Z-Bracket & Oil Catch Can

I installed a Z-bracket on my Billet oil catch can to provide more room for unscrewing the bottom of the can to empty the oil. The front mount position is VERY cramped and makes it a job to periodically empty the can.

If you use stainless steel hoses, like me, the connection from the PCV valve to the catch can is a problem because of a sharp bend. Billet Technology has offered the following solution that might help others:

1. Simply use the pre-bent OEM rubber hose that comes from the factory. Rotate it toward the passenger side while keeping it attached to the PCV valve.

2. Use a wrench to rotate the 90 degree barbed elbow that is screwed in to the back of the catch can so that the barbed end of the elbow is pointing toward the PCV valve.

3. Attach the factory hose to the elbow on the catch can.

4. Adjust the angle of the elbow coming out of the catch can to line it up with the hose so that you don't see a gap on either side of the hose. If the elbow is turned too far in one direction or the other you will see a gap between the hose and the barbed connection.

That solves the connection problem. However, the rubber hose does not complement the rest of my stainless steel braided hoses. The solution to this is to install a 3/4" stainless steel sleeve over the OEM hose. (Note- Remember to expand the flat and lubricate the hose first with liquid dishwash soap before inserting it).

I found a supplier who has very reasonable prices- cableorganizer.com.

It sells sleeves for $5.25/ft. and shipping is only $2.50.

Since you only need about 9 inches, this is a good deal.

Below, is a photo of the completed installation before I installed the sleeves

 

How did you get around the kinking problem (i.e., where the hose meets the PCV valve)? Did you just use the rubber hoses supplied with the catch can?

 

For those of you with 6.1 engine, there is another option to attach the hose to the PCV valve.

You can buy a Chrysler emission PCV hose with a 90 degree bend for $9.99. It made by Dorman HELP! and is Part #46033. (Advance Auto carries this as well as many other stores). Simply cut off 6 inches from the straight end and install. Simple and cheap solution! Also, no worry about cracking the catch can's brass elbow.

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/we...+46033&vehicleIdSearch=-1&searchedFrom=header

 

Here are the reasons why a catch can is desirable:

Oil Catch Cans collect the oil, moisture and blow-by gas that causes carbon and sludge build-up in the intake manifold, throttle body, intake track, and even the air filter system instead of the engine re-burning them. This helps to keep the engine clean even under hard driving conditions.

There are various negative effects when excess oil vapor contaminates the intake system from the stock PCV system, such as:

*Throttle body and/or MAFS (Mass Air Flow Sensor) malfunction or failure.
*Air filter, intercooler (if equipped) and intake ducting contamination if oil pools and run back out the intake system after engine shutdown.
*Reduced octane of the air/fuel mixture, which can cause detonation and the ECM (Engine Control Module) to retard timing, thereby reducing engine power.
*Excessive carbon build-up on valves, piston crowns, combustion chambers and spark plugs. This also increases the chance of detonation and power loss.
*Increased emissions & possible contamination of catalytic converters and oxygen sensors.

Dodge does not install them due to the expense, and the fact that they must be emptied every 2,000 miles. This creates a problem of frequent maintenance, as well as disposal.


Here is what the catch can collects in 6,000 miles. Do you want your engine to burn this? A catch can is cheap protection for about $100.