UPDATED: Oil Separator - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Buffman · 10-02-2013, 03:05 PM

**updated at end of thread**

So got my new 1LE and in the trunk there is a GM box with an Oil attachment. Asked dealer and he said it is only for if I want to TRACK the car. You guys have this and did you just install it? Says not good for cold weather (but than again niether are the tires - ha)

Dropspeed · 10-02-2013, 03:20 PM

It is for track or off road use as it is not emission legal......

I had mine installed during the PDI at the dealer and it has been on for 6800 miles.....

If you track the car without it you will see some oil consumption.

-Matt

Cooley · 10-02-2013, 03:54 PM

The dealer installed mine before I took delivery, been on ever since.

giant_g2 · 10-02-2013, 04:07 PM

I just installed mine and don't have any problems. It isn't really cold here, but I have run it a few mornings when it was 55 out with no issues.

olblue75 · 10-02-2013, 04:17 PM

What is the cold weather issue with these???

bluBlud · 10-02-2013, 04:38 PM

How exactly does this affect emmissions? CAIs have similar disclaimers, yet most C5s -not to mention lots of other cars - have them. The paperwork in the box says for use above 32F, which is close to what you need to be careful of for the tires. There, 20F seems to be the "do not drive or your tires could crack" limit and 40F seems to be the "low grip so be really careful" limit. That's how I read the bulletins anyway.

My separator is installed, but my car doesn't leave the garage below 40F.

chipset35 · 10-03-2013, 07:49 AM

Same here, the dealer installed it.
Just like the tires, dont drive the car in temps at freezing or below.
And...you guys should not be driving your babies in bad weather!
Put on your bus pants and take the bus!

BAPD77 · 10-03-2013, 10:56 PM

Mines been on since day one but i dont have the original.....

Casperadub70 · 10-04-2013, 12:56 AM

Is it simular to a catch can? If so do you even need to get a catch can?

Led Boots · 10-04-2013, 08:01 PM

It replaces the oil fill cap and separates the oil from the crankcase vapors that enter the air intake. Without it, the oil can enter the air cleaner and throttle body. A catch can catches oil in the crankcase that is otherwise recirculated in the engine as I understand it.

MrBig2014 · 10-05-2013, 12:45 AM

Mine came with one in the trunk as well. I read the paperwork and assumed it didn't apply to me since I don;t take mine to the track.
But after reading about what a catch can does, how it works and why its important to install a catch can on this forum from people much smarter than me, I ordered one from elite and will install it asap.

Buffman · 10-15-2013, 03:28 PM

So more info - asked dealer to install it and they said only if I can prove it will be tracked and is a driver install not dealer - he had Chevy tell them this causes more issues for normal driving and should be put on and off when tracked ONLY.
and he said they even had a bulletin on it, I asked for the number and sure enough:

Camaro 1LE PCV Oil Separator Kit

The increased handling performance of the 2013 Camaro with the 1LE performance package can generate some off-road or track conditions where engine oil can be ingested into the air cleaner through the fresh air tube that connects the port within the right valve cover to the air cleaner. The Chevrolet Performance Positive Crankcase Vent (PCV) oil separator kit can improve this condition. It’s a standard part of the 1LE performance package.
The Camaro 1LE PCV Oil Separator Kit (part number 12653073) is included with other packaged components in the vehicle. It should not be installed during PDI at the dealership. The kit and instructions should be kept in the car. Owners are responsible for installing the oil separator in the car for track use.

The Camaro 1LE PCV Oil Separator Kit is designed for off-road or track use only. The production PCV system should be installed back on the vehicle when driving on public roads.

The Camaro 1LE PCV Oil Separator Kit is not designed for winter driving conditions (ambient temperature should be above 32° F, 0°C).

GM Bulletin Release

Thanks to Richard S.
Source: http://sandyblogs.com/techlink/?p=1145

Anyway sounds like I will leave mine off as I don't plan on tracking anytime soon especially with cold weather here in Colorado now.

Just thought I would share - rock on!

strych9 · 10-15-2013, 03:44 PM

These things also catch moisture/water in the system, and if the ambient temps drop to freezing, it will restrict/block the PCV tube with ice.

White_SS/RS · 10-15-2013, 03:56 PM

I would put it on. All it essentially does is prevent oil from being ingested through the PCV system. Even with a catch can installed it will still pull some oil unless this system is in place.

10-02-2013, 03:05 PM	#1
Buffman 1LE FTW Drives: 2014 Camaro 2SS/RS 1LE Recaros NPP Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Mile High Posts: 448 View My Garage	UPDATED: Oil Separator updated at end of thread So got my new 1LE and in the trunk there is a GM box with an Oil attachment. Asked dealer and he said it is only for if I want to TRACK the car. You guys have this and did you just install it? Says not good for cold weather (but than again niether are the tires - ha) Attached Images Last edited by Buffman; 10-15-2013 at 03:35 PM.

10-02-2013, 03:20 PM	#2
Dropspeed 2013 Camaro SS1LECTSVZ28 Drives: 2013 AGM 1SS/1LE Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Suburbs of Detroit, MI Posts: 2,440	It is for track or off road use as it is not emission legal...... I had mine installed during the PDI at the dealer and it has been on for 6800 miles..... If you track the car without it you will see some oil consumption. -Matt __________________ My 1LE Build/Journal : http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=351990

10-02-2013, 03:54 PM	#3
Cooley Drives: 2013 2SS 1LE Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Bluff City, Baby!!! Posts: 563	The dealer installed mine before I took delivery, been on ever since. __________________

10-02-2013, 04:38 PM	#6
bluBlud Drives: 2013 2SS/RS/1LE Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: CT Posts: 483	How exactly does this affect emmissions? CAIs have similar disclaimers, yet most C5s -not to mention lots of other cars - have them. The paperwork in the box says for use above 32F, which is close to what you need to be careful of for the tires. There, 20F seems to be the "do not drive or your tires could crack" limit and 40F seems to be the "low grip so be really careful" limit. That's how I read the bulletins anyway. My separator is installed, but my car doesn't leave the garage below 40F. __________________

10-04-2013, 12:56 AM	#9
Casperadub70 Drives: 2014 1LE Camaro, 95 Z28 Camaro Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: America Posts: 940	Is it simular to a catch can? If so do you even need to get a catch can? __________________ 2014 1LE 2SS Camaro Recaro seats, Custom Cam, Kooks LT headers, CAI intake, Z/28 Spoiler, Z/28 Belly Pan, Z/28 Brake Air Ducts, Stainless Steel breaklines, BMR Toe Rods and Trailing Arms resulting in 482.49 RWHP

10-02-2013, 04:07 PM	#4
giant_g2 Drives: '13 1LE, '89 Caprice Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: PA Posts: 333	I just installed mine and don't have any problems. It isn't really cold here, but I have run it a few mornings when it was 55 out with no issues.

10-02-2013, 04:17 PM	#5
olblue75 Drives: 2010 2SS/RS Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Clarksville Tennesse. Posts: 6,070	What is the cold weather issue with these???

10-03-2013, 07:49 AM	#7
chipset35 Drives: 2014 Camaro 2SS/RS 1LE Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Williamsburg VA Posts: 177	Same here, the dealer installed it. Just like the tires, dont drive the car in temps at freezing or below. And...you guys should not be driving your babies in bad weather! Put on your bus pants and take the bus!

10-03-2013, 10:56 PM	#8
BAPD77 Drives: 2013 Yellow ZL1/2015 Z51 Stingray Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Broken Arrow, OK Posts: 195	Mines been on since day one but i dont have the original.....

10-04-2013, 08:01 PM	#10
Led Boots Drives: 2013 2ss 1le ashen gray Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Michigan Posts: 39	It replaces the oil fill cap and separates the oil from the crankcase vapors that enter the air intake. Without it, the oil can enter the air cleaner and throttle body. A catch can catches oil in the crankcase that is otherwise recirculated in the engine as I understand it.

10-05-2013, 12:45 AM	#11
MrBig2014 Drives: 2014 1SS 1LE BRM NPP Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: San Diego Posts: 26 View My Garage	Mine came with one in the trunk as well. I read the paperwork and assumed it didn't apply to me since I don;t take mine to the track. But after reading about what a catch can does, how it works and why its important to install a catch can on this forum from people much smarter than me, I ordered one from elite and will install it asap.

10-15-2013, 03:28 PM	#12
Buffman 1LE FTW Drives: 2014 Camaro 2SS/RS 1LE Recaros NPP Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Mile High Posts: 448 View My Garage	So more info - asked dealer to install it and they said only if I can prove it will be tracked and is a driver install not dealer - he had Chevy tell them this causes more issues for normal driving and should be put on and off when tracked ONLY. and he said they even had a bulletin on it, I asked for the number and sure enough: Camaro 1LE PCV Oil Separator Kit The increased handling performance of the 2013 Camaro with the 1LE performance package can generate some off-road or track conditions where engine oil can be ingested into the air cleaner through the fresh air tube that connects the port within the right valve cover to the air cleaner. The Chevrolet Performance Positive Crankcase Vent (PCV) oil separator kit can improve this condition. It’s a standard part of the 1LE performance package. The Camaro 1LE PCV Oil Separator Kit (part number 12653073) is included with other packaged components in the vehicle. It should not be installed during PDI at the dealership. The kit and instructions should be kept in the car. Owners are responsible for installing the oil separator in the car for track use. The Camaro 1LE PCV Oil Separator Kit is designed for off-road or track use only. The production PCV system should be installed back on the vehicle when driving on public roads. The Camaro 1LE PCV Oil Separator Kit is not designed for winter driving conditions (ambient temperature should be above 32° F, 0°C). GM Bulletin Release Thanks to Richard S. Source: http://sandyblogs.com/techlink/?p=1145 Anyway sounds like I will leave mine off as I don't plan on tracking anytime soon especially with cold weather here in Colorado now. Just thought I would share - rock on!

10-15-2013, 03:44 PM	#13
strych9 I'll be back... Drives: Subaru, HD Road Glide Special Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 3,036 View My Garage	These things also catch moisture/water in the system, and if the ambient temps drop to freezing, it will restrict/block the PCV tube with ice. __________________ Bye bye, Bumblebee! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Build Journal My Garage GoPro Mic Hack

10-15-2013, 03:56 PM	#14
White_SS/RS Drives: 14 1LE Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 1,567	I would put it on. All it essentially does is prevent oil from being ingested through the PCV system. Even with a catch can installed it will still pull some oil unless this system is in place. __________________ LMS Engineering