The Z1 catch can uses a baffled flow path and steel mesh screen to filter oil and other particulates, trapping them in the catch can while recirculating gasses back through the intake. Removing oil particulates allows the vehicle's PCV system to work more efficiently, removing excess crankcase pressure and keeping your intake system cleaner.
On port injection engines (like the Nissan Frontier and Xterra's VQ40 or First-Generation Titan with the VK56DE), fuel is injected into the intake reducing carbon buildup on the intake valves as it enters the combustion chamber. While this lessens intake buildup, it does not completely prevent it. On direct injection engines like the VQ38 found in the 2020+ Nissan Frontier or the VK56VD from the 2016+ Nissan Titan, intake valves don't benefit from the cleaning effect of the fuel and can experience high amounts of oil and carbon buildup. Engines with an excessive amount of carbon build-up on the intake valves can suffer from a loss of power as airflow over the valve is restricted. Additionally, this build-up can interfere with the valve seat and prevent the valve from sealing causing larger issues. For these reasons, we highly recommend catch cans on engines.
To elaborate the PCV system is intended to function on your engine in 2 ways
- As a Crank Case Breather in high load situations to reduce the chance of crankcase pressure (in the engine but outside of the combustion chamber) which can harm seals and reduce performance
- As a cleaner in idle and light load situations (by reducing pressure on the crankcase with engine vacuum). Commonly referred to as the "Evaporative" mode, when operating in engine vacuum oil vapor and droplets can pass directly through the PCV valve (which has no baffle) and directly into the intake manifold. This process helps remove un-burned fuel contaminates that have gotten past the rings from the lubrication system and sends it through the combustion chamber and to the catalytic controverts to help reduce emissions.
When operating as a "Breather" the crankcase air and vapor is passed through an internal baffle system built into the valve cover, this elaborate system features multiple turns and drains to remove particulate matter (oil droplets etc). This system typically does a great job even on upgraded somewhat worn engines. It is uncommon to find measurable traces of oil in the intake track ahead of the throttle body but downstream of the port where this is vented back into the system after the MAF (Mass Air Flow Sensor). A catch can is really not applicable or needed for this portion of the system in most applications.
The Z1 Catch is a major upgrade on the "Evaporative" side of the system. When un-burned fuel and oil contaminates get past the PCV valve they collect in the intake manifold, this particulate contamination hurts performance a few ways. Most frequently in transient throttle situations from low throttle angle to high throttle angle, the airborne contaminants can flow directly into the combustion chamber as a "dirty mix" with the fuel, this dirty mix can effectively offset the rated octane of your fuel leading to "spark knock" and when sensed by the knock sensors a reduction in spark advance; ultimately this means less power when you want it. When not in the direct burn scenario the particles pass into the intake manifold they often find a surface to stick to, this particulate aggregate builds up over time and can lead to what is a semi-solid sludge in "port injection" engines and often a more solid blockage of the intake runners on "direct-injected" engines, both can lead to significant degradation of performance over time.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS:
An optional catch can drain kit makes service a breeze by relocating the drain to a lower position, putting it within reach during oil changes. A knurled fitting is easy to grab, even with slippery fingers while the mess-free center drain reduces the chance of spills during service. Learn more about the catch can drain kit HERE.
Includes:
- Z1 Baffled Catch Can
- 6ft Reinforced Hose
- Installation Kit
Features:
- Simple Installation
- Reduces Oil Contamination in the Intake
- Can Capacity 170mL (5.75 fl oz)
Fits:
Replacement Z1 Catch Can Parts
*** This item does not qualify for any additional discounts or promotions *** |
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