Ebay oil catch can vs. name brand?

[an orange crayon]

what is the difference between the 2 cans? the ebay ones are 20$, some name brand up to 100. what is the difference?

[JusMX141]

I just had a guy send me a message the other week regarding his 16G which began dumping oil into the o2 housing after a new generic catch can install....one of the custom units that had no vent. That's correct, zero crankcase ventilation.

Spend money and get something that works, or save money and buy something that damages other shit on your car....that's the general pattern of buying parts on eBay.

[an orange crayon]

Originally Posted by JusMX141

I just had a guy send me a message the other week regarding his 16G which began dumping oil into the o2 housing after a new generic catch can install....one of the custom units that had no vent. That's correct, zero crankcase ventilation.

Spend money and get something that works, or save money and buy something that damages other shit on your car....that's the general pattern of buying parts on eBay.

ok makes sence, Thanks.

[TSiAWD666]

The cheaper ones usually have no baffling to prevent oil from splashing into the outlet of the catch can, nor any filters to help the oil vapor coalesce inside the can instead of letting them enter your intake.

[RamenPride]

I had an ebay catchcan. It was basically just a shiny empty container with two hose barbs at the top.

[Kapok6]

I have a Calan catch can with a setup nearly identical to Paul's. 99gstracer I think??

Anyway, I had the stupid, two stock hoses coming off the VC feeding to a catch can with a little filter on top. All this on a built motor with a 3065. Its was one of those things I learned the hard way. That is NOT the correct way to have a catch can set up. I was springing multiple oil leaks everywhere, blowing my dipstick out and spraying oil all over the place, etc. So I decided to do a proper crank case vent system. I made an intake pipe out of HVAC ducting and fiberglassed it. Used a -12 bulkhead fitting like paul, etc. Since the install of this system I have not blown my dipstick out once, nor have I seen any more oil leaks.

You need to have vacuum pulling air through the valve cover. The mitsu engineers weren't stupid, they knew what they were doing when they used the intake pipe as a source for vacuum. Not only does it help prevent oil leaks, but it also helps the rings seat better. Proper crank case vent system ='s more power.

There is another way to do it as well, one I have yet to try. The V8 guys do it and I have seen where some supra guys have done it. THe exhaust (downpipe) is the vacuum source, so it goes directly from the VC to the downpipe and any oil that gets by is just burnt up so there is really no need for a catch can in this scenario.

So there is my $02...

[Tiki2777]

Originally Posted by JusMX141

I just had a guy send me a message the other week regarding his 16G which began dumping oil into the o2 housing after a new generic catch can install....one of the custom units that had no vent. That's correct, zero crankcase ventilation.

Spend money and get something that works, or save money and buy something that damages other shit on your car....that's the general pattern of buying parts on eBay.

What do you mean by vent? Are you talking about the filter on top of the catch can? Calan's catch cans don't use those. Why would they be necessary? I thought like others have said that you just need a good baffled catch can with a vacuum source (IE straight off the intake). However, I am only talking about the VC port to the left, not the PCV valve to the IM. The main reason to use a catch can is to not get oil in your intake, turbo, and IC.

[rEclipserGST]

Never thought about using the exhaust as a source for vacuum. Anyone else try this route instead of using the intake?

[liquidsilver]

So it seems that in general it's more what to look for in a catch can and what makes them efficient. Baffling, multiple ports, viewing windows are nice.

Personally I just put a fuel filter in the line. I have a brand new Greddy catch can in the box though if I ever choose to use it. I'll probably end up selling it though. I like shiny things, but I also like light weight, clean and effective.

[bettfootball]

^ I also just use a small inline filter. Still have zero oil in it.

[BurrowZ]

Originally Posted by liquidsilver

So it seems that in general it's more what to look for in a catch can and what makes them efficient. Baffling, multiple ports, viewing windows are nice.

Personally I just put a fuel filter in the line. I have a brand new Greddy catch can in the box though if I ever choose to use it. I'll probably end up selling it though. I like shiny things, but I also like light weight, clean and effective.

A fuel filter is not clean, nor effective. My guess is you haven't had it on there too long. It will gunk up and plug up very soon. You are on the right track on what to look for in a catch can besides that though.

This might be a good read:
The 4G63T PCV System

EDIT: I don't want to start any arguments on whether an inline fuel filter works or not. Yes, it works. You will probably have to change it when your change your oil. If it gets clogged and you can't tell it is, that can be dangerous and can cause you to blow out your dipstick/turbo seals/valve seals/valve cover gasket etc. I am only suggesting using a catch can because it is a proven method and doing things right the first time prevents issues down the road. Literally.

[Kapok6]

Originally Posted by Tiki2777

What do you mean by vent? Are you talking about the filter on top of the catch can? Calan's catch cans don't use those. Why would they be necessary?

Calans catch can does not need a breather filter on top because there is vacuum in the system due to the turbo pulling it in. If you are going with a catch can that is not properly plumbed like pauls setup, you need a vent on top of the can so pressure can escape. Otherwise all the blowby is creating pressure inside the crank case, and the pressure has nowhere to go. This is bad for obvious reasons.

[JusMX141]

Originally Posted by Tiki2777

What do you mean by vent? Are you talking about the filter on top of the catch can? Calan's catch cans don't use those. Why would they be necessary? I thought like others have said that you just need a good baffled catch can with a vacuum source (IE straight off the intake). However, I am only talking about the VC port to the left, not the PCV valve to the IM. The main reason to use a catch can is to not get oil in your intake, turbo, and IC.

I'm talking about one of these babies.




You'd hook the two lines from the valve cover to this baby, and where is it going to vent? In fact, how is oil even going to get there? It would be like trying to gravity-fill a sealed container....obviously the airspace has to exit or it will never fill with anything but pressure, and the crankcase can't vent whatsoever. Install this and you'll effectively go from decent crankcase ventilation to none.

[liquidsilver]

Originally Posted by BurrowZ

A fuel filter is not clean, nor effective. My guess is you haven't had it on there too long. It will gunk up and plug up very soon. You are on the right track on what to look for in a catch can besides that though.

This might be a good read:
The 4G63T PCV System

EDIT: I don't want to start any arguments on whether an inline fuel filter works or not. Yes, it works. You will probably have to change it when your change your oil. If it gets clogged and you can't tell it is, that can be dangerous and can cause you to blow out your dipstick/turbo seals/valve seals/valve cover gasket etc. I am only suggesting using a catch can because it is a proven method and doing things right the first time prevents issues down the road. Literally.

Very true lets stay on topic . Reference for those that are interested the option Install a catch can for your DSM (2G). I'm not sure what the difference is on a 1G.

[bryanwheat]

Originally Posted by JusMX141

I'm talking about one of these babies.




You'd hook the two lines from the valve cover to this baby, and where is it going to vent? In fact, how is oil even going to get there? It would be like trying to gravity-fill a sealed container....obviously the airspace has to exit or it will never fill with anything but pressure, and the crankcase can't vent whatsoever. Install this and you'll effectively go from decent crankcase ventilation to none.

The 2 port cans are made to be installed between the valve cover and intake pipe. You would leave the pcv in place and not mess with it.

[PieEyedPiper]

Originally Posted by liquidsilver

So it seems that in general it's more what to look for in a catch can and what makes them efficient. Baffling, multiple ports, viewing windows are nice.

Personally I just put a fuel filter in the line. I have a brand new Greddy catch can in the box though if I ever choose to use it. I'll probably end up selling it though. I like shiny things, but I also like light weight, clean and effective.

Originally Posted by bettfootball

^ I also just use a small inline filter. Still have zero oil in it.

Originally Posted by BurrowZ

A fuel filter is not clean, nor effective. My guess is you haven't had it on there too long. It will gunk up and plug up very soon. You are on the right track on what to look for in a catch can besides that though.

This might be a good read:
The 4G63T PCV System

EDIT: I don't want to start any arguments on whether an inline fuel filter works or not. Yes, it works. You will probably have to change it when your change your oil. If it gets clogged and you can't tell it is, that can be dangerous and can cause you to blow out your dipstick/turbo seals/valve seals/valve cover gasket etc. I am only suggesting using a catch can because it is a proven method and doing things right the first time prevents issues down the road. Literally.

Took the words right out of my mouth. Yes there might be some benefit to the fuel filter, but using it shouldn't really be recommended for the exact reasons above. I thought I was awesome for a good couple of years in fact, before I realized I was doing more harm than good.

Justin, about that catch can.. do the instructions tell you to hook it up that way, or? Cause you'd have to be a pretty special guy to just go ahead and hook it up like that without someone over your shoulder insisting that it must be done this way.

It's blowing my mind, even if there are instructions. I don't see why the can wouldn't function properly if connected properly. Sounds like user error more than anything.

EDIT: My post was late but thank you! Also reading my mind.

Originally Posted by bryanwheat

The 2 port cans are made to be installed between the valve cover and intake pipe. You would leave the pcv in place and not mess with it.

[Calan]

Originally Posted by JusMX141

I just had a guy send me a message the other week regarding his 16G which began dumping oil into the o2 housing after a new generic catch can install....one of the custom units that had no vent. That's correct, zero crankcase ventilation.

For those of you not making the connection here, excessive CC pressure can cause issues with oil draining from the turbo back to the oil pan, especially when using a small return line. Justin can speak more to this, but if you can't drain oil from the turbo you aren't going to flow as much through it, and it may cause the flow to choke off and back up in the CHRA. At least that is my working theory.

Originally Posted by rEclipserGST

Never thought about using the exhaust as a source for vacuum. Anyone else try this route instead of using the intake?

It's actually been tested. Using the exhaust isn't nearly as effective as the turbo inlet; there just isn't enough velocity for good scavenging. There are also other factors to consider if you still run the stock PCV setup (fresh air source), and possibly with the effects of dumping oil vapor into your exhaust for any length of time, depending on the location of sensors, etc.

Originally Posted by liquidsilver

Personally I just put a fuel filter in the line.

Originally Posted by bettfootball

^ I also just use a small inline filter. Still have zero oil in it.

Horrible idea IMO. Even brand new, they have a pretty large pressure drop when used for slow moving, oil saturated air, and after only a few hours of use they basically become a restriction.

You are better off running an empty can vented to atmosphere than you are putting a restriction like that between the VC and turbo.

Originally Posted by liquidsilver

Reference for those that are interested the option Install a catch can for your DSM (2G).

Notice when that page was last updated? We've learned a few things in the last ten years.

[JusMX141]

Originally Posted by PieEyedPiper

Justin, about that catch can.. do the instructions tell you to hook it up that way, or? Cause you'd have to be a pretty special guy to just go ahead and hook it up like that without someone over your shoulder insisting that it must be done this way.

It's blowing my mind, even if there are instructions. I don't see why the can wouldn't function properly if connected properly. Sounds like user error more than anything.

Given the country of origin, I highly doubt there will be any type of instructions....just "special" installers.

[iugrad92turbo]

Funny justin special installers, glad i never invested in one of those things when i first started out. Ive learned what to stay way from when it comes to my money and car.

[an orange crayon]

Well i got an ebay catch can given to me, actually it is the exact one that you pulled up that picture on. Just was wondering if its worth hooking it up or buying a good one, but now i know, buy the good ones haha.

[GofaST4life]

I used a that exact catch can on my last DSM.

I tapped it, added a breather filter. Never had one problem.

[Calan]

Originally Posted by GofaST4life

I used a that exact catch can on my last DSM.

I tapped it, added a breather filter. Never had one problem.

Just out of curiosity, how much CC pressure did you measure with it?

[GSTurbo1]

Originally Posted by JusMX141

I'm talking about one of these babies.




You'd hook the two lines from the valve cover to this baby, and where is it going to vent? In fact, how is oil even going to get there? It would be like trying to gravity-fill a sealed container....obviously the airspace has to exit or it will never fill with anything but pressure, and the crankcase can't vent whatsoever. Install this and you'll effectively go from decent crankcase ventilation to none.

I bought one like this that is vented... what if I stuff it with something to hold the oil.

[Calan]

Originally Posted by GSTurbo1

I bought one like this that is vented... what if I stuff it with something to hold the oil.

If it's not recirculated, then there's no reason to stuff it with filter material. If anything, maybe add a simple baffle to prevent splash at the vent filter, or if you are pushing a LOT of liquid and blowby, then maybe a couple of slanted perforated screens to break up the flow going into it.

Otherwise, just leave it empty.

[GofaST4life]

Originally Posted by Calan

Just out of curiosity, how much CC pressure did you measure with it?

Never had it measured. Not sure how.

But she did stop pulling oil into the intake, which is good.



If this is wrong, i'd love to know why and what should be done correctly.

[91tizzy]

Gofast If your still running a mass air flow system watch your fuel trims when using a vented catch can...lows and mids will be maxed out rich because of the unmetered air coming through the filter on the can going back into the intake at idle and partial throttle.

Read the pcv thread posted above...

Catch can running behind the mass needs to be completely sealed or it is basically a bad vacuum leak at idle for the system.

[boost97gst]

I have the exact one in the pic. Its not installed yet. Ive checked my intake pipe/turbine wheel several times and theres no oil. I have boosted to 27psi. I just have a good system or engine i guess. My pcv functions well so no boost is getting into the VC and the comp numbers are perfect. Ill install it sooner or later and cut it open to baffle it. I think it will work fine.
And why the hell would anyone hook both hoses from the VC to a catch can?? LMAO, thatd b funny.
Oc course one goes to vc and the other to intake pipe.

[Calan]

Originally Posted by boost97gst

I have the exact one in the pic. Its not installed yet. Ive checked my intake pipe/turbine wheel several times and theres no oil. I have boosted to 27psi. I just have a good system or engine i guess. My pcv functions well so no boost is getting into the VC and the comp numbers are perfect.

If it's not installed yet, how is everything working so perfectly? And if everything is working that well, why would you want to install something different?

I'm confused.

[NathanCarlK]

Yeah, If its running fine why would you change it? "If it aint broke dont fix it"

[liquidsilver]

Originally Posted by Calan

Horrible idea IMO. Even brand new, they have a pretty large pressure drop when used for slow moving, oil saturated air, and after only a few hours of use they basically become a restriction.

You are better off running an empty can vented to atmosphere than you are putting a restriction like that between the VC and turbo.

You're right. After 400-500 miles a little puddle of oil began to collect towards the bottom of the filter. I would imagine that would eventually turn into an issue. So I'll be taking the filter setup off and running a catch can.