Catch cans

[Iconic5.0]

I think the 3.5 is more complex with more parts for Ford. The 5.0 is closer at $225 which matches the traditional pricing of OE parts, and it’s closer to the JL style.

 

[l1tech]

The interesting thing is ford now sells them. They are really expensive vs aftermarket as they are priced at $600 vs $170 for JL

They also sell Ford Performance decals. Does that mean that the decals are needed and beneficial?

 

[112]

They also sell Ford Performance decals. Does that mean that the decals are needed and beneficial?

Obviously you don’t understand the point. That was probably the dumbest rebuttal I’ve heard . The concern on adding things to your truck is possible warranty denial on claims. But if they also offer that part, to me that makes me feel like they don’t have an issue with it and on some level may recommend it. Enjoy your SVT sticker on your truck, I’m sure that added at least 50hp

 

[Tremgineer]

I imagine they catch more in winter than summer. my fear is that they freeze in winter and block venting. not sure if that actually happens given the oil/water mixture. has anybody run one in a harsh winter climate?

 

[112]

I imagine they catch more in winter than summer. my fear is that they freeze in winter and block venting. not sure if that actually happens given the oil/water mixture. has anybody run one in a harsh winter climate?

That is interesting, I’m in Florida so cold isn’t really impactful.

 

[l1tech]

Obviously you don’t understand the point. That was probably the dumbest rebuttal I’ve heard . The concern on adding things to your truck is possible warranty denial on claims. But if they also offer that part, to me that makes me feel like they don’t have an issue with it and on some level may recommend it. Enjoy your SVT sticker on your truck, I’m sure that added at least 50hp

So that is the deciding factor on if something is going to be beneficial or not?

Ford, like everyone, is out to make money. Ford knows that they don't have an issue with intake valves carboning up so why not let the customers put something on there vehicle that doesn't do anything other than make the customer feel good and make a few bucks off of it.

Why do you suppose that Ford lists this item as a "dress up kit"?

 

[Ghost]

Well if we’re going with the “Ford would have put it on if it’s needed” argument then look at the S650 Mustang 5.0. A catch can is a necessity.. that engine spews oil!

 

[112]

So that is the deciding factor on if something is going to be beneficial or not?

Ford, like everyone, is out to make money. Ford knows that they don't have an issue with intake valves carboning up so why not let the customers put something on there vehicle that doesn't do anything other than make the customer feel good and make a few bucks off of it.

Why do you suppose that Ford lists this item as a "dress up kit"?

This post was intended for feedback back and recommendations. While I like the banter what is frustrating by your responses is you don’t elaborate on why it isn’t needed, why it doesn’t help, and or why it might be harmful. How does a catch can function and with that why doesn’t it provide any layer of protection to engines that have been proven to have this problem? I would love to save a buck and don’t want any snake oil remedies. Just asking with your mechanical background what makes this a waste of money. Comparing catch can to CAI isn’t validating your argument . This isn’t a performance upgrade, sole purpose is to keep oil out of places it shouldn’t be and that is it.

 

[l1tech]

This post was intended for feedback back and recommendations. While I like the banter what is frustrating by your responses is you don’t elaborate on why it isn’t needed, why it doesn’t help, and or why it might be harmful. How does a catch can function and with that why doesn’t it provide any layer of protection to engines that have been proven to have this problem? I would love to save a buck and don’t want any snake oil remedies. Just asking with your mechanical background what makes this a waste of money. Comparing catch can to CAI isn’t validating your argument . This isn’t a performance upgrade, sole purpose is to keep oil out of places it shouldn’t be and that is it.

The perceived purpose of the catch can is to prevent the intake valves from carboning up and many believe that this is due to oil entering the intake system via the pcv and burning on the backside of the valves. While this may be true to an extent the main contributor is valve overlap. Valve overlap is the amount of time expressed in degrees that both the intake and exhaust valves are open. While this is happening some of the unburnt mixture is forced back into the intake and adheres itself onto the backside of the intake valve. This was never an issue until direct injection came into play because raw fuel was always flowing over the intake valves and cleaning them off. Once this buildup happens nothing short of walnut shell blasting will get rid of the buildup.
Many European engines utilize some sort of system to get rid of oil vapor in the air but in terms of carbon buildup on intake valves they were not very successful. It was not until Toyota (I think) developed the port and di system combination did this finally cease to become an issue. Since then mfgs have been adopting this system due to it's various advantages.

I have never seen any evidence that the presence of normal amounts of oil vapor from the pcv system in the intake air has any affect on performance. I'm not saying it isn't there I'm just saying I haven't seen it. Now on engines that are used for, or built for flat out racing this type of system is beneficial. These engines tend to run at high rpms for extended periods of time and if enough oil gets into the combustion chamber it can start to foul plugs.

I can not tell you how many vehicles over the years that have rolled into the shop with issues specifically related due to catch cans. Everything from check engine lights to excessive smoking. Granted most of those issues were due to improper installation but there have been some where everything was installed correctly and they still had issues. I also service A LOT of 3.5 EB's, many are fleet vehicles in excess of 200,000 miles, and have no issues with intake valve carboning. Would I expect to have an issue with a kit sold by Ford? No, but I also don't see it preventing a problem that isn't an issue. I don't see that this part has a CARB exempt number on it, which most people couldn't care less about, but it does add to the validity of this being effective in my opinion...I guess that's why they list it as a "dress up kit" YMMV

 

[112]

The perceived purpose of the catch can is to prevent the intake valves from carboning up and many believe that this is due to oil entering the intake system via the pcv and burning on the backside of the valves. While this may be true to an extent the main contributor is valve overlap. Valve overlap is the amount of time expressed in degrees that both the intake and exhaust valves are open. While this is happening some of the unburnt mixture is forced back into the intake and adheres itself onto the backside of the intake valve. This was never an issue until direct injection came into play because raw fuel was always flowing over the intake valves and cleaning them off. Once this buildup happens nothing short of walnut shell blasting will get rid of the buildup.
Many European engines utilize some sort of system to get rid of oil vapor in the air but in terms of carbon buildup on intake valves they were not very successful. It was not until Toyota (I think) developed the port and di system combination did this finally cease to become an issue. Since then mfgs have been adopting this system due to it's various advantages.

I have never seen any evidence that the presence of normal amounts of oil vapor from the pcv system in the intake air has any affect on performance. I'm not saying it isn't there I'm just saying I haven't seen it. Now on engines that are used for, or built for flat out racing this type of system is beneficial. These engines tend to run at high rpms for extended periods of time and if enough oil gets into the combustion chamber it can start to foul plugs.

I can not tell you how many vehicles over the years that have rolled into the shop with issues specifically related due to catch cans. Everything from check engine lights to excessive smoking. Granted most of those issues were due to improper installation but there have been some where everything was installed correctly and they still had issues. I also service A LOT of 3.5 EB's, many are fleet vehicles in excess of 200,000 miles, and have no issues with intake valve carboning. Would I expect to have an issue with a kit sold by Ford? No, but I also don't see it preventing a problem that isn't an issue. I don't see that this part has a CARB exempt number on it, which most people couldn't care less about, but it does add to the validity of this being effective in my opinion...I guess that's why they list it as a "dress up kit" YMMV

Thank you
Now that makes more sense and I now understand where your coming from vs previous comments.
Maybe I will hold off on this for the time being. Reason I was going to pull trigger is when I upgraded bov there was a little oil in hose attached to intercooler. My wheels started turning so I went down the rabbit hole of catch cans.

 

[Escape Hatch]

And there you have it. When I see my cans filled with fluid I can only think about that coating IC and piping. St would I not want to keep that out of mission critical components? Granted all this discussion is anecdotal at best, where is the science?

 

[112]

And there you have it. When I see my cans filled with fluid I can only think about that coating IC and piping. St would I not want to keep that out of mission critical components? Granted all this discussion is anecdotal at best, where is the science?

Do it don’t do it do it don’t do it
I bought extended warranty so maybe I just leave it alone…I just don’t know why the ford version is $600! Is it better, is it different, it looks different in design. To others point how does it drain. I called ford service and they have no idea lol

 

[Escape Hatch]

I did it, no regrets.

 

[Stevenrausch]

I did it, no regrets.

I put one on my 23 3.5EB Tremor, I see very little oil in it! If I knew now what I didn’t know than I would not put one on, not that it’s hurting anything but IMO don’t bother with it and just keep up on your oil changes, filters and general maintenance.
I’ll leave it be until spring time and reevaluate it and maybe put it back to stock, I saved the oem egr tube so I can put it back on.

 

[Escape Hatch]

I put one on my 23 3.5EB Tremor, I see very little oil in it! If I knew now what I didn’t know than I would not put one on, not that it’s hurting anything but IMO don’t bother with it and just keep up on your oil changes, filters and general maintenance.
I’ll leave it be until spring time and reevaluate it and maybe put it back to stock, I saved the oem egr tube so I can put it back on.

I have found shorter trips around town much doesn't accumulate, it is in longer highway drives it tends to collect.