Oil Catch Can. Yes or No?

[PNW_Ranger87]

Engineering explained. Not sure if this one in particular has been posted. One thing he said that really piqued my attention was "any of these are better options than doing nothing at all."

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[beetlespin]

So which of these catch cans include a sensor to tell you when it's getting full?

What happens when you forget to empty one of these when it's full?

 

[HenryMac]

Wonder why only half the valves saw reduced deposits...

 

[Rick - Saber]

Wonder why only half the valves saw reduced deposits...

He explains this in the video. The valves that got the most build up are the ones closest to the PCV inlet at the intake manifold (located between valves 4 and 5). The contaminants follow the path of least resistance and go to the nearest open valve for each cylinder. In this dual intake valve per cylinder example that means valves 2, 4, 5 and 7.

 

[HenryMac]

He explains this in the video. The valves that got the most build up are the ones closest to the PCV inlet at the intake manifold (located between valves 4 and 5). The contaminants follow the path of least resistance and go to the nearest open valve for each cylinder. In this dual intake valve per cylinder example that means valves 2, 4, 5 and 7.

But I thought the catch can was supposed to "catch" the contaminates?

The chart clearly shows nearly zero difference at all on half the valves, so what's the point? It's good information though.

Using the guy in the video's logic, if it does anything at all it's worth doing... and that's just flawed logic.

Looking forward to results from folks here that are installing the catch cans on Rangers... to see what they are getting and if there is tangible evidence that the cans are actually worth installing. Actual real world results from unbiased users in real world conditions.

 

[Rick - Saber]

You might want to try watching that part of the video again.

The deposits were acquired when the PCV was connected to the intake runner on a stock DI engine that did not have a catch can. The next part of the test was done with the PCV not routed into the intake runner at all.

 

[PNW_Ranger87]

Using the guy in the video's logic, if it does anything at all it's worth doing... and that's just flawed logic.

I'm curious why you think that's flawed logic? If it's beneficial to a measurable extent then I feel like depending on your definition of worth I would think it should be done.

 

[HenryMac]

I'm curious why you think that's flawed logic? If it's beneficial to a measurable extent then I feel like depending on your definition of worth I would think it should be done.

Measurable to the extent that it is a benefit to the end user, a benefit being it prevents future failures or maintenance issues.

i know these cans collect "stuff". The question is would that stuff have been an issue in a 2.3 Ranger engine if the can wasn't there?

Looking forward to results from folks here that are installing the catch cans on Rangers... to see what they are getting and if there is tangible evidence that the cans are actually worth installing. Actual real world results from unbiased users in real world conditions.

 

[RCMUSTANG]

I've already posted a couple times with pictures of the junk I've collected over a time period.

 

[I_smell_like_diesel]

The video that this chart was taken from... the test was not performed with a catch can. They just vented the crankcase vapors to some other place (atmosphere or condensed and collected? Didn't specifically say.)

I ran a catch can for a very short while (was curious) and all it seemed to collect is mostly water and a slight amount of fuel (enough fuel to light with a match but it would not hold a flame). I ended up taking it off because I'd rather be burning that fuel instead of throwing it into my waste oil. Also I think having fuel vapors running though the intake may help keep the valves somewhat clean as well. In addition, someone mentioned that PCV vapors it could aid in keeping the valve seats and guides lubricated.

Just my $0.02. I'm not an Engineer, I just fix things......

 

[HenryMac]

I've already posted a couple times with pictures of the junk I've collected over a time period.

And thanks. But from what I'm seeing, I'm not convinced that this small amount of "junk" in 1100 miles will be an issue. What oil are you running? Do you use 93 octane top tier fuel?

 

[RCMUSTANG]

And thanks. But from what I'm seeing, I'm not convinced that this small amount of "junk" in 1100 miles will be an issue. What oil are you running? Do you use 93 octane top tier fuel?

1. Look to my second picture of how much I picked up. 2. Mobil 1 full synthetic. 3. There is not 93 or 92 around here. Also, fuel has nothing to do with the amount of oil being sucked back into the intake. You think that amount of oil is ok? Then don't get one. As I mentioned several times my intake is now bone dry since the catch can. It was coated before. That would include all the intake tract, turbo and intercooler.

 

[DavidR]

i know these cans collect "stuff". The question is would that stuff have been an issue in a 2.3 Ranger engine if the can wasn't there?

We will never know the detailed answer to that. Ford has likely torn down many engines that were run under different conditions, and know exactly the degree to which carbon buildup occurs, but we will never see the results of that since it is proprietary.

You can easily find cases of valve coking on Ecoboost engines, and you can find cases where Ford has replaced entire head assemblies under warranty, so it sometimes does occur within the warranty period, but nobody knows how those vehicles were run, how they were maintained, and nobody knows how often problems occur or at how many miles they typically occur. While there seem to be fewer problems than with VW or BMW GDI engines, the problems are not nonexistent.

What separates the folks here is how they respond to the very limited data, knowing that problems can and do occur but not knowing how often or under what conditions. The data is limited and people are dividing on whether or not to take any preventative measures, which is fine either way, IMHO.

 

[Roofhopper]

I decided to install the JLT when my truck was at 12k miles after pulling off the throttle body at around 10k miles and finding it completely coated in oil

The truck currently has 13,500 miles and I haven’t noticed any negative effects of having the catch can installed. The plan is to re-inspect throttle body at 20k but I may do it at 15k after the next dealer oil change. I’ve only checked the contents of the can once so far after about 500 miles and it picked up about an equal amount of oil as what I found on the back of the throttle body. Sorry I didn’t take an accurate measurement at the time but enough oil to cover 1/4 of a blue shop towel. Will try to find time this weekend to pull can and measure contents, will definitely post results

 

[DavidR]

You might not see much of a change in oil on the throttle body. The reason is that the JLT, by default, installs in the PCV (non-boost) crankcase return path. Those gasses are introduced after the throttle body. Any oil on the TB is coming from the on-boost path where gasses are returned from the valve cover to the turbo inlet because the PCV path will not return gasses with positive pressure in the manifold.

To see a change here, you would need to route the on-boost path (what some people call the CCV path) through a catch can or oil separator. Currently, none of the common plug-and-play kits do that for the Ranger. You need to rig it up yourself.

I decided to install the JLT when my truck was at 12k miles after pulling off the throttle body at around 10k miles and finding it completely coated in oil

The truck currently has 13,500 miles and I haven’t noticed any negative effects of having the catch can installed. The plan is to re-inspect throttle body at 20k but I may do it at 15k after the next dealer oil change. I’ve only checked the contents of the can once so far after about 500 miles and it picked up about an equal amount of oil as what I found on the back of the throttle body. Sorry I didn’t take an accurate measurement at the time but enough oil to cover 1/4 of a blue shop towel. Will try to find time this weekend to pull can and measure contents, will definitely post results

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