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Oil Catch Cans

Oil Catch Cans sit in a category that gets dismissed until someone opens up a throttle body with 80,000 miles on a direct-injected engine and sees the oily carbon buildup coating the intake port walls. The PCV system is supposed to recycle blowby vapor back into the intake, but the oil aerosol in that vapor does not just disappear — it deposits on intake surfaces and slowly chokes airflow over time.

 

A catch can with a proper coalescing element captures the oil droplets before they reach the intake rather than just slowing them down with a baffle — the difference in actual catch volume between the two designs is significant on any engine putting up real mileage. Drain intervals matter too; a can that goes months without being emptied just becomes a warm reservoir of contaminated oil sitting in the engine bay.

 

Protecting the intake from the slow buildup that the PCV system introduces is the whole purpose of Oil Catch Cans. The full engine performance parts category covering multiple platforms is at 4x4 Engine Performance Parts, fourth-gen Tacoma door handle and cover options are at 2024-2026 Toyota Tacoma Door Handles & Covers, and grille insert options across platforms are at Grille Inserts & Overlays.
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Oil Catch Cans

The Importance of Oil Catch Cans

The purpose of an aftermarket oil catch can is to clean up the mess that the PVC system makes by allowing oil vapor into the intake, which leads to blockages and debris that can contaminate just about every part of your intake system.

 

What's more, if you’re running a forced induction setup you can kiss your turbo’s intercooler goodbye once it gets all gunked up. Unfortunately, while some diesel trucks and trucks with turbos from the factory may come with OEM oil catch cans, this usually isn't the case for NA engines. The solution is installing an aftermarket oil catch can that traps this vapor and prevents that annoying sludge from accumulating all throughout your engine’s intake and exhaust systems.

Benefits of Aftermarket Oil Catch Cans

The benefits of installing 4x4 oil catch cans can't be overstated, especially if you’re running a forced induction setup with an intercooler. This is because intercooler systems will become clogged with oil residue if you don't install a high-performance oil catch can. The result is damage to the system and a reduction in performance.

 

It's a common misconception that aftermarket oil catch cans only improve performance in vehicles with a forced induction system. You'll find that installing an offroad oil catch can in a naturally aspirated engine will still improve throttle response and improve the overall health of the engine. Plus, with some 4x4 oil catch cans costing less than $100, why not make the investment?

How to Choose Aftermarket Oil Catch Cans

There are several options available when it comes to choosing an aftermarket oil catch can, with brands like Corsa and Mishimoto leading the way. The differences between aftermarket oil catch cans stem from how they're made and the complexity of the design. For example, Mishimoto makes baffled oil catch cans made with durable aluminum materials for maximum longevity, and brands like Prosport even make dual-baffle systems.

 

Don't be baffled by the idea of a baffle system, either, because its purpose is simple. It disrupts the flow of air and oil vapor, which leads to the oil droplets condensing and falling into the oil catch can while the air flows more freely. If you’re building a high-powered off-road beast, you'll want a high-performance oil catch can like this to keep everything clean and tidy.

 

Whether you need a simple offroad oil catch can that can handle rough terrain, or you need the best possible option to keep your intercooler and intake system clean, we have your back. Order online or connect with our sales techs to find the perfect aftermarket oil catch can for your build.