Flow back catch can

[littleblueGT]

After hearing that the PVC valve to the intake allowed more oil to be wasted I devised another fix. Using a Purolator $11.95 fuel filter placed above the PVC valve at 45 degrees, with the lowest(flow back) hole down, and plumbed with 3/8" fuel line the oil flows back into the engine.The clear cylinder of the filter allows good visibility and after running it for a week @ 50 miles per day the level is always the same (just below the hole). this "catch can" you don't have to empty!I also made a check valve and installed it between the filter and intake manifold as the PVC valve allowed pressure to flow back into the engine under boost. I attached the filter to the cables going to the throttle body using tie wraps.This is just another alternative,if you want to empty a catch can weekly then do so.

[PTGT Redman]

you have a pic of that setup?

[quicksilverdon]

How did you make a check valve?
I thought about it - the bottom of the Campbell-Hausfield filter I have has a drain at the bottom, but the oil collected looks dark to me, so I just recycle it into my used oil jugs, not back into engine.

[littleblueGT]

I am sorry I don't have a picture at this time, guess I will have to try the digital camera for the first time this week end.The set up is very easy and only takes a few minutes. The fuel filter is with in 7 inches of the PVC valve, but above it and at around 45 degree angle. If the oil is coming directly from the engine at that point there should be no problem allowing it to flow back down to the engine. I made the check valve from (2) 5/16 1/4 npt brass barbed fittings and a i/4 npt coupling.I used an 82 deg. countersink cutter to form a seat on one fitting which the 1/4 inch ball bearing could seat on.I used a 1/4" nylon washer for the spring to rest on and the spring would apply light pressure to the ball.This would allow the check valve to be placed in any orientation and still be functional.You can purchase check valves,I just had alot of brass fittings and have a habit of collecting springs in case I want to make something.So far so good, I am happy with the results.Good luck![8)]

[littleblueGT]

This is just an update. After running the flow back catch can and check valve for a couple weeks at which time I had cleaned the engine, the oil usage dropped (stayed right on the max level line) and the engine is still clean.There is no oil coming from between the upper intake manifold and the lower intake manifold mating surfaces.I also noticed the chrome exhaust tip stayed clean with out the heavy oilly soot. I like to have a clean engine inside and out. Now if I could do something about the crap California summer blend gas!

[Mean Green]

quote:Originally posted by littleblueGT

This is just an update. After running the flow back catch can and check valve for a couple weeks at which time I had cleaned the engine, the oil usage dropped (stayed right on the max level line) and the engine is still clean.There is no oil coming from between the upper intake manifold and the lower intake manifold mating surfaces.I also noticed the chrome exhaust tip stayed clean with out the heavy oilly soot. I like to have a clean engine inside and out. Now if I could do something about the crap California summer blend gas!

I think you are giving too much credit for your little flow back catch can. The only thing you have solved is having to empty it. I empty my Hausfeld Campbell catch can once a week and it has some dark oil in it. Takes all of two minutes. I use synthetic and add a bit of oil at about 4500-5000 miles into the oil change and since I change oil every 6k I don't see that as a problem.

[littleblueGT]

I was refering to the check valve flow back catch can system as making a noticible difference.So far on this forum I have given information as to alternatives and not blasted anyone, yet I tend to get negative responses. As an engineer I guess I should expect resistance to change. If you feel the need to empty a catch can once a week go for it, maybe other people don't.

[2step]

I think we have room on this forum for both blue and green opinions. Some think simpler is better, some think the more you have to get your hands on it, the better.

I'm one of those who likes a "once and for all" solution so this drain-back idea appeals to me. MeanGreen likes any excuse to get under his hood and probably spends as much time there as he does driving around and that's cool.

Hey, QSD. My oil tends to show dark on the dipstick. (I don't have a catch-can yet.) Have you tried comparing a drop from the catch-can with a drop from the dipstick? Maybe there's no difference.

[Mean Green]

quote:Originally posted by littleblueGT

I was refering to the check valve flow back catch can system as making a noticible difference.So far on this forum I have given information as to alternatives and not blasted anyone, yet I tend to get negative responses. As an engineer I guess I should expect resistance to change. If you feel the need to empty a catch can once a week go for it, maybe other people don't.

Now don't get all weepy on me. I hope you don't feel this was a blast because it isn't nor is it a negative response. You've solved the empty the catch can routine and this is great for people who only like going under the hood once a month to check the oil and hopefully more. You've improved the mousetrap so kudos to you but don't get annoyed when others enjoy their ways of doing things and don't want to do it your way. As 2step said I enjoy getting under my hood once a week, usually on a Saturday. I check things out as I am far from stock and am running high hp. A two minute catch can empty is not a bother and neither is checking all of the vaccuum lines, coolant, belts, etc. I want my GT to continue running well.

[quicksilverdon]

quote:Originally posted by 2step


Hey, QSD. My oil tends to show dark on the dipstick. (I don't have a catch-can yet.) Have you tried comparing a drop from the catch-can with a drop from the dipstick? Maybe there's no difference.

Nope, darker than on dipstick. Not black, but darker.