Engines are sophisticated machines, and as they work to keep you moving, they also generate byproducts that can eventually lead to performance issues. One critical component to help keep your engine in top shape is the catch can. While it’s not standard in every car, a catch can is a small investment with big benefits, especially in today’s high-performance vehicles. Let’s break down why catch cans are beneficial, what symptoms they address, and why these issues happen in the first place.

A catch can, also known as an oil catch can, is a device installed in your car's PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) system to capture oil and other contaminants before they reach the engine intake. This addition helps prevent these contaminants from causing carbon build-up in your engine, which can lead to various performance issues.

Oil Catch Can Replacement in a GU Nissan Patrol by East-West Autos

To understand the need for a catch can, it’s important to understand the role of the PCV system:

PCV System Purpose: The PCV system is designed to allow gases from the engine’s crankcase to escape. As these gases travel, they pick up oil vapor and other contaminants. Without a catch can, these contaminants are routed back to the intake, allowing them to enter the combustion chamber. Click on this link for further information on the PCV valve https://srvc.video/CzHr

Engine Oil Contamination: When oil vapor mixes with fuel and air, it forms deposits on the intake valves, throttle body, and intake manifold. Over time, this leads to a carbon buildup that can impact engine performance and fuel efficiency.

Turbocharged Engines: Turbo engines are particularly susceptible to this issue as they produce higher pressures and temperatures, leading to more oil vapor being drawn back into the intake system.

When oil and other contaminants enter the intake system, the following issues may arise:

Symptoms of Oil Contamination in the Intake System

Reduced Power: Contaminants coat the intake valves, reducing air intake efficiency and potentially affecting engine performance.

Increased Fuel Consumption: With less efficient air intake, the engine may consume more fuel to maintain performance levels.

Idle Issues and Rough Running: Excess buildup can disrupt airflow, potentially causing rough idling or engine hesitation.

Check Engine Light: In severe cases, buildup may trigger the check engine light due to poor combustion efficiency.

Carbon Deposits: Over time, carbon buildup on the valves can create long-term damage, requiring costly maintenance.

A catch can acts as a filter in the PCV system, capturing oil, moisture, and other contaminants before they enter the intake. Here’s how this simple device may help with these symptoms:

Reduces Carbon Build-Up: By trapping oil and other deposits, a catch can help reduce carbon buildup on the intake valves and throttle body.

Supports Engine Efficiency: With cleaner air entering the combustion chamber, your engine can run more efficiently, leading to smoother performance and possibly improved fuel economy under certain conditions.

May Extend Engine Life: By reducing wear from oil deposits, a catch can help reduce wear on your engine’s components.

Helps Protect Turbocharged Engines: Turbo engines, with higher pressures, benefit from catch cans, which help manage the extra oil vapor produced.

Frequently Asked Questions About Catch Cans

Q: Why isn’t a catch can standard in all vehicles?
A: While highly beneficial, catch cans aren’t typically included in standard vehicles due to cost and manufacturing priorities. However, aftermarket catch cans are widely available and may benefit performance cars, turbocharged engines, and vehicles with direct injection.

Q: Will a catch can affect my warranty?
A: This depends on the manufacturer and the installation. Adding aftermarket components may affect your warranty coverage, so it’s always a good idea to check with your vehicle manufacturer or dealer regarding specific warranty terms.

Q: How often should I empty my catch can?
A: For best results, check your catch can every oil change. Some catch cans are clear or have sight tubes to easily monitor oil levels.

Q: Can I install a catch can myself?
A: While it’s possible to install a catch can yourself, for best results and to ensure compliance with warranty terms, we recommend professional installation of all aftermarket components.

Adding a catch can to your vehicle’s PCV system is an excellent way to protect your engine and enhance its performance. Whether you drive a turbocharged car, a high-performance model, or simply want to extend the life of your engine, a catch can is a wise investment. 

Contact East-West Autos to learn more about catch can installation options for your vehicle and take a proactive step toward maintaining your engine’s health!

As your local Mechanic in Moe, East-West Autos share why catch cans are essential for maintaining your engine’s performance and efficiency. Discover how they help prevent carbon buildup and protect turbocharged engines.

Understanding the Importance of Catch Cans for Engine Performance

If you're a proud owner of a Ford Ranger and looking for top-notch service, repairs, or upgrades, East-West Autos in Moe is your go-to specialist. We are dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the performance of your 4WD including new car servicing, ensuring it's always ready for your next adventure.

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East-West Autos recently had the pleasure of performing a 20,000km log book service on a Ford Ranger. Regular servicing is crucial to keep your vehicle in optimal condition and ensure it’s ready for those long road trips. Thanks to our thorough approach, you can have peace of mind knowing your Ranger is in prime shape for daily driving and any holiday adventures. Maintaining your new car service schedule with us ensures safe and enjoyable travels.

One of our recent projects involved upgrading a Ford Ranger with a new transmission cooler. This upgrade is essential for maintaining optimal transmission temperature, especially when towing or off-roading. By keeping the transmission cool, we significantly extend its life and enhance performance under strenuous conditions. At East-West Autos, we tailor solutions to meet your specific needs. Contact us today or book online to discuss your requirements.

We also cater to essential repairs and replacements for your Ford Ranger. Recently, we worked on a Ranger that required new injectors, new glow plugs, and a rocker cover gasket replacement. During this process, we noticed a significant carbon build-up in the intake manifold. If left untreated, carbon build-up can adversely affect the engine’s performance and fuel economy. To prevent this, we performed an intake carbon clean, ensuring the engine runs smoothly and efficiently.

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 Expertise: Our team consists of highly skilled professionals with extensive experience in servicing, repairing, and upgrading Ford Rangers.

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At East-West Autos, we are committed to keeping your Ford Ranger in peak condition. Whether you’re preparing for a road trip, need urgent repairs, or want to enhance your vehicle’s capabilities, we’re here to help. Visit us in Moe or book online to experience our exceptional service.

Keep your Ford Ranger adventure-ready with the experts at East-West Autos. Safe travels!

Ensure your Ford Ranger is adventure-ready with expert services, repairs, and upgrades by East-West Autos in Moe. Book online for tailored solutions and 4WD needs.

Professional Ford Ranger Service, Repairs, and Upgrades in Moe - East-West Autos

Your car's suspension and steering are critical for stability, good handling and ultimately safety whilst on the road.  That's why a regular suspension and steering service that includes inspection of the overall suspension and steering system, will protect the longevity of your tyres and the efficiency of your vehicle.

At East-West Autos, we have highly trained mechanics that are familiar with all types of steering and suspension systems. We are able to inspect, diagnose and discuss possible maintenance and/or repairs that are required for your car. 

A regular suspension and steering service that includes inspection of the overall suspension and steering system, will protect the longevity of your tyres and the efficiency of your vehicle.

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East-West Autos have a wealth of experience in servicing all makes and models, including commercial fleet vehicles. As a Repco Authorised Service centre, they have a commitment to high quality workmanship, ensuring the very best in automotive care.


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