Are you sick of your car engine’s subpar performance? The mobile autocare experts in Australia talk about a simple solution – installing an oil catch can. This tiny device is just another one of those frequently forgotten parts that further boosts the power, efficiency, and longevity of your vehicle.
So, are you intrigued to learn about the importance of the Oil Catch Cans and how you can reap benefits by installing them in your car? Keep your eyes peeled on this piece as we will talk about it all, starting from the mechanism to the installation process.
What is an Oil Catch Can?
Oil catch can is another term used to refer to a crankcase ventilation filter or PCV filter. This device captures oil and other contaminants from the crankcase ventilation of the engine. It is usually set between the engine’s Positive Crankcase Ventilation Valve and the intake manifold. The operating pressure in the crankcase results from the piston displacement and piston rings once the engine operates.
The crankcase pressure finds its way into the intake manifold through the PCV valve when it is open. However, this pressure also comes laced with oil vapours and other harmful particles. The oil catch can kit can intercept these vapours, letting the cleaner air enter the intake manifold while the contaminants get trapped in a reservoir.
This device behaves like an oil and air separator, which catches the droplets of oil rising from the air flowing through the breather system inside the engine. As the engine runs, the pressure inside the crankcase increases, which is cleared out by the PCV valve. Thus taking all the incorporated oil vapours and contaminants with it. The oil catch can is installed in the line between the PCV valve and the intake manifold.
The oil-laden air is subsequently passed through a catch can, with the presence of baffles or filters to trap those oil droplets. The components make the air turn and slow down the process, giving ample opportunity for the heavier oil particles to separate. It is then collected at the bottom of the catch can. Finally, this clean air then goes out and proceeds to the intake manifold, while the oil stays trapped in the reservoir.
After learning about the basic mechanism of these devices, let’s take a look at the Oil Catch Cans benefits.
What is The Purpose of an Oil Catch Can?
These tiny but mighty cans give quite a few benefits to your car. They keep the intake manifold free from oil and contaminants, which ensures it is clean and everything runs well. This can make the car have better fuel economy, reduce its emissions, and extend the lifetime of the engine. To conduct a full car inspection, contact a reliable mechanic today who knows how to do their job.
Also, oil catch cans help prevent sensitive engine parts like the turbocharger or supercharger from being damaged by the oil buildup. They are mostly regarded as a performance modification and, in many situations, it does play an important role in keeping the health of a stock engine. This is especially true in vehicles that have fitted a direct injection system and, hence, are more prone to carbon buildup.
That being said, here are some additional benefits of using an oil catch can:
- Reduced Carbon Buildup: Oil catch cans can help prevent carbon buildup on intake valves and other engine components. This is especially beneficial for direct injection engines, which are more prone to such buildups.
- Improved Engine Performance: By keeping the intake system clean and free of contaminants, oil catch can diesel can improve engine performance. This includes horsepower, torque, and throttle response.
- Extended Engine Life: Reduced carbon buildup and improved performance can help extend the overall life of your engine.
- Cleaner Oil: These devices can help keep the engine oil cleaner by preventing contaminants from entering the crankcase. It can help improve oil life and reduce the frequency of oil changes.
- Reduced Maintenance Costs: By preventing engine damage and extending the life of components, oil catch cans can help reduce long-term maintenance costs.
How to Install an Oil Catch Can?
While installing an oil catch can be a pretty straightforward DIY operation for most, it’s very important to dig out your particular vehicle’s manual or seek help from a Mobile Vehicle Inspection specialist. Otherwise, an incorrect installation can have undesirable effects.
That being said, here are the steps to install an oil catch can in your car:
Assemble your tools and parts like:
- Oil catch can kit
- Hose clamps
- Socket wrench
- Ratchet
- Ratchet and screwdriver
- Safety gloves and glasses
Step 1: Locate the PCV Valve
It is typically a small valve mounted to the hose near the valve cover of the engine. While conducting Vehicle Inspections, once you find it, remove the hose from the PCV valve.
Step 2: Install the Oil Catch Can
Secure the Car oil catch cans firmly onto the appropriate spot close to the engine bay. Ensure that it is placed at the right location where it won’t be exposed directly to a source of heat or any damage.
Once you have done that, attach one end of the included hose to the inlet port of the oil catch can. Connect the other end of the hose to the inlet port that is located on the PCV valve.
Step 3: Connect the Outlet Hose
Locate the oil catch can outlet port and connect a hose to this port. Route this hose to a suitable location on the intake manifold.
Step 4: Leak Test
Start the engine and observe the oil catch can for signs of drippings. Check the hoses and connections for signs of leaks. If you observe any signs, tighten connections or replace the damaged hoses.
As the whole process is cumbersome, car mechanic mobile service saves you time and hassle because they generally come to your preferred location, thus cutting down the hassle attached to going to the service provider. So leverage their service today and reap the benefits from the comfort of your home.
Why Do You Need an Oil Catch Can for Your 4WD?
An oil catch can diesel is useful for 4-wheel drive vehicles where conditions are tough off-road. Such automotive often encounter steep hills and uneven ground, usually putting added stress on the engine.
This stress itself leads to increased oil blow-by when the vapours of the oil just escape the crankcase and mix with the intake air.
As the mechanics mobile explains, without a catch can, the oil particles can find their way into the intake system of the engine and cause carbon buildup and other performance-related issues. Therefore, an oil catch can is vital in 4WD as a good engine has to execute tasks for difficult and harsh off-road conditions. The device not only captures but also separates oil contaminants from the engine, thereby ensuring it is clean for optimal performance.
Read more: What Happens if You Overfilled Engine Oil in a Car?
So, where do you get one?
Most cars do not have such parts pre-installed as it generally increases the manufacturing cost. However, after learning the benefits, you must consider adding them to your arsenal for optimal performance. This is where car roadside assistance can be of superior help as they can facilitate services anywhere. That being said, rely on reputed professionals like Mobile Mechanic Adelaide, who are qualified to do the job.
