Can you fit a catch can to a petrol 4×4?

Can a catch can be fitted to a petrol four-wheel drive, and what does a catch can even do? We delved into the topic!

By Sam Young 6 Min Read

When you hear the phrase ‘catch can’, you would be forgiven for immediately thinking of a diesel four-wheel drive. Trust me when I say, you’re not alone. For just about as long as I can remember, people have assumed catch cans are a diesel-only mod. But today, I’m in the business of myth-busting, so strap yourself in.

Before we delve into the seemingly volatile online world of diesel vs petrol and whether a catch can is or isn’t suitable, let’s first understand exactly what this little device under your bonnet actually does. To the untrained eye, it might seem like a little black canister full of science. But it might just be a lot simpler than what you’re expecting!

First, what are we dealing with here?

On pretty much every vehicle, there’s a breather system between the top of the engine or crank case and the intake. It’s known as the PCV system, or positive crankcase ventilation system. It’s a basic and globally used yet basic form of emissions control. This is pretty much just a breather hose that transfers a cocktail of air, fuel and oil known as blow-by back into the intake to be burnt. In theory, it’s a great and environmentally clean way to operate the vehicle. But over an extended period of time, not so much.

The oil and fuel vapours can build up and eventually clog vital components, sort of like cholesterol for your car. In some extreme cases, this thick black carbon-like build up can restrict performance, reduce fuel economy and cause nothing but expensive headaches later in life.

The crankcase in your 4×4 needs to breathe, it’s as simple as that. Those cheeky blow-by gasses that squeeze past the piston rings need somewhere to go. So it’s not as simple as just blocking off the breather and being done with it! Similarly, you can’t just run the vent to atmosphere as not only is it illegal but would be get messy very quickly. After-all, the gas is made up of oil and fuel. Yuck! So, what’s the best solution? More importantly, is there a solution for your 4×4 whether if it’s a naturally aspirated or even turbo-charged petrol? Great question! Let’s get into it.

Can a Ryco catch can be fitted to your petrol 4×4?

The long and short of it is a big fat bloody YES! You can absolutely fit a Ryco catch can to your petrol 4×4. In fact, it’s encouraged by the talented team at Ryco Filters! Diesel rigs obviously struggle with the build up of carbon and oil residue a lot more than petrol engines do. This is because they burn a lot dirtier. But fitting a catch can to a petrol engine is still a great preventative measure. Especially if you want to maximise the life of your engine.

A catch can works in a very simple way. By basically filtering out the oil vapours from the gas and allowing just the air to recirculate back through the intake. The oil particles and other impurities are trapped in the inbuilt particulate filter and drip down into the catch can canister. In the case of Ryco, there’s an 8mm drain plug in the bottom of the device which allows you to drain the oil every service, or when otherwise needed. And gives you a good opportunity to monitor blow-by and oil consumption.

The Ryco range of catch cans also have an internal relief valve engineered into them that acts as a bypass to assist in the regulation of pressure for engine safety. One valve closes to prevent air rushing back into the engine. For example, if the engine is working extremely hard or overrunning. The other prevents oil from going back into the engine sump or intake manifold when the reservoir fills up with oil. The other valve prevents the oil from going back into the sump or engine if the catch can does happen to fill up. Pretty clever hey?

One thing worth mentioning too is if your 4×4 utilises boost in the form of a turbo or supercharger, your engine will be more prone to producing blow-by gasses. This is because there’s simply so much more pressure inside your combustion chamber. So don’t be alarmed if your turbo diesel pushes a little more gas than your mates naturally aspirated petrol 4×4!

What’s Ryco got for me?

The kit we’ve pictured above, the Ryco RCC351, is the perfect option for the petrol lovers! It’s suitable for vehicles up to nearly 500hp and can handle up to 200lpm of blow-by gas. It will protect your 4×4’s engine and provide the best chance at longevity. Plus it’s a super quick and easy DIY installation at home. If you need help finding the right catch can for your 4×4 or want to learn more, head over to the Ryco website at www.rycofilters.com.au .

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