The Catch Can question..

larbel · Mar 20, 2017

So while installing the GFB DV+ last week, I discovered there're oil residue all over the interior of the intake pipe and the PCV hose nozzle... Nothing really to be alarmed of yet, but enough to bring out the catch can question.

I'm never quite a catch can believer, but seeing the oil residue first hand does make me worried a little, I haven't had any turbo engine in quite some while and so it appeared blow by does seem to affect it more seriously than NAs.

There isn't that many option for S3 as the washer reservoir on the S3 gets in the way of the usual mounting spot. I'm looking at the VWR washer reservoir mod plus the ECS catch can, this seems to be the most reasonable option at about $350 total... Other offerings from APR, IE or Spulen are all $500ish.

What's everyone's take on catch can? Do I really need it for the S3 or it's pretty much myth since there will be carbon builtup with it or not? Any higher mileage intake/turbo pictures?

lenny151 · Mar 20, 2017

That's what come out of my vwr catch can after 2 days

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

larbel · Mar 20, 2017

lenny151 said:
That's what come out of my vwr catch can after 2 days

Oops.. just saw it's VWR..

AudiNutta · Mar 20, 2017

lenny151 said:
That's what come out of my vwr catch can after 2 days

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Wow.

Funnily enough, I have just been thinking of a catch can the last few days and was going to ask my local performance centre for advice, looks like I'm getting one.

lenny151 · Mar 20, 2017

Vwr racing

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

lenny151 · Mar 20, 2017

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

lenny151 · Mar 20, 2017

Reason I got mine was because under hard breaking it blew a lot of white smoke which is a pretty common problem as it says on the vwr website

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

lenny151 · Mar 20, 2017

https://vwpartsinternational.com/sh...oil-catch-tank-management-kit-racingline-vwr/

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

larbel · Mar 20, 2017

Thanks, so no more engine cover with the VWR setup right?

lenny151 · Mar 20, 2017

I just left it off to be honest as I like the look of the vwr plate on the engine but am sure you could make it fit on

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

MrFlibble · Mar 20, 2017

The S3 has an integrated oil catcher in the breather system - it may not be 100% effective, but it's difficult to interpret the results of a retrofit catch can, because these replace the integrated oil catcher - so you are only seeing the total amount of oil mist generated, not the amount that gets through the factory system.

larbel · Mar 20, 2017

MrFlibble said:
The S3 has an integrated oil catcher in the breather system - it may not be 100% effective, but it's difficult to interpret the results of a retrofit catch can, because these replace the integrated oil catcher - so you are only seeing the total amount of oil mist generated, not the amount that gets through the factory system.

Hmmm... if what you meant by "integrated oil catcher" is the PCV then all it does is recirculating the blow by into the turbo inlet and that's why the market for the catch can.. Other than that, no car manufacturer as far as I know has any kind of factory catch can...

MrFlibble · Mar 20, 2017

Yes. You're right. Someone had suggested to me that it had an integrated oil separator, but I think that might just be what VW call it - and that it doesn't actually have much separation capacity.

Kingfisher · Mar 20, 2017

lenny 151
where did you re-locate screen washer bottle to ?

lenny151 · Mar 20, 2017

The top half of the washer bottle comes off and the new washer bottle filler sits next to the catch can if you can see on the pictures I posted

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

lenny151 · Mar 20, 2017

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

AudiNutta · Mar 20, 2017

I asked my local trusted performance centre, they normally build high performance race engines and Evo's etc up the 1000hp end. They love their VAG cars and most of them own one, Golf R's and alike.

He said that they never have come across an issue on the S3, he said only in very high performance high pressure turbo setups do they use catch cans. I sent him the photo in this thread of the oil, he said he'd expect to see that with any catch cans on any car because it will always catch oil but not to an extent where it needs to basically, not required.

I think I will hold off for now and when I get a spare few hundred quid, I will get one but I really don't like the idea of having to cut the washer bottle off either!!

lenny151 · Mar 20, 2017

I Am not saying there wrong but the main reason I fitted mine was under hard breaking it blew smoke like the picture below, haven't had this problem since fitted this happened 3 times to me.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

lenny151 · Mar 20, 2017

The picture above is from the vwr site

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

lenny151 · Mar 20, 2017

http://www.racingline-performance.com/vwr-oil-catch-can

Also you don't have to cut your washer bottle it splits into 2 pieces

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

rcnacura · Mar 21, 2017

lenny151 said:
I Am not saying there wrong but the main reason I fitted mine was under hard breaking it blew smoke like the picture below, haven't had this problem since fitted this happened 3 times to me.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have the same problem on the corkscrew at Laguna Seca, usually at the end of sessions. I put the OEM one back on since the Spulen one I had was frustratingly putting oil BACK in the engine. They said they were fixing, but won't be buying Spulen in the future. Wanted to get the VWR one but that price is ridiculous. Would love to buy just the plate as I want to get a larger CC. Because of my city driving, it would fill up faster than expected - almost ever fill up I was draining 50-75% liquid.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

larbel · Mar 21, 2017

rcnacura said:
I have the same problem on the corkscrew at Laguna Seca, usually at the end of sessions. I put the OEM one back on since the Spulen one I had was frustratingly putting oil BACK in the engine. They said they were fixing, but won't be buying Spulen in the future. Wanted to get the VWR one but that price is ridiculous. Would love to buy just the plate as I want to get a larger CC. Because of my city driving, it would fill up faster than expected - almost ever fill up I was draining 50-75% liquid.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

Wow... Was just about to pull the trigger on the Spulen.. Them and VWR are the only two with solution for S3, guess I'm back to ECS+VWR washer cap now, just need to figure out how to reroute the hose to the front instead of on top of the turbo.

rcnacura · Mar 21, 2017

CTS has a solution but don't think you can put engine cover back on without modification.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

larbel · Mar 21, 2017

rcnacura said:
CTS has a solution but don't think you can put engine cover back on without modification.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

That's wouldn't work for me.. I'm a detail freak :gun2:

rcnacura · Mar 21, 2017

Ya I wanted to get it but then would have to look at the ugly top of the engine, would drive me crazy!

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

rcnacura · May 28, 2017

So after some thought, I ended up going with the ECS Catch can setup. The previous setup I had was the Spulen and it would replace the stock system, reason why the can would fill up so quickly. I was looking more at the "piggyback" versions like ECS as it would get anything that the OEM would miss. Hoping this will eliminate the white smoke issue on the track for me... it should in theory. Plus it was a lot less expensive then the VWR, however I'd still love to get the CTS, if only the engine cover would go back on! Just got the second exhaust manifold cover too!

larbel · May 29, 2017

rcnacura said:
So after some thought, I ended up going with the ECS Catch can setup. The previous setup I had was the Spulen and it would replace the stock system, reason why the can would fill up so quickly. I was looking more at the "piggyback" versions like ECS as it would get anything that the OEM would miss. Hoping this will eliminate the white smoke issue on the track for me... it should in theory. Plus it was a lot less expensive then the VWR, however I'd still love to get the CTS, if only the engine cover would go back on! Just got the second exhaust manifold cover too!

View attachment 126869

The ECS looked real good, OEM like fitting, works with engine cover etc. but I actually cancelled my order couple weeks ago. Because supposedly, the only fix for the high G braking white smoke bug is to have the PCV replaced which the ECS doesn't, it still uses the OEM PCV so chances are it will still leaks under high G braking... I emailed ECS to confirm but never heard back so I ended up cancelling...

You need a system which replaces the factory PCV to fix the bug, but please do let me know how it worked out for you coz I still like the ECS look the best...

BTW, the exhaust manifold cover looks great!! Does it work for S3 too? Where did you get it??

rcnacura · May 29, 2017

larbel said:
The ECS looked real good, OEM like fitting, works with engine cover etc. but I actually cancelled my order couple weeks ago. Because supposedly, the only fix for the high G braking white smoke bug is to have the PCV replaced which the ECS doesn't, it still uses the OEM PCV so chances are it will still leaks under high G braking... I emailed ECS to confirm but never heard back so I ended up cancelling...

You need a system which replaces the factory PCV to fix the bug, but please do let me know how it worked out for you coz I still like the ECS look the best...

BTW, the exhaust manifold cover looks great!! Does it work for S3 too? Where did you get it??

I was thinking the same, but because the oil has to go through the ecs system before it goes back to the intake manifold, I'm hoping this will eliminate any oil consumption... in theory. I'll keep you posted however.

As for the cover, I got it from this site. Shipping takes awhile but so much cheaper. Checked ECS and doesn't seem to work with S3 because that cover already covers quite a bit.

http://e-acca.com/index.php?page=oem&search_by_number=06K103925AA&num_page=1&orderBy=gruppa

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

Rob2k68 · May 30, 2017

Was quite interested in the ECS solution until reading this :-

'When the temperature drops below freezing, we recommend reinstalling your original crank vent system components to prevent freeze up of the crank vent system and damage to engine seals.'

rcnacura · May 30, 2017

Rob2k68 said:
Was quite interested in the ECS solution until reading this :-

'When the temperature drops below freezing, we recommend reinstalling your original crank vent system components to prevent freeze up of the crank vent system and damage to engine seals.'

That will be with all external catch can systems. With the right conditions, the water will freeze. During winter months, you should empty your cc at least each week. The systems that eliminate the oem pcv well catch far more vapor and be worse.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

rcnacura · Jun 10, 2017

Alright all, so just did two 15 minute track sessions so far and the ecs catch can is doing its job as it already full. I can't believe how much blowby accumulated so quickly!

Guess this solves what I previous predicted... most CC'S that piggyback on the oem will do its job when you push the car very hard. Reason many are also not seeing it fill up if doing normal city driving.

So get a CC!

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

Rob2k68 · Jun 10, 2017

rcnacura said:
Alright all, so just did two 15 minute track sessions so far and the ecs catch can is doing its job as it already full. I can't believe how much blowby accumulated so quickly!

Guess this solves what I previous predicted... most CC'S that piggyback on the oem will do its job when you push the car very hard. Reason many are also not seeing it fill up if doing normal city driving.

So get a CC!

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

Wow that’s caught a surprising amount of oil. I’ve just replaced the PCV pipe or I’d be very tempted to get this. Did you have to relocate your washer bottle filler ?

rcnacura · Jun 11, 2017

Rob2k68 said:
Wow that’s caught a surprising amount of oil. I’ve just replaced the PCV pipe or I’d be very tempted to get this. Did you have to relocate your washer bottle filler ?

I have the A3, so the washer bottle is on the other side so didn't need to relocate. ECS should have an S3 kit too. I ended up emptying about 2.5 cans of gas/oil/water yesterday which equated to roughly 18 or so ounces. I'm happy that the can was getting this instead of going back into the engine. I was getting some misfires which prompted me to check the CC the first time. After that car only misfired once more for the track day.

MarttiMat · Jun 13, 2017

rcnacura said:
Alright all, so just did two 15 minute track sessions so far and the ecs catch can is doing its job as it already full. I can't believe how much blowby accumulated so quickly!

Guess this solves what I previous predicted... most CC'S that piggyback on the oem will do its job when you push the car very hard. Reason many are also not seeing it fill up if doing normal city driving.

So get a CC!

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

Is the car modded or tuned? That sure is a lot of oil!

rcnacura · Jun 13, 2017

MarttiMAT said:
Is the car modded or tuned? That sure is a lot of oil!

Modded. And yes alot, and answers alot of questions I had of where oil went during previous track sessions. Basically the car will move this amount of oil/vapor/gas if you are driving it really hard on a track.

This is helping me understand the engine and why there was so much oil in the charge tube when I changed my intercooler and turbo inlet. Many that have also changed their turbo inlet are seeing a bunch of oil pooled right before the turbo.

The oem pcv works well under normal "grandma" type driving but the car definitely needs a catch can for enthusiasts/spirited drivers.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

Boydie · Jun 13, 2017

Thats what came out of my old S3, Forge catch can - I too recently fitted the DV+ and noticed the oil so I ordered an APR one which should be here this week hopefully for my 8V S3

Boydie · Jun 13, 2017

read up on it here on their site, I like how they explain the operation and benefit of having a catch can system

http://www.goapr.co.uk/products/catch_can_mqb_ea888.html

Rob2k68 · Jun 13, 2017

Boydie said:
Thats what came out of my old S3, Forge catch can - I too recently fitted the DV+ and noticed the oil so I ordered an APR one which should be here this week hopefully for my 8V S3

View attachment 128211

Cripes that looks like s***

larbel · Jun 13, 2017

rcnacura said:
Alright all, so just did two 15 minute track sessions so far and the ecs catch can is doing its job as it already full. I can't believe how much blowby accumulated so quickly!

Guess this solves what I previous predicted... most CC'S that piggyback on the oem will do its job when you push the car very hard. Reason many are also not seeing it fill up if doing normal city driving.

So get a CC!

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

That's just way way way too much oil, the exact reason why I cancelled the ECS order, the OEM PCV is letting go way too much oil than it should, without changing it, it's not really fixing the root of the problem...

But with that much blow by caught, I guess you didn't experience the high-G braking smoke bug? I guess ECS served it's purpose at the end, but just wonder what VWR would compare under the same conditions, and if changing the PCV is good or bad idea...

rcnacura · Jun 18, 2017

So after the track day, drained the can one last time. This was about half a quart of oil/gas/vapor caught.

Drive home which was roughly 300 miles, checked the can again and can was empty.

So with that said, it definitely did what it was suppose to do. Glad to have this not go back into the engine and curious to see how "clean" my turbo intake and ic hoses will be. Last time they had more than expected amount of oil in them.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

The Catch Can question..

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

Moderator

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

MrFlibble

Guest

Registered User

MrFlibble

Guest

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

Moderator

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

US Spec 8V

Registered User

US Spec 8V

Registered User

US Spec 8V

US Spec 8V

Registered User

US Spec 8V

Well-Known Member

US Spec 8V

US Spec 8V

Well-Known Member

US Spec 8V

Registered User

US Spec 8V

S3 8V DSG

S3 8V DSG

Well-Known Member

Registered User

US Spec 8V

Similar threads