Catch Can Install after 30k ‘17 6.2L

CrazyZ01 · February 23, 2019

Finally broke down and bought an Elite Engineering catch can. After some research, I got over the worries of installing one and warranty issues. For GDI engines I think these are a must have. I would rate my engine as ‘severe duty’ for this application as my commute is very short, 3 miles to a Park & Ride to catch a bus. I live in MN so it’s cold in the winter, most days the engine does not fully warm up. I took pics of the back side of the throttle body, not filthy, but dirtier than I expected. I cleaned it up and plan to do again at every other oil change. The intake was wet with oil/moisture, looks like a lot, but I’d guess it’s about a tablespoon or 2. With the 6.2 the PCV vents on the front side, covienent for cleaning purposes, would expect it to be somewhat cleaner further back in the intake. I did not do a clean side separator as I don’t do WOT much, might regret it later, but intake tubes were clean and dry so should be good there. I re-used the GM PCV connectors, ordered a replacement PCV vent hose in case I need to go back to OEM. Looks sharp and I have an east swap solution. While I was there installed an AirRaid Jr kit, I like the flow better with filter and intake tube. It’s almost worth it to keep the oil change guys from always showing you your ‘dirty air filter’ ? Overall easy install and a fun Saturday project. I highly recommend a catch can for any GDI engines, eventually the valves will get dirty and need to be cleaned, I don’t think a catch can will eliminated this, but I think it will makes those cleanings fewer and father bewtween!

SS502 · February 23, 2019

15 minutes ago, CrazyZ01 said:

Finally broke down and bought an Elite Engineering catch can. After some research, I got over the worries of installing one and warranty issues. For GDI engines I think these are a must have. I would rate my engine as ‘severe duty’ for this application as my commute is very short, 3 miles to a Park & Ride to catch a bus. I live in MN so it’s cold in the winter, most days the engine does not fully warm up. I took pics of the back side of the throttle body, not filthy, but dirtier than I expected. I cleaned it up and plan to do again at every other oil change. The intake was wet with oil/moisture, looks like a lot, but I’d guess it’s about a tablespoon or 2. With the 6.2 the PCV vents on the front side, covienent for cleaning purposes, would expect it to be somewhat cleaner further back in the intake. I did not do a clean side separator as I don’t do WOT much, might regret it later, but intake tubes were clean and dry so should be good there. I re-used the GM PCV connectors, ordered a replacement PCV vent hose in case I need to go back to OEM. Looks sharp and I have an east swap solution. While I was there installed an AirRaid Jr kit, I like the flow better with filter and intake tube. It’s almost worth it to keep the oil change guys from always showing you your ‘dirty air filter’ ? Overall easy install and a fun Saturday project. I highly recommend a catch can for any GDI engines, eventually the valves will get dirty and need to be cleaned, I don’t think a catch can will eliminated this, but I think it will makes those cleanings fewer and father bewtween!

Awesome choice! The Elite is one of the better ones (thought they had OEM connectors? UPR and RXP do but UPR did it first) you’ll be glad you did the install. I just emptied mine after only 100 miles, these things work, there is just no way I want this stuff going back through the intake, over the valves and into the cylinders. IMHO you made a wise choice. The picture is after just 100 miles...

Edited February 23, 2019 by SS502

CrazyZ01 · February 23, 2019

Nice to know, IMHO colder climate is a bigger issue, I am expecting a lower volume in the summer vs winter. Pretty sure it’s not just oil. I check the oil regularly and can’t see a noticble drop, so it think it’s mainly a misting issue. Port fuel injection took care of this issue, but DIis different, may need a better solution long term.

SS502 · February 23, 2019

1 minute ago, CrazyZ01 said:

Nice to know, IMHO colder climate is a bigger issue, I am expecting a lower volume in the summer vs winter. Pretty sure it’s not just oil. I check the oil regularly and can’t see a noticble drop, so it think it’s mainly a misting issue. Port fuel injection took care of this issue, but DIis different, may need a better solution long term.

Mine is definitely mainly oil but can smell gasoline for sure. I’ve not had a noticeable drop in oil level. I will say my picture might be misleading, it’s a pretty small Pyrex container, maybe a tablespoon after 100 miles possibly a tad more. Here is another pic with it next to a 1 quart oil can for reference. I live in a warm climate (Florida) and haven’t had much if any condensation.

damnthetorpedoes · February 23, 2019

I just installed one on my 6.2 with 33k miles on it. My throttle body wasn’t as dirty as yours but I usually only take longer trips with it. I emptied it after 450 miles and was surprised at how much oil/water gunk was in it. Have a feeling it will be a different mix in the summer. I bought some CRC gdi valve cleaner that I’m going to use before my next oil change.

Edited February 23, 2019 by damnthetorpedoes
spelling

CrazyZ01 · February 23, 2019

I’m tempted to run an intake clean, but not quite sure how to do it. Aerosol would seem to be the best bet, maybe tap into on of the valve vents that are in the intake tube?

CrazyZ01 · February 23, 2019

Damnthetorpedos nice truck, just like mine!

damnthetorpedoes · February 24, 2019

1 hour ago, CrazyZ01 said:

I’m tempted to run an intake clean, but not quite sure how to do it. Aerosol would seem to be the best bet, maybe tap into on of the valve vents that are in the intake tube?

The CRC that I purchased is an aerosol. I plan on spraying it in right at the throttle body and letting it soak for a period before driving. There are pretty good instructions on the can explaining how to use it.