Would appreciate input on a catch can install :)!

[TrevorS]

I've decided to install a catch can between the valve cover engine vent and the intake pipe. I bought one via Ebay that's very similar to the Megan. It arrived Friday and today I cobbled together a bracket to hang it from my OE battery box (very short of space under the hood )! Had to reorient the fuel filter exit hose to make it work.

Presuming this location/mounting works out, the next problem is the hose fittings on the tank are 1/2" ID, whereas the OE fittings on my '90 GSX are 1/4" ID (3/8" ID hose). Not sure what the best way is to resolve the mismatch. (Adapters? Stretch out one end of the hose?) The can drain port is 3/8" ID and the only way that's occurring to me to drain it (short of removing the can) is to attach a longish hose that would normally be raised and pinched off, but lowered to a convenient nearby spot for draining when needed. I've yet to deal with the interior of the can, but won't leave it as received.

Here are some photos to help get the idea across and show the location. I'm interested in any suggestions that help me get a decent result.

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Thanks much !

 

[GRAVEDIGGER]

I think you bought a goofy catch can. The 1/2" fittings at the top are just too big unless you have a custom bung welded to the valve cover and intake pipe. I don't really like the drain either. Usually they have a valve to open or close the drain, but since you don't have one, I guess you're right in the fact that you'll have to pinch it off and mount it up high. I also think you're mounting it a bit far away from where it should be when hooking up from the v/c breather to the intake pipe. Sorry to sound so negative, but I'm just giving my opinion on the catch can. Maybe someone else can chime in with some help, but I'd almost rather get a new one rather than mess with that one. Good luck though.

 

[dsmdeliveryboy]

I'm gonna have to agree with the above post, your going to find running that catch can how you want will become difficult. I have a weapon r catch can and its very nice and only cost me around $40 I believe.

 

[TSITurbo95]

You can get new hose barbs to fit your application. Hit up lowes/home depot and get the appropriate hose barbs you need.

 

[Boomdeeze]

If you run the catch can to a good vacuum source like the intake pipe, you will be fine as to where you have put it. I have mine tucked up in the top left corner of the engine bay and mine operates perfectly. That catch can is some what like mine except my drain is on the bottom and is just a sealed screw that you loosen to let it drain. My catch can also has the same fittings on the top. I ran the 1/2 hose to a T the had one 1/2 and two 3/8 so I could run the PCV valve and the breather to it. Then ran the other fitting on the catch can to my intake pipe where I installed a 3/8 fitting but cut a piece of 3/8 hose and put it over the fitting first to take up the gap and then slid the 1/2 hose over that. Works perfect

 

[TrevorS]

I think you bought a goofy catch can. The 1/2" fittings at the top are just too big unless you have a custom bung welded to the valve cover and intake pipe. I don't really like the drain either. Usually they have a valve to open or close the drain, but since you don't have one, I guess you're right in the fact that you'll have to pinch it off and mount it up high. I also think you're mounting it a bit far away from where it should be when hooking up from the v/c breather to the intake pipe. Sorry to sound so negative, but I'm just giving my opinion on the catch can. Maybe someone else can chime in with some help, but I'd almost rather get a new one rather than mess with that one. Good luck though.

I'm gonna have to agree with the above post, your going to find running that catch can how you want will become difficult. I have a weapon r catch can and its very nice and only cost me around $40 I believe.

You can get new hose barbs to fit your application. Hit up lowes/home depot and get the appropriate hose barbs you need.

If you run the catch can to a good vacuum source like the intake pipe, you will be fine as to where you have put it. I have mine tucked up in the top left corner of the engine bay and mine operates perfectly. That catch can is some what like mine except my drain is on the bottom and is just a sealed screw that you loosen to let it drain. My catch can also has the same fittings on the top. I ran the 1/2 hose to a T the had one 1/2 and two 3/8 so I could run the PCV valve and the breather to it. Then ran the other fitting on the catch can to my intake pipe where I installed a 3/8 fitting but cut a piece of 3/8 hose and put it over the fitting first to take up the gap and then slid the 1/2 hose over that. Works perfect

I agree the 1/2" ID ports are just a tad oversize (though perhaps not if the can is doing double duty -- PCV as well as vent), I was expecting 3/8" from other web comments about similar cans, but this is clearly oversize. My current thinking for the drain is an inline micro valve with an exit hose leading to somewhere convenient ! As suggested, the upper adapters could be replaced, but as far as I can measure, they're BSPP rather than NPT, which makes it a tad awkward.

I have in mind to insert a short length of 1/4" fuel hose in the interior of the port to the intake (vacuum source). It would rest against a stainless steel "scouring pad" to help capture wayward fluids.

I've requested a price for a couple 3/8 BSPP to 3/8" hose adapters, and am awaiting the reply. I've also ordered a valve and polyethylene adapters (both hose and NPT), so to be seen how they work out.

I thought about including the PCV and tried to remove the intake manifold fitting (to replace the PCV valve, valve function not being needed), but was unable to . (I also tried to open an old valve to remove the metering element, but again failed .) After removing the vacuum hoses, fuel rail, and beating my knuckles awhile, I finally gave up and put it all back together. I decided I really don't object to reburning the PCV effluent, but I'd genuinely prefer to keep the IC and TB clean. I'm expecting catching the vent discharge should pretty much accomplish that! In any case, that's my current thinking !

 

[jpmxrider489]

If there is a way to put the drain on the top and cap off the second and put a different drain. I got my fitting from advanced. They have brake fittings or you can go to lowes.

 

[Colt4G63 also]

I just told a customer with a supercharged Scion Tc to buy that exact same catch can. It's a piece of s##t, but it's cheap, and since you can open it up, it allows you to add baffles to make it into an effective catch can. The 1/2" hose barbs are just a bonus because the Scion crank breather hose happens to be 1/2".

 

[TrevorS]

If there is a way to put the drain on the top and cap off the second and put a different drain. I got my fitting from advanced. They have brake fittings or you can go to lowes.

Trouble is NPT fittings have a different thread design from BSPP. I'm thinking with a 3/8" valve in line with the existing 3/8" drain, it'll probably be more convenient for me to operate than with a bottom drain . Awkward getting under there and would prefer not to have to remove the can to drain it.

I just told a customer with a supercharged Scion Tc to buy that exact same catch can. It's a piece of s##t, but it's cheap, and since you can open it up, it allows you to add baffles to make it into an effective catch can. The 1/2" hose barbs are just a bonus because the Scion crank breather hose happens to be 1/2".

I definitely liked the price and 750ml seems decent too !

I have in mind to insert a short length of 1/4" fuel hose in the interior of the port to the intake (vacuum source). It would rest against a stainless steel "scouring pad" to help capture wayward fluids. !

Think I've got the interior nailed down (also some preemptive rattle and rubbing control). Switched to 3/8" copper pipe and the breather inlet instead of hose and intake.

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[Boomdeeze]

Trouble is NPT fittings have a different thread design from BSPP. I'm thinking with a 3/8" valve in line with the existing 3/8" drain, it'll probably be more convenient for me to operate than with a bottom drain . Awkward getting under there and would prefer not to have to remove the can to drain it.


I definitely liked the price and 750ml seems decent too !


Think I've got the interior nailed down (also some preemptive rattle and rubbing control). Switched to 3/8" copper pipe and the breather inlet instead of hose and intake.

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I was going to do something similar to this but was told that its a bad idea to put mesh or whatever that is in there for the fact that a little piece could brake off and go to your turbo.

 

[TrevorS]

I was going to do something similar to this but was told that its a bad idea to put mesh or whatever that is in there for the fact that a little piece could brake off and go to your turbo.

Certainly true for standard steel mesh that's likely to rust and otherwise degrade in the presence of moisture, but for stainless steel?

 

[TrevorS]

I was going to do something similar to this but was told that its a bad idea to put mesh or whatever that is in there for the fact that a little piece could brake off and go to your turbo.

Certainly true for standard steel mesh that's likely to rust and otherwise degrade in the presence of moisture, but for stainless steel?

I've spent time looking around and stainless steel mesh (as in kitchen scouring pads, but not traditional steel wool pads) appears a popular solution for catch cans. So, thanks, but I'm really not considering that to be a problem .

Finished my install today and here are the final photos.

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Admittedly, the 5/8" breather-to-can sheath is in approximate contact with the tower brace, but it's only barely there, and both can and brace are non-moving in comparison to the engine. Although I'd strictly prefer to be using 3/8" hose that was actually round (mine came significantly flattened ) I don't think there's a real problem with what I have.

Idea with the drain is to place an oil change pan under the drain hose and then open the valve to dump the can contents. Between dumps, the hose can tuck onto the rear lip of the forward crossbrace to stay relatively clear of road dirt. (Though, since the radiator drain hose stays clear of road dirt, I suspect there's no need.)

In any case, perhaps this thread'll be useful to others !

 

[Colt4G63 also]

Is that a washing machine hose filter? That looks like perfect media for that. I don't think it will clog or come apart at all in there.

 

[TrevorS]

Is that a washing machine hose filter? That looks like perfect media for that. I don't think it will clog or come apart at all in there.

Thanks for your support dude ! I really don't see any likelihood of fragmentation and debris infiltration to the intake. I used three stainless steel scouring pads and removed the embedded sponges intended to maintain their shape. I see there are also copper mesh pads available, so I guess it depends on what appeals most. Still, it's up to the vehicle owner to decide what works for them! Again, thanks !

 

[Boomdeeze]

That looks good man and I may install some of that stainless mesh into mine or just weld in a baffle since mine is open like yours was. But I like the drain setup and looks like it makes for an easy drain.

 

[TrevorS]

I also think you're mounting it a bit far away from where it should be when hooking up from the v/c breather to the intake pipe. (...) Good luck though.

I'm gonna have to agree with the above post, your going to find running that catch can how you want will become difficult. I have a weapon r catch can and its very nice and only cost me around $40 I believe.

I'd have liked to install the can nearer the breather, and would also have liked to actually bolt it in. Trouble is, my engine layout is pretty much stock and I just don't see where it could be located -- unless perhaps below the air filter in which case it would be very inconvenient to maintain. Although the breather pipe is slightly longer than the original, there's not much in it.

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Looked for the Weapon-R cans and here's the link, but it appears the price has climbed a little. The description doesn't say anything about the interior.

Weapon-R

The big things for me in choosing a can were price, fill gauge, and being able to open it. There were others on Ebay that appeared to be closed, but without an interior description, I could only presume them empty.

That looks good man and I may install some of that stainless mesh into mine or just weld in a baffle since mine is open like yours was. But I like the drain setup and looks like it makes for an easy drain.

Thanks ! From reading on the net, I'm under the impression stainless steel mesh is actually a good choice, perhaps not bettered by solid baffles. You may want to look around and see what makes most sense to you. I got the valve from US Plastics -- item# 030788.

 

[bjones18]

I got the same catch can. For the same reason as you, I took it apart and put a screen between input and output.

It is interesting that some think 1/2" inlets are over sized, when others are running two lines to the can. IMO a single, large diameter vent is simplest; calculate the flow area of two small lines versus one larger line, flow-area goes with the square of diameter. I dis-assembled the pcv valve, bored the NPT end for max flow and JB'd it inside a HDepo brass-90-new clamp-style home water fittings. This size ~matched the catch-can for hose dia. I think I had to use a heat gun to get the Si hose on.

The only issue I see is your battery is in the way. lower your CG, get better weight distribution, and free up underhood package. rear battery.