What does Ford say about catch cans?

As of 2024–25, Ford's official guidance generally does not endorse aftermarket PCV catch cans for its engines, citing potential impacts on emissions, crankcase ventilation, and warranty coverage. This article explains Ford's position, the reasons behind it, and what owners should consider before modifying the PCV system.

Ford's official stance on catch cans

In Ford's owner manuals, service guides, and technical communications, the PCV system is treated as an essential part of the engine's emissions control. Modifying it with a catch can is not listed as an approved modification for most models. Dealers commonly advise against such installations because of potential reliability, emissions, and warranty implications.

Technical rationale

The PCV circuit is designed to regulate crankcase pressure and route oil vapors back into the intake. A catch can can alter vacuum sourcing, ventilation balance, and the performance of the PCV valve, potentially causing unwanted side effects.

Key takeaways from Ford's guidance include:

• PCV system is designed as a sealed ventilation loop; adding a catch can can alter vacuum supply and flow through the PCV valve.


• Aftermarket catch cans are not listed as Ford-approved parts for most models; installation could be considered a modification outside warranty coverage.


• Emissions compliance: changes to the PCV/evaporative emissions system can affect emissions readings and inspection results depending on jurisdiction.


• Warranty risk: if a fault is attributed to the altered PCV system or catch can setup, coverage could be denied or limited.

Dealer guidance in service departments often echoes these points, advising customers to revert to stock PCV configurations for ongoing reliability and warranty protection.

Why Ford discourages catch cans

There are several technical reasons behind Ford's cautious stance. A catch can traps oil and contaminants but can disrupt the precise balance of crankcase ventilation that modern Ford engines rely on. If the system is not vented or sized correctly, it can lead to issues such as oil vapor buildup in unintended places, abnormal vacuum behavior, and potential codes or drivability problems.

• Potential interference with the PCV valve and vacuum supply can destabilize intake manifold pressure and idle.


• Oil vapors must be managed by the vehicle's emissions and lubrication systems; a poorly vented catch can can allow oil to accumulate in intake ducts or PCV lines.


• Emissions testing and compliance can be impacted; changes to PCV and evaporative controls may trigger diagnostic trouble codes or fail tests in some regions.


• Non-OEM configurations may not meet Ford's design tolerances, potentially affecting reliability and warranty.

Because of these concerns, Ford's official guidance tends to emphasize restoring stock PCV configurations if problems arise and consulting a dealer for any modifications.

Alternate considerations and owner experiences

Enthusiasts and tuners sometimes discuss catch cans in high-performance builds. Experiences vary by engine, setup, and adherence to proper installation. Ford's documentation, however, remains cautious and tends to prioritize stock configurations for warranty and emissions reliability.

• In some high-performance or track-oriented contexts, a properly chosen catch can may reduce oil carryover, but this is not a Ford-endorsed or universal solution.


• Warranty implications remain a central risk; many dealers will view catch-can installations as modifications outside warranty coverage.


• Regional emissions laws and inspections may complicate or prohibit certain catch can configurations.

If you are considering a catch can, consult your dealer and review your warranty terms, local regulations, and the specific engine configuration before proceeding.

What to do if you still want to install a catch can

If you choose to pursue a catch can despite Ford's guidance, follow these practical steps to minimize risk and stay compliant.

Practical checklist

Use this checklist to plan carefully and avoid common pitfalls.

• Verify the terms of your warranty and any regional emissions regulations before any installation.


• Choose a design that preserves the integrity of the PCV system and uses appropriate materials and fittings.


• Follow manufacturer instructions and consider Ford-approved parts or guidance from a Ford Performance specialist.


• Monitor engine sensors and performance after installation; be ready to revert to stock if issues arise.

Do not install a catch can in a way that bypasses the PCV system or creates vacuum leaks that could affect engine performance or emissions compliance.

Summary

Ford generally does not endorse aftermarket catch cans for its engines due to potential PCV disruption, emissions concerns, and warranty considerations. The official stance favors preserving the stock PCV configuration unless using Ford-approved components and guidance. Owners should consult a dealer, understand warranty implications, and consider local regulations before attempting any modification. The safest course remains adhering to Ford's recommended configurations and seeking official guidance for any exception.

Summary: Ford's guidance cautions against catch cans due to PCV, emissions, and warranty concerns; while some enthusiasts pursue exceptions, consult your dealer and follow official recommendations to avoid issues.

Does Ford recommend fuel additives?

Ford does not recommend the routine use of aftermarket fuel additives, stating that modern fuels already contain sufficient detergents. However, some Ford-branded additives, like the Motorcraft 44K fuel system cleaner, are recommended for use at specific intervals, according to some sources. The use of unapproved additives can be harmful and may void your warranty, so it is best to follow the manufacturer's guidelines. 
Ford's general stance

• Ford generally advises against the regular use of aftermarket fuel additives because modern gasoline already contains detergents to keep the engine clean. 
• Using unapproved additives can potentially cause damage to your fuel system and may not be covered by your warranty. 

Specific recommendations (as reported by some sources)

• Motorcraft 44K Fuel System Cleaner: Some sources suggest this product is recommended by Ford for use at every oil change (approximately every 7,500-10,000 miles). 
• Motorcraft Air Intake & Valve Cleaner: This cleaner is reportedly recommended by Ford for use every other oil change (approximately every 15,000-20,000 miles). 
• Motorcraft Anti-Gel Diesel treatment: This is a specific product recommended for diesel engines to help with cold-weather performance and fuel line protection. 

Key considerations

• Always check your vehicle's owner's manual for official recommendations on fuel and additives. 
• If you have concerns or your engine has a specific issue, consult a qualified Ford technician for guidance. 
• Using additives as directed and using only those that are explicitly approved by Ford can help prevent damage and maintain your warranty. 

Does Ford have a recall on Cam phasers?

Ford does not have an active, open recall for cam phasers, but has issued customer satisfaction programs and extended warranty coverage for the issue. These programs addressed the problem in certain 3.5L EcoBoost engines, but some owners have reported the issue returning after the program was completed. The original programs (like 21N03) provided a limited warranty extension for cam phaser noise, and dealers were instructed to first perform software updates and replace parts if necessary. 

• Initial programs: Ford initiated customer satisfaction programs (like 21N03) and Service Technical Bulletins (TSBs) to address cam phaser noise in affected 3.5L EcoBoost engines. These programs often included a PCM (Powertrain Control Module) software update and an extended warranty for the cam phasers. 
• Warranty extension: The coverage provided by these programs had an expiration date, and some owners report the issue returning after the coverage has ended. 
• Dealer actions: Dealers were instructed to perform the updates and replace parts as needed under the program, but some reports indicate that the replacement parts may have been from the older stock, which was also susceptible to failure. 
• Current status: As of late 2025, any open recall would have been for a different issue, such as a recent recall for a moonroof wind deflector on certain models. For the cam phaser problem, owners may now have to pay for repairs if their vehicle is outside the extended warranty period. 

Why don't manufacturers install catch cans?

The reason catch cans are not fitted to passenger vehicles is purely from a user experience. Most people don't even check their oil. So they would never empty their catch can. This would lead to a lot of issues when people start having problems and try to claim warranty.

What are the downsides of oil catch cans?

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.