Just reviving this thread cause im working on this mod now

 

i loved doing this . it's like sweat equity .

 

n/m

 

Just as a Postscript, I'm now using a replacement separator filter, unmodified, with the flow through it as designed. After all, it is designed to do exactly what I'm asking of it - separate the oil from the air.

The volume I get is quite small, even after a hard day in the twisties. I use the built-in drain valve, to remove a half-ounce every 2-3 months.

I have the feeling from others' posts that the earlier cars may have had much more blow-by than my `05.

 

So this mod is just a smaller, less expensive way to have a oil catch can like the m7 and Alta ones? Would this also work if two if the catch can/bowl's were used? Have the intake go to the first catch, then into the 2nd catch can and then back out?

 

The short answer is, yes, this is a cheaper mod than M7 or ALTA. But no, it's not, because most (I won't say ALL, here) install theirs right in line between the PCV and SC. Those of us who do it that way tend to get less oil, but seem to have better overall usage. Others install it like M7 or ALTA, where they cap off the SC inlet and run it through to the TB.

Without going into a Flailex about Vacuum vs Pressurized Crankcases in Internal Combustion Engines (also known as ICE), the basic idea is that the Engines we currently make do better if the Crankcase is maintained in Vacuum. You'll see that with Marine Diesels, especially older ones which use a Upper Crank mounted Scavenging Air Blower (or SuperCharger!) use a line/pipe running from the upper crank to the SC inlet. Similar setup with newer Marine Turbo-Diesels. These, usually, also have an inline OCC.

My concern has always been that the OCCs currently on the market create a false 'Happy Customer' and could cause issues down the road. By taking a suction prior to the TB vs After the TB/before the SC you allow yourself a weaker suction path. Coupled with the TB/BPV as designed (TB will nearly fully close whereas the BPV (unless you have the DT BPV or equal) never really fully shuts) creates the possibility of a Loss of Vacuum situation. In that case, oil vapor will always go out the top as the PCV does it's job (it's supposed to provide POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENT to maintain a VACUUM in the ICE). This vapor coalesces in the OCC, and Viola, Happy Customer.

For what it's worth, another mechanic tried to install the current Silicone made OCCs inline as the OEM setup, and it collapsed upon startup.

For the second part, well, depending on your setup, it won't hurt, but it won't help, either. Plus, you run into the issue of too much inline stopping /clogging the natural flow of things. You want to catch the oil to prevent the oil coating the IC, yes, but creating an obstruction in the flow path can lead to problems, too.

 

Anyone find a good source for these filters?

 

Rick, what filter separator filter are you using now? What brand? Where to get it? Thanks.

Jay

 

There is another thread which discusses routing of OCC's and cheap ones, here:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ighlight=depot


My cheap HD-OCC (Home Depot oil catch can) is post 141 and in my gallery

 

So I did this mod today with the same catch can. I dumped a little less then what you have in there from my old catch can just to see if it would suck it back up into the line. Having the motor on and looking at the catch can and seeing all that pressure going into the can and shooing up the oil, I figured that it would for sure go back up into the line. So you either really have to watch the level of it and empty it asap or get a bigger catch can.

Has or can anybody else try looking at the catch can while the motor is running to see how much pressure it creates ? I think I will install one on the valve and intake boot line since I know that has much less pressure and stick with a bigger catch can on the intercooler line.

 

While this puppy does the job, its small size limits its capabilities. Clearly you need to monitor and empty more often. A larger can in theory should trap a bit more and require less monitoring and less frequent cleaning. Adding filtration material be it steel wool or other increases the performance of any can.

 

how do you keep your engine bay so clean???

 

He had just bought the car when he did this.

 

Hows the catch can working for you? Do you have a shopping list and any how to advice to install this?

Thanks!

 

Since the OP's original source link is dead I'll chime in. The parts can be found at your local Home Depot,Lowes. Head on over to the power tool supply section and look for air compressor moisture filters. They come in a few sizes and are easy to fab up as an OCC. I had one on my R53 and it prevented alot of oil from passing through. Here's a good writeup on the process:
http://www.pbase.com/rsrock/oil_catch_can

 

Thanks

These seem to be fairly small and like many others have posted before, it requires a good amount of monitoring and emptying. Have you found any larger HD OCC filters of this type? Also, if steel wool were placed in the catch can, what is preventing the wool from separating and getting sucked into the engine? What does ALTA and M7 use as a filter in their catch cans?

 

Bringing it back alive! Can't find the catcher ANYWHERE! Lowe's, Home Depot, Walmart, nothing! They all have drip systems on them and it drips when water gets in it.

 

No problem....go to the tools (drills, circ. saws, etc) area in HD. There you will find air compressors. They are near the Air compressors. Just ask.

 

Yeah, apparently they only sell the ones that start to drip after they contain water. I found a bigger one at Lowe's that has a complete metal casing, I took the drip out and added a stop valve so I can just turn it to empty it! I will post pics once I install it!

 

EDIT:

3/8" Kobalt Air Filter - Part #221014

Two 3/8" Barb x 3/8" FIP Hose Barb Adapter - Part #A-298

Two 3/8" x 3/8" Flare To Male Pipe Elbow - Part #A-186

1/8" Brass Cap (Had to go to Ace Hardware)

About 3 ft of 3/8" tubing (Autoparts store)
Or Lowe's sell's 3/4" OD red tubing with a inside layer of 3/8" ID
3" clamp
Scrap Metal

Made a bracket myself and just used a bolt to go through the plastic wall. Clamped it and that was that! Ran the lines, put hose clamps on all of them, and it works great! It's also right above my oil filter, that way I always remember to empty it when I do an oil change!

 

I always love it when Oldie but Goodie threads come back to life....

Matt

 

GumbyLara, is that an R50 engine support mounted on your R53?

 

I have no idea, bought the car used and it came on it??! I will take a closer picture and find out! I have an 03' maybe my model came with that?

 

02-mid 04 had that style of upper motor mount. Late04-on has the grenade.

 

the early ones leaked slowly, the later ones let go all at once!

Matt