DIY Oil separator (catch can)

[AUTOBOT]

Here is a how to on building an oil separator (catch can) for $15.
Most units run anywhere from $30+ and just shoving a breather filter on will still allow oil to drip past.

You need a few things from home Depot

You will find these with the air compressor accessories. It is a water separator, and a couple fittins and some thread lock.


Here is a close up of the water separator.


You can discard the filter that comes in it.


Wrap the thread lock around the fitting. (Of course this is easier with two hands.)


It should look like this.


Once you are done, screw the fittings in to the separator. Your finished product will look like this.


It is now ready to be installed in the car.

[~01 LC~]

Thanks a hole bunch AUTO. Great diy!
jm

[Shadohh]

I see someone stole this from the SRT4 boys

Good job thou. Add some after picks once you see some oil in it.





[Edited by Shadohh on Feb 21, 2004 5:51 PM]

[itsbrad]

where does it install?

[AUTOBOT]

Originally posted by Shadohh
[body]
I see someone stole this from the SRT4 boys

Good job thou. Add some after picks once you see some oil in it.

[/body]

Nope, I got the idea from Aaron who had it before the SRT4 was even out. :hmmm:

People have been doing this for years.:hmmm:

Originally posted by itsbrad
[body]
where does it install?
[/body]

I am thinking I will mount it to the back fire wall. Not sure yet. You can make a bracket out of aluminum straping like I did. I just wraped it around the cantainer in a way that I can mount it then justslide it out to remve and empty.

[shadowcat357]

what do you fain by adding this little contraption.

[AUTOBOT]

http://www.autospeed.com/cms/article.html?&A=0338

There, he gives a much harder and not as prety looking DIY but the concept is still there.

You won't by any means need on that size but if for some odd reason you feel you need a bigger separator, then you can buy one for about $8 more sitting on the shelf next to these.

[i8acobra]

Originally posted by Shadohh
[body]
I see someone stole this from the SRT4 boys

Good job thou. Add some after picks once you see some oil in it.
[/body]

I did this on my T/A 4 years ago. I did it on my Tib after going autocrossing and blowing smoke after every hard corner.

[turbulence]

dumb question...what does this do?

[itsbrad]

When combustion occurs, there is some leakage past the rings and so down into the sump. This pressurises the sump a bit, with these gases making their way up to the top of the engine. The oil/air mist is drawn off from the rocker cover and directed into the intake, where it's sucked the engine and burnt.

stopping this oil going back into the intake has some benefits, especially if the engine is breathing a lot.