Yes, we all used to think that oil catch cans don’t do much for our vehicles, but think again! As oil catch tanks are necessary to keep the engine’s intake clean, you should never ignore it. And keeping that in mind, many brands are coming up with their catch can ranges!
It has been proved that oil catch cans will help you keep the engine neat and also will keep all the contaminants away. So, it is now necessary to add a catch tank in your vehicle!
And for your convenience, we have come up with two different methods on how to install an oil catch can! One is the store-bought catch can installation method for the busy people. And the other one is for DIY lovers! Have a look, and thank us later!
Table of Contents
What is an Oil Catch Can?
An oil catch can is a device that is installed in your crankcase ventilation system. The name tells you everything about it! It does the work of catching oil.
The engine runs with oil. And when the engine runs, along with water vapor, oil vapor also releases.
Moreover, if you install an oil catch can, it can catch the oil vapor that recirculates inside the intake of the engine.
Step by Step Oil Catch Can Installation
Store-bought Oil Catch Can Installation
What you Need
- Oil Catch Can
- Mounting Brackets
- Pre-formed hoses
- Fasteners
Step 1: Get the Right Catch Can
In the process of how to install an oil catch can, firstly, you need to ensure the quality of your catch can. Get a good quality catch can because if it is not right, you are just wasting your money!
Get the right oil catch can by research. Besides, pick up the correct mounting brackets along with the pre-formed hoses. You will also need some fasteners.
Step 2: Mounting the Brackets
Look where the mounting brackets of your vehicle are located. In most cases, it is usually located on the driver side inner guard.
First of all, take the drain tube and install it onto the can. Now, you have to secure the tank to the brackets.
But before that, route it properly! Add both of the brackets to the car. Next, you can easily bolt the oil catch can to the bracket!
Step 3: Attaching the Can
Now, you have to add the catch tank with the engine bay mounting bracket. Don’t forget to put an adequate amount of pressure on tightening it.
Don’t keep it too loose, but don’t make it too tight. Move and adjust it to place it correctly. Make sure that the inlet hoses can extend and reach the right place.
Step 4: Running the Lines
We know people fear this step, but we can give you easy ways to get done with it! First of all, you have to get your hands on the supplied hose clamps.
Make sure you have kept them loose at first so that you can work with them later. Now that you are done with adding it loosely, you have to take one hose and add it to the inlet of the catch tank.
The other hose will go to the outlet. A small tip for you is to keep the heat sources away when working on this process. Above all, don’t keep the moving parts close!
Step 5: Running the Drain Line
In conclusion, you have to step forward to running the drain line. Run it to the inner wheel arch that is situated on the passenger side.
Moreover, make sure you are doing it correctly. Take time and re-do it if needed. Make sure you can drain the oil out without hitting anything. And you are done with installing the oil catch can!
DIY Oil Catch Tank Installation
What you Need
- Rubber Hose
- Air Filter of a Motorcycle
- Copper Fittings
- Steel Fiber
- Epoxy Putty
- Aluminum Bottle
- Car Fire Extinguisher Mount
- Bolts and Nuts
- Self-tapping Screws
Step 1: Fitting the Rubber House Section
First of all, you have to work with the rubber house section. Take it and set it on the aluminum water bottle.
Fit it on the mouth of the bottle. Make sure that the seal is tight and perfect. On the other hand, you don’t need to worry about the accidents because there will be only gas!
Step 2: Drilling the Hole
Now that you are done sealing it, you have to move to make a hole. Check the water bottle, and with your imagination, divide it into three parts.
Now locate the position that is two thirds from the bottom of the aluminum bottle. In this process, you can easily buildup sludge, and there will be no worries of clogging.
Step 3: Widening the Hole
Here, all you need to do is widen the hole. With the help of a round file, you can expand it a bit. It will not be too difficult for you.
You have to keep in mind that you are using an aluminum bottle. And, so it is usually soft and comfortable to modify.
Step 4: Installing the Copper Fitting
After you are done with making the hole a little larger, you have to get your hands on the copper fitting. Take the epoxy putty and the copper fitting together.
Put the mixture on the base of the copper fitting. While installing the copper fitting, you will need a wrench. You can settle for brass fitting too!
Step 5: Trapping Oil and Water
Here, you want to keep the water and oil trapped inside the bottle. Also, you need to keep the carbon deposits inside the container.
After you have done the copper fitting installation, you have to get ready to put the steel fiber inside the bottle. Take the aluminum bottle and put the steel fiber inside it.
Step 6: Selecting the Right Fit
Now, you can install the engine bay. The best way to make the process easy is to get a car fire extinguisher mount for it. Take the help of a rubber to keep it fixed and firm.
Before you install the catch can, you have to rely on some trails to get the right fit. Go through where it fits perfectly.
Step 7: Placing the Oil Catch Can
If you are working with a medium-sized aluminum bottle, you can install it in the front portion. Go through the carburetors and install the tank before the carburetors.
Keep in mind that the installation will not be so easy. Get a steel rail for the next step. You can easily keep the catch can in its place with the steel rail, trust us!
Step 8: Preparing the Oil Catch Can
Now, you have to get the other gears like the nuts and the bolts. Put the nuts and bolts in its right place.
Don’t forget to add the self-tapping screws. After doing all these, your oil catch tank will be prepared to connect with the valve cover!
Step 9: Connecting the Valve Cover
As you see that your oil catch can is ready, you can try connecting the valve cover now. But first, get a ⅜ inch rubber hose. With the hose, you can easily attach the valve cover to the copper fitting.
You should always remember that engine movement can easily ruin the whole process by disconnecting it. So, it is better to be careful before you get into it!
Step 10: Reducing the Contaminants
After installing it, you will feel that there is a reduced amount of oil vapor going to the combustion chamber.
Also, your intake tract is clean! It will also benefit the direct-injected engine! There will be less buildup in the intake manifold of your engine! Catching the contaminants is easy, right?
FAQs on Oil Catch Can Installation
Does an oil catch tank add horsepower?
Users often think that an oil catch tank can improve horsepower, but this is a myth. The work of an oil catch tank is to catch the oil inside the engine’s intake.
It will not add any power. Meanwhile, it has nothing to do with cool noises. But with the help of it, you can get a clean intake tract with reduced oil. So, you can run the engine to the most power possible!
Is an oil catch can worth it?
Yes, an oil catch can is worth your money and effort. People might think that there is no use in adding it. However, the oil catch tank can help the engine intake stay neat.
It can prevent the contaminants from getting inside the engine intake. As a result, there will be no unwanted buildup. So, your engine will breathe fresh and run better! On the contrary, the engine life will increase too!
Does the oil catch tank need breathers?
No, you don’t need to install breathers if you have an oil catch tank installed. All you need to do is install an oil catch can to your vehicle and leave it. Make sure the system is properly sealed.
Wrap Up
Now that you know how to install an oil catch can, are you ready to do it? Get the gears ready and go for it. The oil catch can will not only keep the engine safe but will also increase the engine life!
Follow the steps and do it. Also, let us know in the comment box which method worked best for you!