Why should you install an oil catch can to your Turbo Diesel 4×4?

Installing an oil catch can on your Turbo Diesel is a must. We discuss why you should do it and show how simple it is to install.

Oil vapors

Engines have a PCV valve that vents blow-by gas from crank case to the rocker. The rocker cover is also vented to the intake system of the vehicle. This forces oil vapor into the intake system. Turbos create more pressure and therefore more oil vapor.

Photo of air outlet on turbo showing oil leak — Classic oil leak from oil vapors on turbo air outlet

A tell tail of this is oil leaking from the under side of rubber hose on the turbo.

This was not much of a problem in the past, but now with modern emission controls things have changed.

EGR

Part of the emission controls is the EGR – exhaust gas re-circulation. The EGR recirculates some of the exhaust gas back into the intake. This dilutes the amount of oxygen with inert gases, to help reduce combustion heat in the cylinders.

Exhaust gases contain carbons and soot, which on their own don’t do much.

Oil vapors + Exhaust gas

The problem occurs where the oil vapor mix with the exhaust gas. This causes slug and gunk to build up on the intake of your turbo diesel, until the point the engine is choked.

By separating the oil from the intake the exhaust gas can pass through dry. Leaving your intake operating at maximum flow and maximum power.

Blocking off an EGR valve is illegal, although there are many that would consider doing this as well. If you crash your truck whilst towing all your gear and have an accident you may risk jeopardise your insurance claim.

Catch can kit

The catch can filters out the oil vapors from the vent allowing clean air to pass through to the intake system.

After a lot of research I ended up purchasing a Direction-Plus ProVent Catch Can Kit from Berrima Diesel (I am not affiliated with Berrima Diesel).

I considered the ProVent Catch Can Kit the most comprehensive and highest quality. It is also the kit sold by leading diesel shops and repairs.

The kit is complete and easy enough for any one that likes to get there hands dirty to install.

Find your nearest ProVent dealer here: http://direction-plus.com/dealer-locator/

Installation of Catch Can

I installed my catch can with relative ease and it was probably done in about 45 mins (I was videoing so it did actually take longer). The hardest part was getting the hose clamps over the barbs after installing the hose. Highly recommend this install for any DIYer.

Below is the YouTube video I made whilst installing mine on a 2013 Toyota Hilux:

Here is my step by step guide on installing the Direction-Plus ProVent Catch Can kit to a 2013 Turbo Diesel Toyota Hilux.

Photo of assembled oil vapor catch can prior to installation — ProVent catch can pre-assembled for fitting to Toyota Hilux turbo diesel

Attach the stainless steel bracket to the catch can, ensuring the hole in the catch can lines up with the pipe on the bracket.
Pre-install the hose clamps on the 12mm hose using pliers (put them about 300mm down the hose on both ends).
Attach the hose to the catch can
Attach the hose to the drip feed (apply some oil to the drip feed barb to make insertion easier)
Fit the hose clamps just past the barbs using pliers

Photo of catch can installed to engine bay wall/guard — Mount the catch can to the existing fixed nuts on the engine bay guard

Intall the pre-assembled catch can to the inside of the guard using the existing fixed nuts.

Photo of removed bolt from fixed hose between rocker cover and air intake — Remove the bolt for the fixed hose from the rocker cover to air intake

Remove the bolt from the fixed hose on the pipe (from the rocker cover to the air intake pipe).
Remove the fixed pipe.
Cover the pipe going into the turbo to stop debris entering the turbo whilst working.

Photo of rubber hose removed from rocker cover — Remove the rubber hose and clamp from the rocker cover

Remove the rubber hose from the rocker cover.
Pre-fit the hose clamps to the 16mm hose.
Fit the 16mm hose to the stainless steel pipe on the catch can bracket to the rocker cover.
Fit the 16mm hose to the rocker cover (you may need to apply some oil to the hose the allow the hose clamp to slide over the barb on the rocker cover)

photo of supplide 16-19mm hose reducer installed from catch can to turbo air intake — Attach the supplied reducer to the original rubber hose still mounted to the turbo air intake and fit the 19mm hose from the catch can to it

Pre-fit the hose clamps onto the 19mm hose
Install the 19mm hose onto the catch can
Pre-fit the hose clamp onto the rubber hose on the turbo
Whilst holding the hose clamp open on the pre-fitted to the turbo hose insert the 16mm-19mm hose reducer.
Fit the 19mm hose to the reducer.

Photo of catch can drain hose going down the firewall towards the ground — Route the hose down the engine bay avoiding brake lines, steering mechanisms and exhaust pipes

Route the drip hose along the firewall avoiding contact with; suspensions components, steering components, exhaust pipes and brake lines.

photo of catch can drain hose zip tied to firewall and leading down to chassis rail — Catch can drain hose zip tied to firewall and leading down to chassis rail

Zip tie the drain hose down were possible

Photo of Provent catch can installed beside brake booster in turbo diesel Toyota Hilux engine bay — Installed ProVent catch can in Toyota Hilux turbo diesel engine bay

Job done!

Catch can maintenance

Don’t forget to ensure the drip valve is always closed, dripping oil on the road is illegal!

Empty your catch can during your next service and change the catch can oil filter when required.

Tag: catch can

Catch can – Oil vapor removal for turbo diesels