DIY Catch Can
#1
DIY Catch Can
Hi guys,
After failing to be impressed by most catch cans available commercially, I decided to come up with my own design. When designing my catch can, I had several goals in mind:
The can is constructed of 1/4'' and 1/8'' polycarbonate sheet, which has excellent oil resistance and insulation properties in addition to being extremely strong. It's also clear, which removes the need for a sight tube to check fluid level. I have a lot of experience with machining and working with polycarbonate, so it was a no-brainer for me. The catch can is solvent welded together with methylene chloride, which is by far the best way to go about joining polycarbonate pieces together. Just be careful, as it burns the skin and causes cancer if inhaled. I live in California and I was able to buy pure methylene chloride online (surprisingly). The mesh inside is pure copper pest control netting and works beautifully for its purpose of maximizing surface area. Overall, I'm very happy with how my catch can turned out! However, it is a bit heavy so I've already designed a smaller, lighter version. In addition, I don't produce all that much blowby even though I'm supercharged so a can of this size is overkill. In any case, I'll make another post when I finish catch can version 2!
Cheers,
T
After failing to be impressed by most catch cans available commercially, I decided to come up with my own design. When designing my catch can, I had several goals in mind:
- Maximize the path length for the fuel/oil vapor to allow more time for condensation
- Maximize surface area that the fuel/oil vapor touches
- Ability to check fluid level at a glance
- Allow fluid to be drained easily
- Allow for easy installation/removal
- Low cost
- Good looks
- Light weight
The can is constructed of 1/4'' and 1/8'' polycarbonate sheet, which has excellent oil resistance and insulation properties in addition to being extremely strong. It's also clear, which removes the need for a sight tube to check fluid level. I have a lot of experience with machining and working with polycarbonate, so it was a no-brainer for me. The catch can is solvent welded together with methylene chloride, which is by far the best way to go about joining polycarbonate pieces together. Just be careful, as it burns the skin and causes cancer if inhaled. I live in California and I was able to buy pure methylene chloride online (surprisingly). The mesh inside is pure copper pest control netting and works beautifully for its purpose of maximizing surface area. Overall, I'm very happy with how my catch can turned out! However, it is a bit heavy so I've already designed a smaller, lighter version. In addition, I don't produce all that much blowby even though I'm supercharged so a can of this size is overkill. In any case, I'll make another post when I finish catch can version 2!
Cheers,
T
#2
Nice work, I've been thinking of doing something similar.
I would probably use a bit less of that copper netting and maybe do that middle divider a bit shorter so it can hold more fluid before it gets "jammed" up.
Looking forward to see next version
I would probably use a bit less of that copper netting and maybe do that middle divider a bit shorter so it can hold more fluid before it gets "jammed" up.
Looking forward to see next version
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
HEL Performance
UK & Ireland Traders Forum
1
01-06-2014 02:45 PM