Catch can in northern climates

2000rpm

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I installed a UPR catch can during the summer. During the first 2 months only accumulated maybe 1/2 tsp of oil. Now that the weather is cold (MN), I'm accumulating 1/2 a can a month of oily water mixture every month. I'm assuming it is mainly water condensation (I tried to light it but can't get it to burn so probably not fuel).

Are others in a cold climate noticing the same (much more condensation in cold weather)?
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RangerMerp

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How long is your commute? I could see shorter commutes resulting in a lot of water from blow-by condensing in the can. Burning gas does create a lot of water, so blow-by gasses would naturally have a fairly high water content. My theory would be that the water vapour wouldn't condense once everything got up to temperature under the hood. Instead, it would be pulled through the can and run through the intake as normal.

Can you separate the oil-water mixture from the can? It should separate on its own, given enough time. I'm interested to know whether you catch more actual oil in cold weather.
 

Marshal.

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It’s mostly condensation. I check mine every fill up in the winter time, and typically end up emptying it, since it’s 1/3-1/2 full. It’s very normal in cold temps, up here it’s usually -20C to -30C. Once it warms up in the spring and summer, I can go 6 months without emptying the catch can.
Whenever I drive the vehicle, it’s typically 20-30 minutes of straight highway driving before I get into the city, so they aren’t short commutes.
 

HenryMac

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It’s mostly condensation. I check mine every fill up in the winter time, and typically end up emptying it, since it’s 1/3-1/2 full. It’s very normal in cold temps, up here it’s usually -20C to -30C. Once it warms up in the spring and summer, I can go 6 months without emptying the catch can.
Whenever I drive the vehicle, it’s typically 20-30 minutes of straight highway driving before I get into the city, so they aren’t short commutes.
You empty the catch can when you put gas in your truck... Question.. Where are you dumping it?
 

Ace Holliday

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I installed a UPR catch can during the summer. During the first 2 months only accumulated maybe 1/2 tsp of oil. Now that the weather is cold (MN), I'm accumulating 1/2 a can a month of oily water mixture every month. I'm assuming it is mainly water condensation (I tried to light it but can't get it to burn so probably not fuel).

Are others in a cold climate noticing the same (much more condensation in cold weather)?
I am noticing more condensation in my catch can in South Kalifornikstan even!
 


OP
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2000rpm

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Thanks for the replys. Sounds normal then.

The UPR catch can is mounted pretty far forward and doesn’t get very warm, especially when driving. I suspect that adds to the condensation.
 

NvrFinished

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Yeah, I posted this in the large catch can thread. When these cans are mounted far away from the engine they will collect a lot more water than oil. This is especially true for the Ranger with such a large engine compartment and a 4 cyl. engine that will take a while to heat up that compartment (and can).
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