engine is not seeing significant amount of blow-by there will be little to no oil from PCV as there should be a baffle inside the valve cover where the PCV hooks up. It may condense out some water as well?? I've also seen a web site somewhere about how to make your own. There are also a couple of good web sites that explain PCV systems.

 

[gavinl]

DIY PCV

 

[digitaldrifter91]

cant you make one? i like that link but that looks weird....i mean a can with 2 tubes comming out of it isnt that hard.

but you know how in a PCV system there is the PCV and then the breather line to the intake, shouldnt there be a catch can there as well?

http://www.greddy.com/products/prod...ated&prodtype=52&prodtypename=Oil Catch Tanks

like that...

[ March 02, 2004, 12:48 AM: Message edited by: digitaldrifter91 ]

 

[Drew99GT]

Most of the time, the breather side of the PCV does not expell gases into the intake; it is used as the fresh air side of the PCV. It will only allow the expultion of pressure when blow-by and crankcase pressure becomes too great for the PCV line to handle, OR, on turbo-charged engines, when boost pressure closes the PCV valve..

 

[SSlube]

I built something similar on my 94 Ram. I installed an inline fuel filter on my pcv hose. It catches plenty of oil. I can see it settling on the "pre-filtered" side of the filter.


Bill,