Oil Catch Can Sludge

[fireman603]

I cleaned out my oil catch can today and there was an inch of light brown sludge in the bottom. Is this normal and what is it?

 

[Cronus577]

Condensation in the catch can. Nothing to worry about

 

[Hoosier TREX]

Pretty much what I find in mine

 

[RedEyeTRX]

There are couple of threads regarding condensation and the longer lines associated with the TRX (compared to Charger - Challenger HC applications).

I dont run a CC, but if I did I would check it often during cooler months to make sure it didnt suck it into the blower.

 

[Cayman]

looks familiar...

 

[Romexotics]

Mine had the same sludge that settled at the bottom of the can and the oil was 3/4 full. I bought the car used with about 20k miles.

 

[Tom488]

There are couple of threads regarding condensation and the longer lines associated with the TRX (compared to Charger - Challenger HC applications).

I dont run a CC, but if I did I would check it often during cooler months to make sure it didnt suck it into the blower.

As opposed to not running a CC, and sucking that oil and condensation through the blower

(Yes, I realize that the CC could act as an accumulator, storing up the schmutz and feeding it in a much larger quantity into the S/C, vs. it gradually and constantly passing through. Still, the irony isn't entirely lost...)

 

[Bubba]

As opposed to not running a CC, and sucking that oil and condensation through the blower

(Yes, I realize that the CC could act as an accumulator, storing up the schmutz and feeding it in a much larger quantity into the S/C, vs. it gradually and constantly passing through. Still, the irony isn't entirely lost...)

Condensation would be from the catch can itself. Extended tubing and catch can more exposed to cooler conditions causing condensation you wouldn’t normally have without it.

 

[Tom488]

the water vapor didn't originate in the can, nor the lines. It's always there. What do you think happens when the little bit of hot vapor drawn from the valve cover meets up with the intercooled charge air inside the S/C?

 

[RedEyeTRX]

As opposed to not running a CC, and sucking that oil and condensation through the blower

(Yes, I realize that the CC could act as an accumulator, storing up the schmutz and feeding it in a much larger quantity into the S/C, vs. it gradually and constantly passing through. Still, the irony isn't entirely lost...)

Just say'n, the longer lines of the CC cause more condensation, than would normally be produced by the short factory lines. El Jefe has a post on it.

 

[RedEyeTRX]

Condensation would be from the catch can itself. Extended tubing and catch can more exposed to cooler conditions causing condensation you wouldn’t normally have without it.

BINGO !

 

[RedEyeTRX]

the water vapor didn't originate in the can, nor the lines. It's always there. What do you think happens when the little bit of hot vapor drawn from the valve cover meets up with the intercooled charge air inside the S/C?

Just condenses in the long CC line sets.

 

[BDS TRX]

Condensation would be from the catch can itself. Extended tubing and catch can more exposed to cooler conditions causing condensation you wouldn’t normally have without it.

Exactly -- IN OTHER WORDS - your catch can is creating the exact issues it is attempting to resolve!

 

[Jb123]

At this point I genuinely have no idea if a catch can is a good or bad idea.

 

[SexyRexy]

At this point I genuinely have no idea if a catch can is a good or bad idea.

Same here, brother... do I get it... do I not get it? WTF

I'm kinda leaning on getting it because "it can't hurt." But can it?

 

[RedEyeTRX]

I say Fuch it !!!!!!!!!! Cap the PCV inlets on the SC, run the hoses to filtered vents, vent it to the atmosphere!
Just like the old days !!!!!!!!!!!!! Remember the "mushroom" vents that sat on top the valve covers???????

 

[Tom488]

Exactly -- IN OTHER WORDS - your catch can is creating the exact issues it is attempting to resolve!

Horseshit. The water vapor exists no matter what. The only reason anyone is worried about it, is because you can SEE the inside of the catch can. Very few people ever see the inside of their supercharger, or intake manifold.

In my view, it's INFINITELY better to collect the blowby and condensation in the catch can than in the S/C. Just don't be a lazy SOB and neglect to empty it from time to time, lest you let it overflow and suck in a WHOLE LOT of blowby oil/condensation all at once.

 

[Bubba]

Exactly -- IN OTHER WORDS - your catch can is creating the exact issues it is attempting to resolve!

Lol that being said. I use one. It’s to catch the oil and prevent it from covering and gunking everything up. You want the condensation to be caught in the can as well as the oil. The can just causes the condensation but also solves it’s own problem.

 

[Ducc]

If the long lines are the concern, I'm not sure why more don't opt for the billet catch can. It's what I purchased and the hoses can't get much shorter based on how it mounts. I too was on the fence, but reading a bunch of different takes on here coupled with living in AZ has me beyond doubt at this point.

 

[Raven]

Exactly -- IN OTHER WORDS - your catch can is creating the exact issues it is attempting to resolve!

Uh, no. The catch can is not creating the moisture. The water is already there, just in vapor form. By cooling the vapor in the lines and the catch can that moisture can be removed. Works like a still, where you condense the vaporized alcohol so it can be collected. I check my Billet CC every 2,000 miles or so and usually collect and remove a couple of inches of sludge which would have otherwise been reintroduced into the motor.