Why do we need oil catch cans?
Piston rings, although designed for a tight fit, never achieve a complete seal. This imperfection leads to the escape of pressurised gases generated during the combustion process into the crankcase, a phenomenon known as “blow-by.” Blow-by is an inherent characteristic of modern internal combustion engines and can create several issues for engine health and performance. When gases infiltrate the crankcase, they can significantly increase the internal pressure. This elevated pressure can cause serious problems such as damaged crank seals, which may lead to oil leaks. Furthermore, these issues can diminish the engine’s overall performance, affecting its efficiency and responsiveness.
To manage these crankcase gases, vehicles are equipped with a Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system. This system plays a crucial role in recycling the gases back into the intake air stream, allowing them to be burned off during the combustion process. However, the recycled PCV air is often laden with oil vapor and water vapor, which can adversely affect the fuel mixture. When this contaminated air combines with fuel, it can reduce the effective octane rating of the mixture, ultimately leading to a decline in performance.
In simple terms, when air quality is compromised, engine power and efficiency suffer—resulting in less horsepower. In essence, the gases vented through the PCV system consist of a mixture of oil vapour, water vapour, and unburned fuel, highlighting the importance of oil catch cans in trapping this unwanted material before it can negatively impact engine operation.
As time goes by, a sticky sludge begins to accumulate within your intake system, creating a thick coating on the intake manifold and intake valves. This gradual buildup not only narrows the intake pathway but also restricts the essential airflow into the engine, negatively impacting performance. For those with turbocharged engines, this sludge can infiltrate the intercooler as well, further diminishing its effectiveness and efficiency.
To combat this issue, a well-designed oil catch can can serve as a valuable solution. It works by capturing harmful vapors and rerouting them back into the intake system, drastically reducing the potential for sludge accumulation. However, it’s important to note that some deposits will still make their way into the intake system. For complete elimination of this buildup, venting the catch can directly to the atmosphere is required. We recommend this method primarily for track or off-road vehicles, and it’s advisable to position the vent hoses as far away from the driver as possible to ensure safety and minimise exposure.
Fuji Racing offers versatile dual oil catch tanks that are compatible with virtually any engine. Each tank is designed with ORB-10 threads, enabling customers to easily attach an array of fittings tailored to their specific plumbing configurations, thus providing a customizable solution for effective vapour management and improved engine performance.