What is the point of a catch can?
As a seasoned auto service provider, I often encounter questions about various components that enhance vehicle performance and longevity. One such component is the catch can. In this article, we will explore what a catch can is, its purpose, and why it is a valuable addition to your vehicle's engine system.
What is a Catch Can?
A catch can, also known as an oil catch can or breather can, is a device installed in the engine's positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system. Its primary function is to capture and contain oil vapors and other contaminants that would otherwise be reintroduced into the engine's intake system. This helps maintain cleaner air entering the combustion chamber, ultimately improving engine performance and efficiency.
Why Use a Catch Can?
There are several compelling reasons to consider installing a catch can in your vehicle:
- Reduces Oil Contamination: By capturing oil vapors, a catch can prevents them from mixing with the air-fuel mixture, which can lead to carbon buildup on intake valves and other engine components.
- Improves Engine Performance: Cleaner intake air can enhance combustion efficiency, leading to better throttle response and overall engine performance.
- Extends Engine Life: By minimizing the amount of oil and contaminants that enter the combustion chamber, a catch can can help reduce wear and tear on engine components, potentially extending the life of your engine.
- Enhances Fuel Efficiency: A cleaner combustion process can lead to improved fuel efficiency, saving you money at the pump over time.
How Does a Catch Can Work?
The operation of a catch can is relatively straightforward. Here’s how it typically works:
- The PCV system directs crankcase gases, which contain oil vapors, into the catch can.
- As these gases enter the catch can, they cool down, causing the oil vapors to condense and separate from the gases.
- The condensed oil collects at the bottom of the catch can, while the cleaner gases are allowed to flow back into the intake system.
Conclusion
In summary, a catch can is a valuable addition to any vehicle, particularly for those who seek to optimize engine performance and longevity. By capturing oil vapors and contaminants, it helps maintain a cleaner intake system, ultimately leading to improved efficiency and reduced wear on engine components. If you're considering enhancing your vehicle's performance, a catch can is certainly worth the investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do catch cans add horsepower?
Enhanced Performance: Oil catch cans can increase horsepower and torque output by reducing carbon buildup and maintaining proper airflow. The engine can breathe more freely and efficiently, resulting in a more responsive and powerful driving experience.
Should every car have a catch can?
If there were an epidemic of engines clagged to death from oil blow-by, then a catch can (or other systematic countermeasure) would be built in at the factory - subject to legislative compliance. Modern engines are designed to recycle exhaust gas.
Is a catch can illegal?
Catch cans are absolutely legal, and on some superbly designed diesel engines, they actually come as a standard feature. Does a catch can add horsepower? No. However, installing a catch can will make sure your engine is highly efficient with a clean intake tract, free of oil.
How often should I empty a catch can?
Ryco advises that after fitting the RCC360 Catch Can, drain the Catch Can Sump after 1000 kilometres of driving and measure the amount of oil that comes out, taking into account the 290ml Catch Can Sump capacity.
What do you need a catch can for?
An oil catch can is an accessory that captures and filters excess oil from entering the engine's intake manifold. It's not always fitted by manufacturers in vehicles, but they are commonly found in diesel, turbocharged and supercharged engines.
What is the benefit of a catch can?
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.
When should I use a catch can?
They connect to your vehicle's crankcase and filter blowby gases which will turn to thick sludge over time. This chokes the intake of your four-wheel drive's engine. Not pretty stuff. This is why many people recommend fitting a catch can to prevent this issue.
Is it worth installing a catch can?
However, if you are planning on buying a well-used, or high mileage diesel vehicle that does, or may consume excessive amounts of engine oil under certain operating conditions, fitting a well-made oil catch can from a reputable manufacturer may very well save you many thousands of dollars.
Does a catch can add horsepower?
Enhanced Performance: Oil catch cans can increase horsepower and torque output by reducing carbon buildup and maintaining proper airflow. The engine can breathe more freely and efficiently, resulting in a more responsive and powerful driving experience.
