View Poll Results: Which OCC? | |||
Mishimoto | 0 | 0% | |
BMS | 6 | 75.00% | |
ECS | 1 | 12.50% | |
Bacon | 1 | 12.50% | |
Voters: 8. You may not vote on this poll |
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05-16-2019, 10:33 AM | #1 |
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Oil catch can, help me choose
OK, I read a lot of conflicting info as to whether or not these things work, but if it keeps my valves clean, and keeps oil from pooling up inside my intercooler, it's worth the small investment. Just don't know which one to get.
Mishimoto? I like the design, and it has good reviews, but on the pricey side. BMS? Seems to be the standard. ECS? Just noticed they have one too, which also seems to have a convenient dip stick, but I don't know its track record. Anyone already have one of these brands? What's your experience? |
05-17-2019, 07:40 AM | #3 |
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I have this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 It functions just fine. The only disadvantage is that to install it you have to cut the original PCV hose in the middle and splice in new sections of hose to connect to the can. If you're a skilled mechanic it's a simple job, if not you'll want a kit with plug and play hoses. |
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05-17-2019, 08:31 AM | #4 | |
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05-17-2019, 10:11 AM | #5 |
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I got mine installed two weeks ago, works fine. As for the emissions I doubt a catch can is a problem, since it has no effect on the operation of the PCV. I wrapped my hoses in foam insulation just like the original, so I doubt the average grease monkey would have the slightest idea that it's not OEM, being an invisible installation even though it's in plain sight. For that matter you can't even see the majority of the hoses unless you remove the air intake box.
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05-17-2019, 02:17 PM | #6 | |
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05-17-2019, 04:43 PM | #7 |
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The original pipe is wrapped with foam insulation. I don't know if it's supposed to keep the air in the pipe insulated from the heat of the engine compartment or the other way around, but I figured if BMW had a good reason to use it I would too.
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05-17-2019, 05:15 PM | #8 |
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May I ask where you got it from? I just went to my local auto parts store for some other items and they didn’t have any.
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03-05-2020, 11:11 AM | #12 |
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I confirmed the worth of my catch can today. The dipstick showed some content, so I pulled the can. It had a half inch of oil and water inside. The source of the water is condensation that builds up in the crankcase in freezing temperatures. If the engine gets hot enough it boils off, and/or gets sucked out of the crankcase as water vapor via the PCV. Since that vapor passes through the catch can along with oil it condenses in the catch can. Water vapor going into the intake via the PCV won't bother anything, but the oil does, so I'm glad I installed the catch can. This also confirms again to me the need to do an oil change in the spring, to get rid of winter moisture contamination in the oil.
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03-05-2020, 01:30 PM | #13 |
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Yeah, I definitely get a lot more water being caught during the winter. It's my and my car's first winter and I've had to empty it at least once a month.
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03-05-2020, 02:43 PM | #14 |
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I hardly drive at all in winter, maybe 150 miles a month, and no long trips. I last checked the can in November, so it was all accumulated since then. The inside of the can was literally dripping with water, which I realize is there because water vapor comes out of the crankcase and condenses on the cold walls of the can. I went all summer with hardly any oil accumulation, and no visible water, despite driving five times as much in summer.
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03-05-2020, 05:00 PM | #15 |
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any opinions on a $150-200 name brand, such as bms or mishimoto, compared to a $50 one from ebay? i cannot see paying 3-4 times more for what appears to be the same product.
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03-05-2020, 05:05 PM | #16 |
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This is what I have:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 The hoses that come with it are crap, but the unit itself does the job as well as the pricey ones. |
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03-05-2020, 08:13 PM | #17 |
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You guys notice unburnt fuel in your catchings?
Mine smells strong of fuel. Definitely a different mixture than my last vehicle witch was NA (but still DI). That thing would catch a lot of almost pure (dirty) oil whereas on my turbo N20 the mixture is much less pure oil like and has a lighter color shade. Anyone have thoughts to share? |
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03-26-2020, 07:59 PM | #18 | |
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03-29-2020, 12:07 AM | #19 |
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Hey Billfitz - can you spare a link/photo of your set-up? Need some ideas for hoses and hose routing. Heck, if you got the laundry list of parts, would love to see it posted!
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03-29-2020, 09:17 AM | #20 |
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Not a lot to see, most of the hose is under the intake box:
https://billfitzmaurice.info/images/BMW/Catch Can.jpg I used silicone tape to secure the foam wrap in place. Out of sight on the back side of the upper hose is aluminum foil HVAC tape on the foam, shielding it from the engine heat. Edit: I ended up removing the rubber hoses, replacing them with the stainless steel mesh wrapped hoses now shown in the picture, as I found that over time the rubber hoses kinked, potentially restricting air flow. Last edited by Billfitz; 11-04-2020 at 07:46 AM.. |
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03-29-2020, 03:32 PM | #21 |
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If you are using heater hose then you probably don't need to wrap it in foam. BMW wraps their lines with insulation because its thin ridged plastic that gets brittle easily. Heater hose on the other hand is designed for the high heat. That foam insulation will fall apart long before the hose does.
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03-29-2020, 04:16 PM | #22 |
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Only BMW knows the purpose of the insulation. I doubt if it has to do with preserving the hoses, as the stock hoses aren't near engine hot spots. I figured it may not be necessary, but it can't hurt, and if it doesn't last the five bucks it would cost me to replace it won't break the bank.
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