The "Catch Can" Explained - By Elite Engineering

mookdoc6 · February 23, 2017

I agree there's a good amount of moisture in the crankcase gasses only up until the oil has been up to operating temp long enough for it burn off. You might get some ice crystals forming in the lines but it's not like a water hose freezing that's full of water either. I think where you'll get the freezing problem will be in the can itself since the water and oil will separate after sitting but once the engine is started, warm gasses will begin to be brought into the can and it'll thaw pretty fast. If you think about it, condensation will go to the bottom of the oil pan and it can freeze too.

yeah, I agree where it's bone chilling cold like negatives than decent hoses and placement is paramount..........

duquephart · March 13, 2017

Odd that the warranty issue discussion fizzled out before any conclusions were reached. The catch can system is clearly a mod, rather than a part, so the MM act would not apply - which gives dealers clear sailing as far as voiding warranties. Is this not reason enough to give one pause? Would the manufacturer be willing to stand behind their product to the point of legally fighting a warranty denial issue involving one of their products? How much of their ass does the consumer wish to have exposed?

dasimmon · March 13, 2017

Odd that the warranty issue discussion fizzled out before any conclusions were reached. The catch can system is clearly a mod, rather than a part, so the MM act would not apply - which gives dealers clear sailing as far as voiding warranties. Is this not reason enough to give one pause? Would the manufacturer be willing to stand behind their product to the point of legally fighting a warranty denial issue involving one of their products? How much of their ass does the consumer wish to have exposed?

completely agree. i love this forum and all i learn from it!

Elite Engineering · March 13, 2017

Honestly, there is a ton of information regarding warranty issues and Catch Cans.

Warranty is always a question, but unfortunately it really does depend on the dealer and the dealer's experience and knowledge of the benefits of a Catch Can. We work directly with our Dealers, and they have never had any issues with the addition of our Catch Cans.

Aftermarket parts or modifications: This aspect of warranty coverage has a great deal of gray area. Although many dealers would have you think otherwise, simply having an aftermarket part or modifying your vehicle cannot void your warranty.

Tips To Avoid Warranty Issues

Here's how to get the most out of your vehicle's warranty:

Read your warranty - Often bundled with your owner's manual, the warranty gives a general description and specific details about your coverage. If you have misplaced your owner's manual, look for it online.

Check the "Owners" section of your manufacturer's website. -
Be aware of your warranty period. If problems arise that are covered under the warranty, get them checked out before the warranty expires.

Service your car at regular intervals - This is a good idea in any case. But for the sake of keeping your warranty intact, follow the manufacturer's recommended service schedule. Details are in your owner's manual.

Keep all service records and receipts, regardless of who performs the service - This includes oil changes, tire rotations, belt replacement, new brake pads, and inspections. Create a file to keep track of repairs; it will come in handy if you have to use your warranty. If you ever have a warranty claim and it appears that you did not maintain your vehicle, your claim could be denied.

Edited March 16, 2017 by txab
dup

Aldila · March 13, 2017

I'm 100% believer that a catch can is a benefit. I've seen the difference between my 2014, 2015, and both 2016 motors. As for warranty, take it off before going to a dealer. I can have it off and back to stock in under 5 minutes. Same goes for my CAI in under 8 minutes. For $185 (elite e2), it's a small amount in comparison to some mods I see people do on this forum.

Edited March 13, 2017 by Aldila

Ag76 · March 14, 2017

Not too long ago someone on this forum posted a link to a thread in a camaro forum where a guy posted that GM voided his warranty after they saw a photo of his engine compartment with a catch can installed. GM supposedly asked the dealer for the photo, and after seeing the catch can, they told the dealer to stop repairs because they wouldn't cover the repair under warranty because of the catch can. The guy had an oil pressure issue that apparently resulted in engine damage. (The owner also thought the dealer may have driven the car after it was towed to them) The dealer put the engine parts they'd already removed in the cars trunk and towed it to the owner's house. There was a huge uproar about it in a number of forums, and they started a petition, and if I remember correctly, a Go Fund Me account to help the guy hire a lawyer. In the end, the guy abruptly dropped the whole issue, and posted that he was going to accept the fact that GM wasn't going to honor the warranty. Made me wonder what was going on......

DanMan_S · March 14, 2017

Not too long ago someone on this forum posted a link to a thread in a camaro forum where a guy posted that GM voided his warranty after they saw a photo of his engine compartment with a catch can installed. GM supposedly asked the dealer for the photo, and after seeing the catch can, they told the dealer to stop repairs because they wouldn't cover the repair under warranty because of the catch can. The guy had an oil pressure issue that apparently resulted in engine damage. (The owner also thought the dealer may have driven the car after it was towed to them) The dealer put the engine parts they'd already removed in the cars trunk and towed it to the owner's house. There was a huge uproar about it in a number of forums, and they started a petition, and if I remember correctly, a Go Fund Me account to help the guy hire a lawyer. In the end, the guy abruptly dropped the whole issue, and posted that he was going to accept the fact that GM wasn't going to honor the warranty. Made me wonder what was going on......

If I was taking my vehicle to the dealership for a severe warranty issue like that, especially something oil pressure related, and was running mods like that I'd simply take all of those parts off and wipe the forums of any incriminating posts. Not worth the potential trouble if shit goes sideways.

Edited March 14, 2017 by DanMan_S

Cowpie · March 14, 2017

The catch can system is clearly a mod, rather than a part, so the MM act would not apply - which gives dealers clear sailing as far as voiding warranties. Is this not reason enough to give one pause?

No, not in the least. Especially since one can easily disconnect the catch can from the PCV line and put things back to stock within a couple of minutes. Do that before going into dealer, and then hook it back up after getting vehicle from dealer. For some reason, this simple solution is lost on so many people. Avoids all the possibility of a warranty fight with a dealer and provides the solution for intake crud that the OEM is too lame brained to address. If I needed to, I can have the catch can on my pickup or caddy removed and the system back to stock in a couple of minutes with only a screwdriver.

duquephart · March 14, 2017

If I was taking my vehicle to the dealership for a severe warranty issue like that, especially something oil pressure related, and was running mods like that I'd simply take all of those parts off and wipe the forums of any incriminating posts. Not worth the potential trouble if shit goes sideways.

Why install a mod that has the potential to void your warranty in the first place? Why go looking for (and paying for) trouble?

duquephart · March 14, 2017

No, not in the least. Especially since one can easily disconnect the catch can from the PCV line and put things back to stock within a couple of minutes. Do that before going into dealer, and then hook it back up after getting vehicle from dealer. For some reason, this simple solution is lost on so many people. Avoids all the possibility of a warranty fight with a dealer and provides the solution for intake crud that the OEM is too lame brained to address. If I needed to, I can have the catch can on my pickup or caddy removed and the system back to stock in a couple of minutes with only a screwdriver.

Has anyone considered the possibility that maybe GM knows what it's doing? Who might know better what is good for your truck:

1. One of the largest and most respected engineering/manufacturing entities on the planet or

2. Some guy peddling overpriced aluminum cans?

Cowpie · March 14, 2017

If this concerns you that much, then I suggest you do not do the mod. Those of us they don't suffer from an enlarged paranoia gland will continue on with the catch can thing. My Cadillac and my Silverado both have catch cans on them, have both been in the dealership shop with the catch cans installed and how they work, the benefits, and showing the results to the personnel with techs and supervisors who agreed it was beneficial. Now that is not going to be the same for everyone, but one should already have an idea of how their dealership will react to such things anyway. And if I was had a vehicle that was problematic enough that the warranty thing was a major concern if the OEM was going to honor it, time to move on to another brand. I don't like owning stuff that has a high failure risk.

Let's see.... GM knows what it is doing.... can you say "Chevy Vega"? Can you say.... "bankruptcy"? I have seen enough evidence over the last 50 years that GM screws the pooch often enough to enable me to comfortably question most things that they do. And the engineers do not have the final say on the final implementation of a product. That is the part most folks fail to take into consideration.

Edited March 14, 2017 by Cowpie

Aldila · March 14, 2017

Why install a mod that has the potential to void your warranty in the first place? Why go looking for (and paying for) trouble?

They want you to pay for their overpriced induction cleaning. That came from a local gmc mechanic. "You don't need a catch can, just get our cleaning" were his words to me. Well, I have seen first hand how much a catch can can prevent build up. He quoted me $300 for the induction service and recommended ever 15-20 thousand miles...NO Thanks

Is a catch can full proof...NO, but with proper maintainence and using CRC intake valve cleaner, I'll take that route.

Spurshot · March 14, 2017

I'm sure there are as many opinions on this subject as there are catch cans out there. I'm not going to loose any sleep because someone doesn't agree with my thoughts on catch cans. I hope you folks can keep this clean and respectful.

duquephart · March 14, 2017

I'm sure there are as many opinions on this subject as there are catch cans out there. I'm not going to loose any sleep because someone doesn't agree with my thoughts on catch cans. I hope you folks can keep this clean and respectful.

I'm not looking for opinions. Or shills. I'm looking for facts. The vendor should have no problem obtaining a statement form GM in regard to how the "catch can" modification might impact the warranty on these trucks. Has this been done? Why is he ducking the issue?

joshc64311 · March 14, 2017

I'm not looking for opinions. Or shills. I'm looking for facts. The vendor should have no problem obtaining a statement form GM in regard to how the "catch can" modification might impact the warranty on these trucks. Has this been done? Why is

No use beating a dead horse, if your that worried dont buy one.