Wascally Wabbit1
Drag Racing Champion
I thought I would post this as I have read tons of questionable information regarding catch cans on variois forums...and the Superbowl is a snoozer currently. They are quite easy to set up and clean if you get a can intended for the purpose and don't try and cheap out on some eBay special or build your own. I was reading a mustang forum post earlier and was surprised how many people were saying an air compressor air oil seperator from harbor frieght was just as good as the over priced catch cans being sold. Many people try and go this route only to get frustrated that they are too small and a PITA to service. These are not intended to be easy to service as they are for applications with long service intervals. There are tons of DIY catch can threads and I don't recommend going that route.
Pony up for a good one and you'll see why they are so expensive. These are not just cans. They are usually constructed out of heafty billet Al and well engineered with specific mountms and fittings for the car and purpose. When I got my APR can I was a little miffed at the price. Once I got it I was impressed and felt this thing will outlast the car, and the next one, and the four after that. If price is a concern try and find a used one but even used they are still pricey. Cheap out and you've just made the good one more expensive when you scrap the cheap POS and buy a good one.
For my setup a catch can is a must. If you're still running the stock PCV than the need is up to you, but if you ever had
the P0106 code pop up again and again you'll probably agree it's nice to have.
Placement
Place it somewhere easy to access. For me right up front using one of the headlight bolts to secure the mount.
Takes literally 15 seconds to remove 2 hose fittings and 1 bolt.
Media
Make sure the media is easy to clean. I prefer baffles over steel wool type media. And this is why...
That is totally normal. Remember a catch can separate air/oil/water leaving oil/water behind in the catch can. That cheese is what you get when oil absorbs moisture. If you ever see that under your oil cap that is not a good sign.
Service
Pick a can that is easy to service or you'll hate it.
For mine it's only 5 bolts. Maybe a minute to open.
Pull the media.
Clean the media and can. Maybe 5 minutes.
Put it back in the car.
And you're done. Simple.
Vented vs Sealed
Choosing vented or sealed is up to you but if you're running the can back to the intake it can't be vented or it's just a big vacuum leak. I say get a non-vented can then you can use it for both use cases. Just put a filter on the output side of the can. If it's a vented can there is only one input and can't be used for a vacuum setup.
Botton Drain
A nice to have but you'll still need to open it to clean the media so IMO it is not really necessary and not something I would base a purchase decision on.
Bottom line is if you want a catch can buy a good one that is intended for your purpose and set it up right with serviceability in mind and you'll be stoked you have it.
...a side note on freezing
There are considerations for the can in winter so the water in the can doesn't freeze but I live in California at the beach so I don't know much about this subject.
...and someone finally scores with 7 minutes left in the 4th. About time.
Pony up for a good one and you'll see why they are so expensive. These are not just cans. They are usually constructed out of heafty billet Al and well engineered with specific mountms and fittings for the car and purpose. When I got my APR can I was a little miffed at the price. Once I got it I was impressed and felt this thing will outlast the car, and the next one, and the four after that. If price is a concern try and find a used one but even used they are still pricey. Cheap out and you've just made the good one more expensive when you scrap the cheap POS and buy a good one.
For my setup a catch can is a must. If you're still running the stock PCV than the need is up to you, but if you ever had
the P0106 code pop up again and again you'll probably agree it's nice to have.
Placement
Place it somewhere easy to access. For me right up front using one of the headlight bolts to secure the mount.
Takes literally 15 seconds to remove 2 hose fittings and 1 bolt.
Media
Make sure the media is easy to clean. I prefer baffles over steel wool type media. And this is why...
That is totally normal. Remember a catch can separate air/oil/water leaving oil/water behind in the catch can. That cheese is what you get when oil absorbs moisture. If you ever see that under your oil cap that is not a good sign.
Service
Pick a can that is easy to service or you'll hate it.
For mine it's only 5 bolts. Maybe a minute to open.
Pull the media.
Clean the media and can. Maybe 5 minutes.
Put it back in the car.
And you're done. Simple.
Vented vs Sealed
Choosing vented or sealed is up to you but if you're running the can back to the intake it can't be vented or it's just a big vacuum leak. I say get a non-vented can then you can use it for both use cases. Just put a filter on the output side of the can. If it's a vented can there is only one input and can't be used for a vacuum setup.
Botton Drain
A nice to have but you'll still need to open it to clean the media so IMO it is not really necessary and not something I would base a purchase decision on.
Bottom line is if you want a catch can buy a good one that is intended for your purpose and set it up right with serviceability in mind and you'll be stoked you have it.
...a side note on freezing
There are considerations for the can in winter so the water in the can doesn't freeze but I live in California at the beach so I don't know much about this subject.
...and someone finally scores with 7 minutes left in the 4th. About time.
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