Oil catch can on 1.3l

[RobertJones]

Hello all,
This is my first Buick and I love it (2023 Encore GX ST). That said also my first turbo motor. I was told I should be adding an oil catch can to my PCV system to stop oil from recirculating through to the intake. Is this a thing? I was told it will help with longevity of the motor. I ask because if it was meant to be there I figured it would have come equipped, and I truly don't know anything about it. Any thoughts or feedback appreciated.

 

[DocBrown]

The catch can recommendation isn't because of the turbo, it's because it's a direct injection engine. A little bit of oil always gets recirculated but more is being recirculated in direct injection engines. The link below a segment from Jason Fenske's YouTube channel, Engineering Explained. He explains what a catch can is. The guy knows his stuff, no BS, and I have a ton of respect for him and what he shares. He really likes the idea of catch cans.

That said, I'm not a big fan of catch cans, that is I'm not convinced its a real issue. There are millions of direct injected, high mileage cars out there with no issues. My wife's Encore is the LE2 direct injected engine, is a 2016 with 65k miles. Mileage hasn't changed, and it runs great.
Another consideration is technically a catch can is illegal because it interes with the emissions system. Not a big deal unless you live in an area with emissions testing mandates, and inspections.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1010948312812771

 

[RobertJones]

Thank you for your information and the video link. I was not aware of the legality issues of the device but more so wondered if it would work against warranty. The information was a good learning point. Great input.

 

[mshultz]

In cold climates like mine (Northeast Ohio) the moisture in a catch can may freeze, blocking and damaging the PCV system. Also, catch cans do not catch deposits from the EGR system, which is a major source of deposits. I looked into it when I bought my 2019 direct injection Encore, but decided the cons outweighed the pros.

 

[RobertJones]

Thank you for your take on that. I'm up in northern Ontario where it gets cold. This is why I'm glad this forum is here, because I've got real information in the last two days that seems to lead me towards the don't bother side. Appreciate your info. Thank you

 

[G-145611]

Thank you for your information and the video link. I was not aware of the legality issues of the device but more so wondered if it would work against warranty. The information was a good learning point. Great input.

They are actually better for emissions as their purpose is to catch oil vapors that would otherwise get burned. Also they help prevent buildup of oil/carbon deposits on the back side of the intake valves since there isn't fuel spray washing them off.

 

[Henryd1981]

For what it's worth, I found this tidbit in some literature about the 1.3L engine:

Crankcase Ventilation System
The crankcase ventilation system incorporates a pre-separator in the left side of the engine block below the coolant control valve. As crankcase gasses enter the pre-separator, oil separates and drains back to the oil pan through two oil drain channels in the block. The blow by flows internally from the pre-separator through block and head into the fine separator.

 

[Sam4]

Thank you for your information and the video link. I was not aware of the legality issues of the device but more so wondered if it would work against warranty. The information was a good learning point. Great input.

The catch can gets placed in the pcv system, usually by cutting and trimming the pcv hose. It will lead to warranty issues because you have altered the engine. NOT unsafely, but dealers don't like these mods (of any sort) and immediately claim no warranty.

 

[ohioriver]

Dunno if this is what you are looking for, but here it is...

HPS Performance Aluminum Oil Catch Can Kit

HPS Performance Oil Catch Can Kit maximize vehicle's performance and engine longevity by filtering out oil and water vapors that normally enters through the PCV system, effectively raising the octane content in the combustion chamber. It also reduces carbon build-up on the intake valves which is...

hpsperformanceproducts.com