Turbo engines are notorious for pushing oil vapors and blow-by gases right into the intake system. That gunk can build up and drag down performance over time.
A good oil catch can steps in to capture those oil vapors before they reach the intake. It keeps your engine cleaner and helps it run smoother and more efficiently. It’s honestly a simple upgrade, but it really protects your turbo from that oily residue that can sap power and shorten its life.
Picking the right catch can isn’t rocket science, but you do want something with strong oil separation and hassle-free installation. Some catch cans have clever internal designs that trap oil while venting clean air back into the system.
If you want your catch can to keep working, don’t forget about maintenance. It’s not set-and-forget.
Key Takeways
- A catch can helps prevent oily buildup in your turbo engine’s intake system.
- Look for catch cans with advanced oil separation and simple installation.
- Regular maintenance keeps your catch can working properly for longer.
Why Oil Catch Cans Are Essential for Turbo Engines
Oil catch cans keep your engine cleaner and running better. They block oil vapors and other junk from sneaking into places they really shouldn’t be.
Using a catch can just makes sense if you care about your engine’s long-term health.
Preventing Carbon Build-Up and Oil Residue
Every time your engine runs, it spits out oil vapors that sneak through the PCV system. Those vapors stick to your intake valves and throttle body.
Over time, you’ll see carbon build-up and greasy residue everywhere.
A catch can traps those vapors before they have a chance to cause trouble. That means fewer oily deposits and a cleaner intake.
You avoid rough idling, loss of power, and bad fuel economy that come from gummed-up valves and dirty intake parts.
Protecting the Intake System and Intercooler
Turbo engines shove more air through the intake and intercooler. If oil vapors get in there, they mix with dirt and fuel, making a nasty mess.
The intercooler can get coated in oil, which kills its ability to cool air.
An oil catch can stops that oily air charge from getting into your intake tract and intercooler. Your airflow stays smooth, and intake temps stay lower.
That’s a win for turbo performance and keeps damage at bay.
Enhancing PCV System Performance
Turbo engines use a positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system to vent extra pressure and vapors. Too much oil vapor can make the PCV system weak or even clog it.
A catch can grabs most of those vapors before they enter the PCV system. This keeps pressure down and prevents the valves from getting fouled up.
With a catch can, your PCV system just works better, and you’re less likely to deal with leaks or a messy engine bay.
Key Features to Look for in an Oil Catch Can for Turbocharged Engines
Choosing the right oil catch can comes down to materials, mounting, and what’s inside. These details matter if you want to keep your turbo engine clean and running strong.
Material and Build Quality
An aluminum oil catch can is the way to go. Aluminum resists corrosion and keeps things lightweight, which is always a plus.
It can handle the heat and pressure swings that turbo engines throw at it.
Check the seals and fittings, too. Cheap stuff wears out fast and leads to leaks.
Some cans have a stainless steel mesh inside to help separate oil from air. That mesh lasts longer than flimsy plastic filters.
You want something built for the abuse your turbo dishes out, so don’t skimp on materials.
Mounting Solutions and Hardware
Your catch can needs a sturdy spot to live. Stainless steel mounting hardware—bolts, brackets—won’t rust and will hold up over time.
A solid mounting bracket should be adjustable so you can squeeze it into your engine bay and keep it steady, even when things get bumpy.
The hardware should be easy to install and fit your hoses. Airtight connections are a must if you want to avoid leaks.
Unless you’re building something wild, skip mounting options that need welding or custom fabrication.
Internal Filtration and Baffling
Inside the can, baffling and filtration do the real work. Multi-stage baffling is ideal for trapping more oil particles.
Look for cans with baffling systems that slow airflow, giving oil time to drop out while letting air pass through.
Some cans use advanced filtration instead of simple honeycomb or bronze filters, and that can really boost oil separation.
Good baffling means less oil sneaking into your intake, which keeps power up and carbon deposits down.
Top-Rated Oil Catch Cans for Turbo Applications
The right oil catch can makes a real difference for your turbo engine. It cuts down on oil buildup and keeps nasty stuff out of your intake.
You want something that separates oil well and is easy to install. Fit and reliability matter, too.
Mishimoto Oil Catch Can Systems
Mishimoto’s catch cans have a reputation for solid build quality and really effective oil separation. Their internal baffle system traps oil but lets vapor pass, so your intake stays cleaner.
Most kits come with clear instructions and everything you need to get started.
You’ll find universal models and some kits tailored for specific vehicles. Some Mishimoto cans include a dipstick, making oil level checks a breeze.
The aluminum construction is tough and shrugs off turbo heat.
Moroso Oil Catch Cans
Moroso’s been in the oil control game for ages. Their catch cans focus on high-capacity oil separation, often using multi-stage baffling for better performance.
That extra efficiency means less oil ends up in your turbo intake.
Moroso cans are built for the higher crankcase pressures you get with turbos. They’ve got both universal and vehicle-specific options.
Heavy-duty materials and smart fittings make installation pretty straightforward.
Universal and Custom-Fit Options
Need flexibility? Universal catch cans offer all sorts of mounting and hose options. They’re usually affordable and fit most turbocharged engines.
Look for models with solid baffling and a drain port for easy maintenance.
Custom-fit catch cans are matched to specific vehicles or turbo setups. They use factory mounting points and stock hoses, so installation is cleaner and less hassle.
Brands like Mishimoto and Moroso have tailored options for popular turbo cars and trucks.
Installation and Maintenance Best Practices
Getting your catch can installed right and keeping up with maintenance is what keeps oil buildup at bay. You’ve got to route hoses properly, check and drain the can regularly, and make sure everything stays tight.
Leaks can really mess with parts like piston rings and valve covers.
Proper Hose Routing and Connections
Route hoses from the valve cover and crankcase to the catch can with care. Bigger hoses allow better flow and reduce pressure buildup.
Avoid sharp bends or kinks—they just restrict airflow and make oil pool in the wrong places.
Clamp everything down with high-quality clamps so hoses don’t pop off. Use the right fittings for your engine’s PCV system.
If you’re running a check valve, put it where it only lets air flow one way. That keeps blow-by gases from pushing oil back into the valve cover or intake.
Checking and Draining the Catch Can
Check your catch can regularly to see how much oil it’s collected. Depending on how and where you drive, you might need to drain it every few thousand miles—or sooner if you notice a lot of buildup.
Draining is easy: just pull the drain plug or remove the container, dump the oil responsibly, and put it back together.
Don’t let the catch can overflow, or you’ll end up with oil in your intake system again. That’s just asking for more buildup on piston rings and cylinder walls.
Ensuring a Leak-Free System
Leaks in your catch can system can mess with vacuum pressure and even cause oil to escape, which drags down engine performance. Over time, this stuff can actually lead to damage.
Take a close look at every hose connection and fitting, both by eye and with your hands. Make sure they’re snug and sealed up tight.
Throw a clamp on every hose end. Give them a once-over for rust or any signs of wear.
If you spot a hose that’s cracked or feels stiff, swap it out sooner rather than later. It’s not worth risking a bigger problem.
Don’t forget to check the catch can itself for cracks or other damage. Give seals and o-rings a quick inspection too—worn ones can let air sneak in and mess up the whole system.
