Catch Cans and Diesel engines

rockylizard · Guru

Catch Cans and Diesel engines

Sahara05 · Veteran Member

Hi Rocky

have notched up nearly 300,000 no can no probs yet have heard of runaway diesels mostly large American jobs.

a lot of highly modified tractors very few aus tugs,paranoid? Perhaps.

Jeff

Baz421 · Guru

4.2 turbo Landcruiser,,, EGR blocked off,,,, more power at part throttle,,, no difference to fuel economy,,, only done about 25,000km ago at a guess

MY diesel company advised catch can not required for the engine,,, I think they are honest as they said I'm wasting my time fitting 3" exhaust,,, they could have taken my $1600 but talked me out of it,,,, says a lot IMHO.

Radar · Guru

rockylizard wrote:
Gday...
"if anyone who has a 'high Km' diesel engine BUT who has had a catch can installed for many years, refrained from comment. It is the 'high Km' vehicles that have not had a catch can that attracts my interest."
Cheers - John

Hi John

Nissan Navara V6 inter cooled turbo 3 litre. 2014

At the last service 100 000 kilometres. Phone call from our service guy. "Has your garage floor got any oil on it". My answer was no. "Get back to you".

Later when picking car up our work shop service guy explains the oil leak. The oil is leaking out of the inter cooler as it has a crack in it.

My first concern on this expensive ute was why the oil coming out the crack, he goes on to say all modern diesel motors do have the waste oil flumes going back into the motor and second thing the courts are out whether a catch cans a good idea or not.

Inter cooler is another story, after market $1300 or genuine $2000 plus and both plus fitting, R & R the whole front of the car. Not a five mimute job.

I have been hoping for ideas as to what to do about the inter cooler and do I fit a catch can.

A friend just brought a new Hi lux and had a catch can fitted at time of purchase but that not reassuring.

Hope we find some good comments. Ralph

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

If theres oil in intercooler ? Wheres it coming from ? Two possibilities. Turbo seal or bypass through crank ventilation . The trouble is SOME out there charge big money for a $100 catch can . My old 6.5 Detroit doesnt require one as it vents old style to altmospher ! May change it myself to make it a little more EPA friendly . Either catch can into inlet or exhaust drag race style . Where exhaust pulls vacuum .,

Dickodownunder · Guru

Hi John
Thanks for trying to keep a topic actually on topic.
I have a MY 2014 200 series LC and I have had a catch can fitted from new.
First up, my decision was two fold in as much as the catch can is legal and does not affect vehicle manufacturers warranty and the fitting of this equipment actually gives an astute owner the ability to monitor the outcome of the fitment and its result.
I should point out that he total blocking of the EGR valve is easy to do but renders the vehicle illegal.
That is all I am saying re blocking the EGR.
With my vehicle, I fitted it, after research had indicated that some 200 series LCs did suffer from congested intake ports due to engine breathing oil vapour being fed back into the intake. It is now more known that it was the earlier models which could suffer his condition depending on its use.
With my 2014 vehicle I have actually removed very little oil from the catch can. In fact, in the catch can here is only a coating of oil each time I check it.

John, I probably dont quite fit your criteria as my vehicle is going in for the 90,000 service tomorrow but if any member on here wants to research searches such as oil clogged intakes etc will find the results of the effects of recirculating oil fumes from the engine.

Because your enquiry is more than likely based on your own vehicle you may find some more info if there exists forums for your make and model.
In any case in my opinion as an old tradie mechanic, a catch can can be no harm and is not a big expense compared to an engine de-coking job should it be needed.

rockylizard · Guru

Dickodownunder wrote:
Hi John
Thanks for trying to keep a topic actually on topic.
SNIP~~~if any member on here wants to research searches such as oil clogged intakes etc will find the results of the effects of recirculating oil fumes from the engine.

Because your enquiry is more than likely based on your own vehicle you may find some more info if there exists forums for your make and model.
In any case in my opinion as an old tradie mechanic, a catch can can be no harm and is not a big expense compared to an engine de-coking job should it be needed.

Gday...

It certainly is very easy to get photographic/video evidence of "oil clogged intakes" on vehicles because of the effects of "recirculating oil fumes".

I am really more interested in 'high Km' vehicles that have not had a catch can fitted and how their diesel engine has performed, and is performing, for this 'high Km' usage.

Thanks for the thought, but I am not looking for advice on fitting a catch can to my vehicle - irrespective of what the expense, or lack of it, may be.

cheers - John

Dickodownunder · Guru

rockylizard wrote:
Dickodownunder wrote:
Hi John
Thanks for trying to keep a topic actually on topic.
SNIP~~~if any member on here wants to research searches such as oil clogged intakes etc will find the results of the effects of recirculating oil fumes from the engine.

Because your enquiry is more than likely based on your own vehicle you may find some more info if there exists forums for your make and model.
In any case in my opinion as an old tradie mechanic, a catch can can be no harm and is not a big expense compared to an engine de-coking job should it be needed.
Gday...
It certainly is very easy to get photographic/video evidence of "oil clogged intakes" on vehicles because of the effects of "recirculating oil fumes".
I am really more interested in 'high Km' vehicles that have not had a catch can fitted and how their diesel engine has performed, and is performing, for this 'high Km' usage.
Thanks for the thought, but I am not looking for advice on fitting a catch can to my vehicle - irrespective of what the expense, or lack of it, may be.
cheers - John

Sorry...is it just you just need to confirm that these modern diesel vehicles dont benefit from the fitment of a catch can?

Up until this point only one other post on your topic has provided the info and comments that you desire.

If that is the case then go your hardest... there will always be someone who claims absolute perfection without one fitted.

Having said that, the cross cut result of comment from this forum will be somewhat limited and therefore not likely to have any accuracy at all when reflecting the results of the broader diesel vehicle performance

Call me cynical if you like, I just wonder if your Disco may not have had a benificial result from fittment.

Is this the result of what your expectations are as a result of this topic?

-- Edited by Dickodownunder on Monday 21st of January 2019 08:07:03 PM

-- Edited by Dickodownunder on Monday 21st of January 2019 08:34:49 PM

-- Edited by Dickodownunder on Monday 21st of January 2019 09:06:54 PM

rockylizard · Guru

Dickodownunder wrote:
rockylizard wrote:
Dickodownunder wrote:
Hi John
Thanks for trying to keep a topic actually on topic.
SNIP~~~if any member on here wants to research searches such as oil clogged intakes etc will find the results of the effects of recirculating oil fumes from the engine.

Because your enquiry is more than likely based on your own vehicle you may find some more info if there exists forums for your make and model.
In any case in my opinion as an old tradie mechanic, a catch can can be no harm and is not a big expense compared to an engine de-coking job should it be needed.
Gday...
It certainly is very easy to get photographic/video evidence of "oil clogged intakes" on vehicles because of the effects of "recirculating oil fumes".
I am really more interested in 'high Km' vehicles that have not had a catch can fitted and how their diesel engine has performed, and is performing, for this 'high Km' usage.
Thanks for the thought, but I am not looking for advice on fitting a catch can to my vehicle - irrespective of what the expense, or lack of it, may be.
cheers - John
Sorry...is it just you just need to confirm that these modern diesel vehicles don't benefit from the fitment of a catch can?
Up until this point no other post on your topic has provided the info and comments that you desire.
If that is the case then go your hardest... there will always be someone who claims absolute perfection without one fitted.
Having said that, the cross cut result of comment from this forum will be somewhat limited and therefore not likely to have any accuracy at all when reflecting the results of the broader diesel vehicle performance
Call me cynical if you like, I just wonder if your Disco may not have had a benificial result from fittment.
Is this the result of what your expectations are as a result of this topic?

Gday...

You always amuse me Dickodownunder. You have an uncanny knack of taking anything that is posted and twisting it to something that you think better fits your idea of things.

My interest is simple - are there folk on the forum who have 'high Km' vehicles and who have yet to fit a catch can. That then begs the question of how well, or badly, has that vehicle/engine performed up until now ... any problems etc ... and how is it performing currently.

Why do you have to apply your 'conspiracy theory' mindset to a simple question.

You, as always, assume. I have not said that my "disco" has a catch can .. or that it doesn't have a catch can. I have offered ABSOLUTELY no judgement on catch cans.

Others have commented and their experiences are varied ... that is to be fully expected. Indeed, you commented and offered your experience. Thank you and that was appreciated.

Perhaps we just sit back and see if folk do provide some more varied comment on their experience over the coming days - pertinent to the question of the topic.

That is, of course, if your 'conspiracy theory' interjection has not dissuaded folk from bothering.

Cheers - stay well and travel well - John

wanna-go2 · Veteran Member

Hi John

i dont post very often but your request caught my eye.

i have a 2009 3.2lt common rail Triton with no Catchcan and its done 512,000 plus Klms. everything on the motor is still original. The Oil is changed every 10000klm without fail and it only uses about half a litre (at this date) between oil changes. The Ute has been worked hard, towing between 3 and 4hundred Klms per day.

ive attached photo of speedo.

Elob · Member

NT Pajero, no catch can. About 210,000 kms and still going strong.

landy · Guru

Land Rover Defender TD5 motor no catch can 240 000 always been used for towing and no known problems
Hope I haven't just jinxed it.

-- Edited by landy on Monday 21st of January 2019 10:07:51 PM

the ginger nomad · Senior Member

4/2011 Mitsubishi Challenger 235000 km no catch can!

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Hi Rocky and Dicko, I was going to share some popcorn with you both but it must be hot where you both are, it is here, so here is an icecream each instead.

images (5).jpeg

Dickodownunder · Guru

Thanks Doug,
Looks inviting... you are right, it is hot at the moment. I will eat it quickly before it melts.

Eaglemax · Guru

Are you "waffling on" Dougwe...:)

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

A Lady with 2.5 triton drives short trips . Only 46,000ks I fitted or changed the crankcase breather system so better chance of oil / vapour due to short trips . It ran a lot better. Disconnected EGR is actually illegal and big fines if caught An oil seperator / catch can is not illegal if correctly fitted . High use and well serviced vehicles may not have issues. Diesels are a little different PVC wise . As diesels dont have vacuum in the intake .

Dickodownunder · Guru

Aus-Kiwi wrote:
A Lady with 2.5 triton drives short trips . Only 46,000ks I fitted or changed the crankcase breather system so better chance of oil / vapour due to short trips . It ran a lot better. Disconnected EGR is actually illegal and big fines if caught An oil seperator / catch can is not illegal if correctly fitted . High use and well serviced vehicles may not have issues. Diesels are a little different PVC wise . As diesels dont have vacuum in the intake .

Youre game Aus-Kiwi 46000 klm s is hardly his criteria and neither is how it is driven. biggrin

He only wants to know about cars that havent had a catch can fitted which is very limiting.

I can imagine how many people will come on here and pe prepared to tell everyone that there engine choked up because they didnt fit one.

You will be safe, it is only my comments he has a problem with.

Anyway on with the survey.

Mobi Condo · Guru

G'day from a happy 21 year old "poverty pack" 80 series Nov 96 build with after market turbo 4.2 Litre 1HZ motor, and now at 400,000 k
having been pulling 3.5 tonne van for 130,000 of those k's.

No catch can, change oil and filter at 5000k have the service man go over it at 100,000 intervals (those services hurt the pocket a bit) and it purrs like a kitten still.
I picked up a vital clue from a chap running Tag-a-longs to keep the revs up rather than "lug" the motor as my father (a mechanic) said diesels were meant to do. Instant improvement, NO smoke (unburnt fuel going out as soot) and far better performance.

Hope I didn't go to far O.T.

Cheers

SouthernComfort · Guru

I had another contribution to make, but I won't bother. Frightened me off.

No wonder so few members ever contribute anything in here.

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Bugga, I finished my ice cream then I run out a popcorn furious

It's OK though cos I will make some more biggrin

Santa · Guru

rockylizard wrote:
Kebbin wrote:
rockylizard wrote:
It seems all because of one member of this thread who has a penchant for disembowelling, reading their own interpretation, and deriding my posts it has not only now driven away anyone who had thought of posting - and ripped ANOTHER thread to pieces on this usually excellent forum.
Cheer - John

Not sure why they do this John, seems to be somewhat unique to this forum, couple of other places I inhabit don't have the issue, perhaps it's an age related thing. wink

Anyhow, back on topic, we have a Transit common rail 276,000 km, no catch can, no major issues so far, change oil and filters well before the recommended 10,000 km, uses no oil between changes. smile

-- Edited by Santa on Tuesday 22nd of January 2019 09:15:27 AM

Dougwe · Chief one feather

May as well throw my bit in.

I have 110,000kms on the dial, no 'catch can' that I know of and runs well but it is a Collie so expect nothing different smile

I say "Know of" cos I don't even know what one is. I am only an old Indian Chief when all is said and done cry

Keep Safe on the roads and out there.

Bobdown · Guru

What's a catch can? and do I need one in my 2015 LC, 4.5 lt twin turbo with 65,000 k's all towing.

Sorry for my ignorance, but have never heard of one until reading the above.

Do I need a pre fuel filter these days of common rail diesels?

Cheers Bobdown

Hewy54 · Senior Member

Bobdown wrote:
What's a catch can? and do I need one in my 2015 LC, 4.5 lt twin turbo with 65,000 k's all towing.

Sorry for my ignorance, but have never heard of one until reading the above.

Do I need a pre fuel filter these days of common rail diesels?

Cheers Bobdown

The breather pipe from the engine recycles through the motor so oil vapour may collect in the intake manifold(simplified version).

Do you need one - not sure, that's why Rockylizard is looking for feedback.

Yes I would highly recommend a pre fuel filter in a common rail diesel.

To answer the original question, I have 112000 km on my Bt50, no catch can, no problems so far.

blaze · Guru

The highest milage vehicle I have owned was a disco 2 with no catchcan, no problems either. Had the EGR removed before I got it. Very close to 400 000 km, no oil use. It was also running diesel gas and a modified ECU. Had a engine failure after hitting a pallet near Port Hedland that took out the front RHS front wheel and a coolant pipe, engine gone before I could off the road.

Juggenaut · Veteran Member

Im with Dougwe and Bobdown, never heard of a catch can, would I have one on my 2018 D Max?

yobarr · Guru

Bobdown wrote:
What's a catch can? and do I need one in my 2015 LC, 4.5 lt twin turbo with 65,000 k's all towing.
Do I need a pre fuel filter these days of common rail diesels?

Cheers Bobdown

Always wise to have another filter before the factory filter. I fitted 5 micron filter,as I learned that fitting something up around 30 microns is akin to fitting a one metre square cat flap to your front door....Cheers

Eaglemax · Guru

Those wondering what a catch can is....just google it. Saves clogging up the thread.

fwdoz · Guru

On my previous vehicle a 2010 Nissan Pathfinder, I did install a catch can & did 160,000km. Did I ever find much in that catch can? Not a lot, but there was some in there. In all the time I owned the vehicle I never had any power issues or filth issues.

I now have a 2013 Prado with no catch can at this point of 38,000kms. Whether I choose to fit one may be decided after our Nullarbor trip in March. Will give the vehicle a good going over once we get back to see how it handled it all. Modifications to be done, if any, will happen before the Cape York trip in 2020.