Does a Catch Can Solve Direct Injection Deposit Issues?

You might be thinking that a catch can will solve issues arising from direct injection, and you may be right. Direct injection engines are known to have a unique issue with oil deposits forming in the intake manifold due to the way crankcase ventilation is routed. Those deposits happen upstream from the valves, which aren’t cleaned off by the usual atomization of gasoline from a traditional injector. This leads to a buildup of deposits and coking of the valves.

As you can see in the MotorWeek video below, a catch can is a big help in fixing that issue. Placed in-line with the crankcase ventilation system, it aims to eliminate the oil vapors that would otherwise end up in your intake manifold. There is a distinction between this and an air/oil separator as the catch can has the ability to filter out oil vapors and smaller oil particles. While GM won’t officially say whether a catch can is recommended, the evidence is still pretty clear on direct injection motors. It’s an inexpensive way to keep your motor running strong, so why not install one?

Chime in with your thoughts on the forum. >>

Via [MotorWeek]

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