Fred's Ghetto Ebay Catch Can
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Fred's Ghetto Ebay Catch Can
I could have just bought a good Saikou Michi PCV catch can for $110 but what fun is that? Instead I wasted some time searching ebay for a Greddy/Megan knock-off with 15mm fittings. As expected with ebay I received a catch can with 9mm fittings instead. I searched Home Depot for some 1/2" or 5/8" fittings but they only had the same 3/8" that came with the can. Now I could have done what many do and simply reduced my PCV hose from 5/8 to 3/8" and had a marginally effective catch can that restricts PCV air flow but I don't roll like that. Instead this is what I did:
I had to use a rotary tool and carbide cutting bit to enlarge the holes slightly to fit 1/2 copper pipe.
Scotch Brite pads and SS scouring pads from Walmart, under $5 for enough to make 3 catch cans like this.
Leftover 1/2" copper pipe, 45* fitting, solder, flux and a MAPP gas torch were required. I already had all this.
Scotch Brite layer to separate bottom chamber from top.
Finished catch can waiting for sensor-safe RTV and 2-part epoxy to cure before bracket fabrication and installation. Since I already had all the parts and tools except for the scotch pads and SS pads, the total cost was under $30. It should work very well and I can easily replace the filter media whenever necessary. The 5/8" PCV hoses fit snugly and will cover the copper pipes, the epoxy dries clear and I'll trim the excess RTV. It was a fun little project.
Comments, questions, suggestions or criticisms welcomed.
I had to use a rotary tool and carbide cutting bit to enlarge the holes slightly to fit 1/2 copper pipe.
Scotch Brite pads and SS scouring pads from Walmart, under $5 for enough to make 3 catch cans like this.
Leftover 1/2" copper pipe, 45* fitting, solder, flux and a MAPP gas torch were required. I already had all this.
Scotch Brite layer to separate bottom chamber from top.
Finished catch can waiting for sensor-safe RTV and 2-part epoxy to cure before bracket fabrication and installation. Since I already had all the parts and tools except for the scotch pads and SS pads, the total cost was under $30. It should work very well and I can easily replace the filter media whenever necessary. The 5/8" PCV hoses fit snugly and will cover the copper pipes, the epoxy dries clear and I'll trim the excess RTV. It was a fun little project.
Comments, questions, suggestions or criticisms welcomed.
Last edited by ScionFred; 09-15-2010 at 07:18 AM.
#3
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With FI pressure in the intake manifold closes the PCV valve sending all blow-by gasses towards the breather side where over time the oil coats the pipes, intercooler, turbo and TB. Oil also lowers the octane rating of the air/fuel charge. Some people run catch cans on both sides of the PCV system but the more important side is the breather side, which is where I'm installing my CC.
The epoxy is only on the pipes and cap. It can still be taken apart by removing 4 screws.
Last edited by ScionFred; 09-16-2010 at 06:20 AM.
#6
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Thanks Trevor. I wish I could take full credit but I got most of the ideas from the www. I do like the my idea of placing a barrier layer of scotch brite material between the SS wool and the inlet/outlet. If the SS wool ever comes apart it won't be sucked through the engine.
Here are the installed pics:
Mounting bracket made from Home Depot AL bar stock
5/8" EPDM heater hose for now until I can find some nitrile rubber hose in 5/8" ID. EPDM has low oil resistance.
Here are the installed pics:
Mounting bracket made from Home Depot AL bar stock
5/8" EPDM heater hose for now until I can find some nitrile rubber hose in 5/8" ID. EPDM has low oil resistance.