Anyone NOT run with a catch can?

[Gee]

Definitely required for a Direct injected V6 LLT or LFX. But I can see no reason at all to use one for a Zl1.

[kgendron71]

Originally Posted by Gee

Definitely required for a Direct injected V6 LLT or LFX. But I can see no reason at all to use one for a Zl1.

I was thinking along the same lines. I've seen first hand, gunked up valves on a 58k mile Direct injected car (VW CC) and it's a freaking mess.

[Bretts]

It is a good idea I think personally ;

some consumer reports feed back “I have a 2006 VW GLI with the 2.0T FSI engine with direct injection,” he wrote. “At around 80,000 miles, I went to the VW dealer to diagnose a check-engine light. It turns out that the intake valves had to be cleaned due to carbon deposits that were causing drivability issues.”
When his dealer failed to offer free work or any compensation, Halkidis took his car to a local VW shop that cleaned the valves by blasting them with walnut shells. (Yes, walnut shells; it’s a method used by BMW.) The cost to Halkidis was about $400.
So what’s up with direct injection?

First, a primer on how it works: By injecting gasoline at high pressure directly into the engine’s combustion chamber, direct injection more precisely measures fuel than conventional fuel-injection systems or old-time carburetors.
The result is more complete combustion and cooler cylinder temperatures that enable a higher compression ratio for greater efficiency and power. Engine technology supplier Bosch says that direct injection can return a 15 percent gain in fuel economy while boosting low-end torque as much as 50 percent.
Combining direct injection with other technologies—such as turbocharging—can deliver even greater gains in economy and performance. That in turn enables carmakers to use smaller displacement engines, resulting in an efficiency snowball effect. Many automakers are marketing DI as providing fuel economy that’s almost as good as a hybrid’s, and with better performance—but without the $4,000 hybrid premium.
Although the breakthrough seems like a dream come true, an unwanted side effect has been emerging. Letter writers have complained to Consumer Reports and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that over time DI can lead to clogged fuel systems and engine carbon buildup. The result can be engine hesitation and a loss of power—and the need for expensive repairs.
Some carmakers, including BMW and Kia, have issued technical service bulletins (TSBs) to their dealers recommending that drivers use only name-brand detergent gasoline—without ethanol additives—and that they periodically add a fuel-system cleaner when they refuel. (A TSB is an alert that the automaker sends to dealers to warn about ongoing problems with individual models and how to fix them. It may allow dealers to make repairs at little or no cost to the customer as a goodwill gesture.)
Other automakers have devised an engineering fix that works while the car is operating. It involves modifying the engine to spray a small amount of fuel directly onto the valves to help keep them clean.
It’s important to note that not all cars with direct injection experience long-term problems. But if your engine stumbles more than it used to, or it suddenly lacks power, ask your dealer about it. A fix may be available or, and you may not have to pay for it.
This article also appeared in the February 2015 issue of Consumer Reports magazine

[Gee]

Originally Posted by kgendron71

I was thinking along the same lines. I've seen first hand, gunked up valves on a 58k mile Direct injected car (VW CC) and it's a freaking mess.

Agreed. VW has been plagued by this for years. I think they have been running DI engines since the late 80s? Ive seen my fair share of DI engine, including mine, that had caked valves and goopy slime all over the intake manifold. Not your regular oil misting either. After a good cleaning and a catch can, I haven't had any problems. I check every 3500 to 4k miles, when I change my oil. My buddies 100k Ls1 N/A 450 rwhp cammed etc. etc., without a catch can had a clean as hell IM, kinda dirty TB per usual and Valves looked like they should at 100k, nothing dramatic. Oh well. Worst case someone spends 100 or so dollars for piece of mind. I run a clean side 1le oil separator and a dirty side catch can as well and Im just a measly V6.

[kgendron71]

Originally Posted by JamesZL1

This is a crankcase breather with a one way check valve to vent excess pressure. I installed this on my car because I noticed some oil on the back of the motor where it meets up with the transmission. since putting a crankcase filter on my car, I have had no more oil in that area.

That looks really trick too. Where did you get it?

[BattleScarredSoldier]

I ordered a catch can and a pcv check valve breather for 3 reasons. 1...they were both inexpensive. 2...ive never heard of either HURTING performance or reliability when both are manufactured and i stalled correctly. 3...because I WANTED TO and deep down in my paranoid mind when i step on it hard i feel better knowing i have both. In this new world of hand sanitizer on a keychain, gluten free food, and pet life insurance i think my cc and breather are much better safety/paranoia investments.

[unstable vic]

1) A ZL1 is not a VW
2) The GM ZL1 engineer who actually was responsible for helping build these cars said it is not at all needed.
I for one will not be using one. I've not heard one valid argument here supporting that it is beneficial or from anyone claiming to be a GM engineer.

[big dave]

The way I see it, if these cars were completely figured out by the engineers before production, we wouldn't have recalls. I, for one, feel better knowing I have a catch can on mine. After seeing how much oil is collected after just 1k miles, I'm even happier. I'm just sorry I didn't get it when I first got the car.

Like anything else we all have our beliefs, whether right or wrong. It's your car and your choice, do whatever pleases you. Either way, I feel fortunate to own a ZL where I can have an opinion in this discussion

[KaBoom1701]

Originally Posted by unstable vic

1) A ZL1 is not a VW
2) The GM ZL1 engineer who actually was responsible for helping build these cars said it is not at all needed.
I for one will not be using one. I've not heard one valid argument here supporting that it is beneficial or from anyone claiming to be a GM engineer.

Ok....


So you claim you personally got a random call for "THE" GM engineer would build and designed the ZL1 LSA engine.....

And they personally told you a catch can or breather cap is not needed as you somehow asked about these two aftermarket items.....

And really....even if you did speak with a GM engineer how do you think any of them would responded to questions about aftermarket add-on items? Their not going to risk saying anything about adding aftermarket parts....come on....

They only care about the engine for 36,000 miles or 3 years...just like your OEM warranty says....

The longevity of keeping the LSA in tip top shape is up to the individual owner.

I bet your the guy that has a leaky roof on his house after 18 years and calls the original home builder to bitch them out and complain.

Give me a break.....

[Blueclyde]

Originally Posted by KaBoom1701

Ok....


So you claim you personally got a random call for "THE" GM engineer would build and designed the ZL1 LSA engine.....

And they personally told you a catch can or breather cap is not needed as you somehow asked about these two aftermarket items.....

And really....even if you did speak with a GM engineer how do you think any of them would responded to questions about aftermarket add-on items? Their not going to risk saying anything about adding aftermarket parts....come on....

They only care about the engine for 36,000 miles or 3 years...just like your OEM warranty says....

The longevity of keeping the LSA in tip top shape is up to the individual owner.

I bet your the guy that has a leaky roof on his house after 18 years and calls the original home builder to bitch them out and complain.

Give me a break.....

Your statement implying that GM only cares about the engine for 36,000 miles or 3 years is rediculous. You're next statement is almost equally rediculous.

So GM only designs in durability for 36,000 miles and then relies on the customer / Powertrain engineer to take it beyond by bolting on what they believe are the appropriate aftermarket bolt-ons made famous on Internet forums?

Interesting...

[KaBoom1701]

Originally Posted by Blueclyde

Your statement implying that GM only cares about the engine for 36,000 miles or 3 years is rediculous. You're next statement is almost equally rediculous.

So GM only designs in durability for 36,000 miles and then relies on the customer / Powertrain engineer to take it beyond by bolting on what they believe are the appropriate aftermarket bolt-ons made famous on Internet forums?

Interesting...

Oh they care about it beyond 36k/3yrs...they just wont warranty it.

[kgendron71]

This is turning into almost in the oil thread

[HDRDTD]

Originally Posted by KaBoom1701

Ok....


So you claim you personally got a random call for "THE" GM engineer would build and designed the ZL1 LSA engine.....

And they personally told you a catch can or breather cap is not needed as you somehow asked about these two aftermarket items.....

And really....even if you did speak with a GM engineer how do you think any of them would responded to questions about aftermarket add-on items? Their not going to risk saying anything about adding aftermarket parts....come on....

They only care about the engine for 36,000 miles or 3 years...just like your OEM warranty says....

The longevity of keeping the LSA in tip top shape is up to the individual owner.

I bet your the guy that has a leaky roof on his house after 18 years and calls the original home builder to bitch them out and complain.

Give me a break.....

Living in the metro Detroit area myself, I've had the opportunity to talk to several of the engineers from GM that actually come to some of the Camaro car shows as well as hang out on Woodward during the annual Dream Cruise at various GM displays.

Every single one of them that I've met have been the most down to earth car guys you'll ever meet, and they're more than willing to talk to you all day about the Camaros.

One of the annual car shows is right down the street from the GM Milford proving grounds, and GM typically sends several of their new Camaros (including cammo'd test vehicles) and engineers every year.

They are very passionate about what they are making.

Do they sometimes have to be careful about what they say? sure they do, but you can ask them anything and they'll give you an honest answer.

[ZO6 Bryan]

Originally Posted by KaBoom1701

Oh they care about it beyond 36k/3yrs...they just wont warranty it.

Powertrain warranty is to 100,000 miles. And you all act like PCV systems are something new or unique to the LSA engine. It's been the system that's been on every car since the mid 60s. Long before there was any freaking internet.