What is a Catch Can? How does a Catch Can work and Why do I need a Catch Can? Audi TT Mk1

What is an Oil Catch Can on a car?
What does an Oil Catch Can do?
Why do you need an Oil Catch Can on your car?

Hopefully I will answer all these questions and more in this video.

A catch can on a car is a device designed to capture and store oil, fuel vapors, and other contaminants that might otherwise be recirculated into the engine's intake system. It is commonly used in performance and modified vehicles to prevent these substances from entering the intake manifold and causing carbon buildup, oil sludge, or damage to engine components.

Here's how it works:
PCV System: The Audi TT mk1 has a Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system that vents gases from the crankcase (the area below the engine) back into the intake manifold to be burned in the engine. These gases can contain oil vapors, fuel residues, and moisture.

Function of the Catch Can: A catch can is installed between the PCV valve and the intake manifold. It acts as a filter, trapping oil and other contaminants before they can reach the intake system. The filtered gases are then allowed to return to the engine via the Turbo Intake pipe or TIP on an Audi TT mk1, while the collected contaminants are stored in the can for later disposal.

Benefits of a Catch Can:
Preventing Carbon Buildup: By capturing oil and vapor before they reach the intake valves, a catch can can help reduce carbon deposits on intake valves, improving engine performance and longevity.
Protecting the Intake System: It helps prevent oil sludge and residue from clogging components like the throttle body, intake manifold, and intercooler.
Improved Engine Efficiency: Clean air and fuel entering the engine can lead to better combustion and overall engine performance.
Catch cans are often used in vehicles with turbocharged or high-performance engines, where the amount of blow-by gases is higher and the need for cleaner intake air is more critical.

Should you fit on on your car?
On an Audi TT mk1, the PCV system is old and likely to be deteriorating. This in turn creates more contaminants due to the rubber hoses breaking down. By eliminating much of the old PCV system and adding a Catch Can into the set up, this will greatly improve many aspects of your car.

00:00 - Introduction
00:37 - What is a catch can?
02:00 - Why is the oil vapour bad for the engine?
02:51 - Diagram of a working catch can
03:10 - Why add a catch can?
04:53 - What is inside a catch can
06:11 - Fitting a catch can
08:15 - Summary on catch cans