To those with catch cans, how much oil gets "caught"?

[deanhuff]

I've been investigating catch cans. In theory, I understand that a direct injection cylinder head is more likely to accumulate gunk on the valves due to them not getting cleaned by fuel detergents. In watching videos and reading articles about the Z catch can offerings, I've seen comments ranging from "absolutely necessary" to "not needed at all".

To those of you who have installed catch cans on their Z's, how much oil do you empty from the reservoir over say a 5,000 mile interval?

I'm not looking to modify the engine in any way for performance, but I am interested in increasing the longevity of the motor. My initial thought is that if a catch can can help keep the intake valves clean, maybe it is a worthwhile modification.

 

[Thefunk]

I've yet to check my catch can since installing it, still have a few thousand miles left til the next oil change. But the soot deposits at the exhaust tips has been dramatically reduced, I'd say about 90% of it.

 

[up4speed]

I've yet to check my catch can since installing it, still have a few thousand miles left til the next oil change. But the soot deposits at the exhaust tips has been dramatically reduced, I'd say about 90% of it.

I don't have a catch can, and when my car was new, there was a good amount of soot on the exhaust tips. I now have just about 3,000 miles on it, and there is basically no soot anymore.
So maybe nothing to do with the catch can.

 

[SavedByFaith_]

Mishimoto baffled can
4500kms / ~2500 miles

Can was like ~40% filled.

Tomei full cbe
I get a decent amount of soot on my exhaust tips, but I do tend to push the car hard on back roads... Unsure if that would be reason for more soot

Relatively easy to clean during my typical car wash.

 

[Thefunk]

I don't have a catch can, and when my car was new, there was a good amount of soot on the exhaust tips. I now have just about 3,000 miles on it, and there is basically no soot anymore.
So maybe nothing to do with the catch can.

So maybe it was a break-in thing? Catch cans definitely don't hurt the car.

 

[up4speed]

So maybe it was a break-in thing? Catch cans definitely don't hurt the car.

The catch can won't hurt the car. However, if the can fills up too high, it can cause problems. And from what I heard, by having them in the winter, the moisture build up can cause freeze issues.
All that said, I had a catch can/PCV oil control system on my GTI for a few years (had all the warnings attached regarding using in the winter), etc. but I never had an issue with it.

 

[deanhuff]

But the soot deposits at the exhaust tips has been dramatically reduced, I'd say about 90% of it.

So maybe nothing to do with the catch can.

I have nothing more than anecdotal evidence to support this but, my last 2 vehicles that I've bought new ('22 Ram 1500 and '20 Toyota Highlander) have both burned oil for the first few oil changes and then oil consumption has all but stopped after the first ~20,000 miles. I wonder if they are programmed to run rich while the engine is new.

 

[Thefunk]

The catch can won't hurt the car. However, if the can fills up to high, it can cause problems. And from what I heard, by having them in the winter, the moisture build up can cause freeze issues.
All that said, I had a catch can/PCV oil control system on my car for a few years (had all the warnings attached regarding using in the winter), etc. but I never had an issue with it.

Moisture in general anywhere in the car can freeze but it never does unless the car sits for a while.

 

[Thefunk]

I have nothing more than anecdotal evidence to support this but, my last 2 vehicles that I've bought new ('22 Ram 1500 and '20 Toyota Highlander) have both burned oil for the first few oil changes and then oil consumption has all but stopped after the first ~20,000 miles. I wonder if they are programmed to run rich while the engine is new.

When I saw pictures of valves covered in soot inside the engine I was sold on getting a catch can.

 

[southboundbear]

When I saw pictures of valves covered in soot inside the engine I was sold on getting a catch can.

What's a "Catch Can"?

 

[Rwebman]

When I saw pictures of valves covered in soot inside the engine I was sold on getting a catch can.

I installed the Z1 Catch can.

I installed this in my new 2024. It took 30-45 minutes. Some tips:

1. Take the intercooler off, to do this loosen the lower clamp and pull the box up, second loosen both the clamps on the back tubing. This will aid in re-installing.
2. Pass the catch can piping from to back it is easier based on the shape
3. After pipes are installed, reinstall intercooler, push the front tube into the lower pipe, then slide the rubber hose on the back to the back metal pipe first, this will help as the intercooler slide is plastic and it will slide on next and easier.
4. put the can bracket on the engine first
5. Last attached the Banjo fittings to the catch can and slide the pipe on.

I got worm screw clamps as these are easier to work with. As well I recommend the drainage option and slide it to the drive side and down to the shroud.

I hope this helps

 

[jdm-rhd]

What's a "Catch Can"?

https://www.z1motorsports.com/z1-pr...nissan-baffled-oil-catch-can-kit-p-31299.html

 

[southboundbear]

https://www.z1motorsports.com/z1-pr...nissan-baffled-oil-catch-can-kit-p-31299.html

Well thanks for the great link Rob! The Z is my first real sports car and experience with turbos. Driven just for the fun of it. No racing intentions at my age.

 

[ShaneZ]

I am the same, bought my just for fun. Have owned a plethera of Z's in my youth. I though it would be nice to have a new Z with the retro look of my old 240 and 280's I use to race with.

 

[Who.Am.Eye.2716]

...I recommend the drainage option and slide it to the drive side and down to the shroud.

I hope this helps

Do you have pics on how you routed the drainage tube?