Diesel engines are known for their durability, fuel efficiency, and power. However, like all internal combustion engines, they produce a range of byproducts during operation. One of these byproducts is blow-by gases, which are gases that escape from the combustion chamber into the crankcase. These gases often contain oil mist and other contaminants that can harm the engine. To deal with this issue, many diesel engine owners opt for a catch can. In this article, we’ll explore the eight best catch cans for diesel engines, discussing their features, benefits, and how they can help improve the performance and longevity of your engine.
What Is a Catch Can and Why Do You Need One?
Before we dive into the top options, it’s important to understand what a catch can is and why it’s essential for a diesel engine.
A catch can is a device installed in the engine’s Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system. Its primary function is to catch and filter out the oil, moisture, and other contaminants that are contained in blow-by gases. By doing so, a catch can prevents these harmful substances from being recirculated into the intake system, where they could cause carbon buildup, reduce engine performance, and contribute to long-term engine damage.
For diesel engines, a catch can is particularly useful because of the high pressure and temperature in the combustion chamber, which generates more blow-by gases compared to gasoline engines. Installing a catch can helps maintain a cleaner engine, optimize performance, and extend the life of vital components.
Key Features to Look for in a Diesel Catch Can
When choosing a catch can for a diesel engine, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure you select the best one for your needs. Some of the key features to look for include:
Capacity: A larger capacity means fewer emptying intervals.
Material Quality: Look for durable materials like aluminum or stainless steel.
Filtration System: Multi-stage filtration is better for trapping oil and contaminants.
Ease of Installation: Some catch cans come with specific mounting kits and are easier to install than others.
Drainage: A built-in drain valve allows for easy removal of captured fluids.
Durability: A high-quality catch can should withstand high temperatures and pressure.
Brand Reputation: Choose a product from a reputable manufacturer known for producing reliable diesel performance parts.
The 8 Best Catch Cans for Diesel Engines
1. Mishimoto Universal Baffled Oil Catch Can
Mishimoto is a trusted name in automotive performance parts, and their Universal Baffled Oil Catch Can is an excellent choice for diesel engine owners. This catch can is designed with a high-quality aluminum body, making it lightweight yet durable. The internal baffle helps reduce oil mist, ensuring that only clean air returns to the intake system.
Capacity: 3 oz (89 mL)
Material: Aluminum
Filtration System: Multi-stage baffle filtration
Mounting Options: Universal with various fittings
Features: CNC-machined, anodized finish, easy to drain
The Mishimoto catch can is ideal for those who want a universal solution with great durability and efficiency in oil separation.
2. UPR Products Billet Catch Can
Another popular choice for diesel engines is the UPR Products Billet Catch Can. This catch can is designed specifically to prevent oil buildup and other contaminants from entering the intake manifold. It features a strong billet aluminum construction and a high-flow design that prevents any restriction in airflow.
Capacity: 3 oz (89 mL)
Material: Billet Aluminum
Filtration System: Dual filtration with high-flow baffles
Mounting Options: Universal, various sizes and fittings
Features: CNC-machined, anodized finish, comes with a billet aluminum drain plug
The UPR Products Billet Catch Can is a solid option if you’re looking for a high-performance solution with high flow and effective oil separation.
3. Elite Engineering PCV Oil Catch Can
Elite Engineering offers one of the most robust catch cans on the market with their PCV Oil Catch Can. This model is designed for heavy-duty use and is a great option for those who need maximum protection from oil and moisture buildup in the engine. The catch can is made of anodized aluminum and features an integrated filtration system for enhanced performance.
Capacity: 3.5 oz (103 mL)
Material: Billet Aluminum
Filtration System: Dual filtration with large baffle chamber
Mounting Options: Vehicle-specific, or universal fittings
Features: Compact, effective filtration, corrosion-resistant
If you’re looking for a high-quality catch can with a durable design, the Elite Engineering PCV Oil Catch Can is an excellent choice.
4. Moroso 85474 Oil Catch Can
Moroso is a well-respected brand in the automotive performance industry, and their 85474 Oil Catch Can is a testament to their quality. This catch can is specifically designed to capture oil and moisture, ensuring that only clean air returns to the intake system. It features a large capacity and is perfect for diesel engines that experience higher levels of blow-by gases.
Capacity: 15 oz (443 mL)
Material: Aluminum
Filtration System: Baffle-style filtration
Mounting Options: Universal with multiple fittings
Features: High capacity, durable aluminum construction, easy to install
The Moroso 85474 Oil Catch Can offers great performance, especially for diesel engines that require a larger capacity to deal with increased blow-by.
5. JLT Performance Oil Catch Can
JLT Performance is known for its high-performance products, and their Oil Catch Can is no exception. This catch can is designed for those who want a high-flow, easy-to-install option that effectively traps oil and contaminants. The JLT Performance Oil Catch Can features a simple yet effective design with a large filter area and easy drainage.
Capacity: 5 oz (148 mL)
Material: Aluminum
Filtration System: One-stage filtration with internal baffling
Mounting Options: Vehicle-specific and universal options
Features: High flow, durable construction, easily emptied with a drain valve
If you’re looking for a straightforward, efficient catch can for your diesel engine, the JLT Performance Oil Catch Can is a great choice.
6. Radium Engineering Oil Catch Can
Radium Engineering offers a premium catch can with their Oil Catch Can Kit. Known for their high-end engineering, Radium provides a catch can that is built to withstand the toughest conditions. This product is ideal for high-performance diesel engines and comes with a high-quality filtration system.
Capacity: 10 oz (296 mL)
Material: Anodized aluminum
Filtration System: Three-stage filtration with fine mesh
Mounting Options: Vehicle-specific and universal
Features: Durable, corrosion-resistant, built-in drain plug
The Radium Engineering Oil Catch Can is an excellent choice for those who want maximum filtration and durability in a performance-driven package.
7. HPS Performance Oil Catch Can
The HPS Performance Oil Catch Can is an excellent choice for diesel engine owners who want a reliable and efficient solution for their PCV system. It is designed to capture oil and other contaminants from the blow-by gases before they can reach the intake manifold. Made of billet aluminum, this catch can is both lightweight and durable.
Capacity: 8 oz (237 mL)
Material: Billet aluminum
Filtration System: Baffle system for efficient oil separation
Mounting Options: Universal with custom fittings
Features: Lightweight, easy to install, includes a drain valve
With an excellent balance of performance and value, the HPS Performance Oil Catch Can is a great option for keeping your diesel engine in top condition.
8. Treadstone Performance Oil Catch Can
Treadstone Performance offers an affordable yet effective solution for diesel engine owners with their Oil Catch Can. This catch can features a compact design that’s easy to install and remove. The catch can uses a baffle system to ensure that it effectively separates oil and contaminants from the blow-by gases.
Capacity: 3 oz (89 mL)
Material: Aluminum
Filtration System: Multi-stage baffle filtration
Mounting Options: Universal, can fit most vehicles
Features: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, simple design
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality, the Treadstone Performance Oil Catch Can is an ideal choice.
Conclusion
Selecting the best catch can for your diesel engine can be challenging with so many options available on the market. However, by considering factors such as capacity, filtration system, and material quality, you can ensure that you choose the right product to protect your engine and maintain optimal performance.
Whether you choose the high-performance Mishimoto, the durable Elite Engineering, or the cost-effective Treadstone Performance, each of these catch cans provides an effective solution for keeping your diesel engine clean and running smoothly. By installing one of these catch cans, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your engine components, improve fuel efficiency, and avoid costly repairs down
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