Oil Catch Can

GreenF30N26 · 01-19-2020, 01:33 PM

I installed an oil catch can in May @ 27km and thought I had wasted some money as I checked it in early September and it was bone dry after 3000km. I just took it out today to check and it was loaded with fluid. I'm in a cold weather climate and I guess more crap gets pushed through in the cold than in the hot. After 4000km though mild to cold weather check this out.

If anyone was wondering if it is worth it, here is some evidence to help. The can is roughly 3" deep with a 2" diameter and it was 2/3's full.

Apologies for the dark pics, cold day didn't want to go outside or bring it in the house. Stinks like gas.

Billfitz · 01-19-2020, 02:34 PM

I knew it was worth it before I put mine in, when I pulled the PCV hose and found the inside practically dripping with oil. IMO they should be standard on direct injected cars. On a related note, the accretion of crap in the oil in cold temperatures is why if you only change your oil once a year it should be in the spring, not the summer or fall.

Naiters · 01-19-2020, 03:09 PM

Hi Guys,

Isn't excessive OCC oil storage caused by some issues with the engine (piston rings leaking oil etc.)?

The n20 is not supposed to have a problem with oil getting from the crank case to the intake valves. According to the engine manual:

"The blow-by gases pass through the opening in the intake side area of cylinder one to the three spring tab separators. The oil in the blow-by gas is separated by the spring tab separators, and flows along the walls down through a non-return valve and back into the cylinder head. The blow-by gas separated from the oil now passes into the air intake system ports or fresh air pipe(...)".

Best regards

Gen13 F36 · 01-19-2020, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Green33

I installed an oil catch can in May @ 27km and thought I had wasted some money as I checked it in early September and it was bone dry after 3000km. I just took it out today to check and it was loaded with fluid. I'm in a cold weather climate and I guess more crap gets pushed through in the cold than in the hot. After 4000km though mild to cold weather check this out.

If anyone was wondering if it is worth it, here is some evidence to help. The can is roughly 3" deep with a 2" diameter and it was 2/3's full.

Apologies for the dark pics, cold day didn't want to go outside or bring it in the house. Stinks like gas.

I'm considering installing one also... maybe after my warranty is over.

H4CK1NT05H · 01-19-2020, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Green33

I installed an oil catch can in May @ 27km and thought I had wasted some money as I checked it in early September and it was bone dry after 3000km. I just took it out today to check and it was loaded with fluid. I'm in a cold weather climate and I guess more crap gets pushed through in the cold than in the hot. After 4000km though mild to cold weather check this out.

If anyone was wondering if it is worth it, here is some evidence to help. The can is roughly 3" deep with a 2" diameter and it was 2/3's full.

Apologies for the dark pics, cold day didn't want to go outside or bring it in the house. Stinks like gas.

What engine is this on?

GreenF30N26 · 01-19-2020, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billfitz

On a related note, the accretion of crap in the oil in cold temperatures is why if you only change your oil once a year it should be in the spring, not the summer or fall.

This is good to know. I’m stuck in a summer oil change interval until my warranty is up this year as I only drive 10k km a year.

GreenF30N26 · 01-19-2020, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H4CK1NT05H

What engine is this on?

N26 328ix

DG330 · 01-19-2020, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Green33

I installed an oil catch can in May @ 27km and thought I had wasted some money as I checked it in early September and it was bone dry after 3000km. I just took it out today to check and it was loaded with fluid. I'm in a cold weather climate and I guess more crap gets pushed through in the cold than in the hot. After 4000km though mild to cold weather check this out.

If anyone was wondering if it is worth it, here is some evidence to help. The can is roughly 3" deep with a 2" diameter and it was 2/3's full.

Apologies for the dark pics, cold day didn't want to go outside or bring it in the house. Stinks like gas.

What mileage was the install?

What mileage/km are you on now?

You say it stinks like gas (fuel) is that normal? How many miles on that oil?

Thanks

DG330 · 01-19-2020, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billfitz

I knew it was worth it before I put mine in, when I pulled the PCV hose and found the inside practically dripping with oil. IMO they should be standard on direct injected cars. On a related note, the accretion of crap in the oil in cold temperatures is why if you only change your oil once a year it should be in the spring, not the summer or fall.

Can you explain this? Does the oil smell like gas from the winter and using more fuel to warm up?

Thanks

GreenF30N26 · 01-19-2020, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DG330

What mileage was the install?

What mileage/km are you on now?

You say it stinks like gas (fuel) is that normal? How many miles on that oil?

Thanks

27,000km installed in May
30,000km can empty in September
34,000km 2” full today
Oil interval at 7000km

I’m not sure if the fuel smell is normal. I’ve read others have smelt the same.

Billfitz · 01-19-2020, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DG330

Can you explain this? Does the oil smell like gas from the winter and using more fuel to warm up?

In winter there's a higher likelihood of condensation contaminating the oil while the engine is less likely to reach a high enough operating temperature to boil it off.

GreenF30N26 · 01-19-2020, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Naiters

Hi Guys,

Isn't excessive OCC oil storage caused by some issues with the engine (piston rings leaking oil etc.)?

The n20 is not supposed to have a problem with oil getting from the crank case to the intake valves. According to the engine manual:

"The blow-by gases pass through the opening in the intake side area of cylinder one to the three spring tab separators. The oil in the blow-by gas is separated by the spring tab separators, and flows along the walls down through a non-return valve and back into the cylinder head. The blow-by gas separated from the oil now passes into the air intake system ports or fresh air pipe(...)".

Best regards

Based on what bilifitz said it seems that moisture due to colder weather collects the gases which are ending up in the OCC. which does make sense.

Billfitz · 01-19-2020, 09:19 PM

That reminds me, I haven't checked my can lately.

GreenF30N26 · 01-19-2020, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gen13 F36

I'm considering installing one also... maybe after my warranty is over.

As others have stated in other posts, if you do get one don't go cheap and buy the one on amazon. None of the hoses or brackets fit the N20/N26 engines. I made that mistake and ended up buying the BMS replacement parts kit in order to get it to install correctly. I guess it was better as I saved about $100 after negotiating half my money back from amazon seller and keeping the can. But annoying going to install something that was never going to fit.

GreenF30N26 · 01-19-2020, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billfitz

That reminds me, I haven't checked my can lately.

ha! Randomly dawned on me this morning to check. Glad I did.

Gen13 F36 · 01-19-2020, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Green33

As others have stated in other posts, if you do get one don't go cheap and buy the one on amazon. None of the hoses or brackets fit the N20/N26 engines. I made that mistake and ended up buying the BMS replacement parts kit in order to get it to install correctly. I guess it was better as I saved about $100 after negotiating half my money back from amazon seller and keeping the can. But annoying going to install something that was never going to fit.

Of course....I drive a BMW. No cheap parts here....

DG330 · 01-20-2020, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Green33

Quote:

Originally Posted by DG330

What mileage was the install?

What mileage/km are you on now?

You say it stinks like gas (fuel) is that normal? How many miles on that oil?

Thanks

27,000km installed in May
30,000km can empty in September
34,000km 2” full today
Oil interval at 7000km

I’m not sure if the fuel smell is normal. I’ve read others have smelt the same.

Thanks for your reply.

I get it too, I open my cap and it smells like it's a gas tank. Normally appears after a change about 100 miles in or so. Checked the oil on my fingers and it feels fine and doesn't feel like it's lost viscosity. Interesting to know everyone gets it. Imagine it's just the blow by.

Which kit did you use? Found this on fleabay - guess this is the one to avoid?

bgalakazam · 01-20-2020, 02:42 AM

Mine had 1/4 volume worth of nasty stuff. I am glad I installed it. Used the Burgermotorsports one.

DG330 · 01-20-2020, 05:43 AM

Anyone used this one?

Also, what does the oil smell like when it's collected in the pot?

Are these not too restrictive?

floridaorange · 01-20-2020, 07:59 AM

^i have this one in my garage if anyone wants it - $20 (plus shipping) Never installed.

GreenF30N26 · 01-20-2020, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DG330

Anyone used this one?

Also, what does the oil smell like when it's collected in the pot?

Are these not too restrictive?

Ya this is the same style kit that won’t work although the company that sold me mine was pqyracing. Wrong brackets for my car.

Doesn’t seem to be restrictive at all.

Billfitz · 01-20-2020, 09:01 AM

I got this one:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I knew going in that the hoses it came with were crap and that I'd have to make my own, but that wasn't a problem. If you're not comfortable with that route by all means get a plug and play from BMS or the like.

01-19-2020, 01:33 PM	#1
GreenF30N26 Lieutenant 153 Rep 414 Posts Drives: F30 328ix N26 Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: canada iTrader: (0)	Oil Catch Can - worth it I installed an oil catch can in May @ 27km and thought I had wasted some money as I checked it in early September and it was bone dry after 3000km. I just took it out today to check and it was loaded with fluid. I'm in a cold weather climate and I guess more crap gets pushed through in the cold than in the hot. After 4000km though mild to cold weather check this out. If anyone was wondering if it is worth it, here is some evidence to help. The can is roughly 3" deep with a 2" diameter and it was 2/3's full. Apologies for the dark pics, cold day didn't want to go outside or bring it in the house. Stinks like gas. Attached Images __________________ 328ix 8AT Sport Line N26 \| Navardi Custom Stage 2 93 \| xHP Stage 3 \| VRSF 5" HD FMIC \| ER CP \| ER Catted DP CTC \| aFe Pro Dry S \| MST Turbo Inlet \| TMS Upper Air Intake Tube \| 2nd Cat X \| GFB DV+ \|
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01-19-2020, 02:34 PM	#2
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8245 Rep 16,085 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	I knew it was worth it before I put mine in, when I pulled the PCV hose and found the inside practically dripping with oil. IMO they should be standard on direct injected cars. On a related note, the accretion of crap in the oil in cold temperatures is why if you only change your oil once a year it should be in the spring, not the summer or fall.
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01-19-2020, 03:09 PM	#3
Naiters Enlisted Member 11 Rep 38 Posts Drives: f30 320i 2012 year Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Poland iTrader: (0)	Hi Guys, Isn't excessive OCC oil storage caused by some issues with the engine (piston rings leaking oil etc.)? The n20 is not supposed to have a problem with oil getting from the crank case to the intake valves. According to the engine manual: "The blow-by gases pass through the opening in the intake side area of cylinder one to the three spring tab separators. The oil in the blow-by gas is separated by the spring tab separators, and flows along the walls down through a non-return valve and back into the cylinder head. The blow-by gas separated from the oil now passes into the air intake system ports or fresh air pipe(...)". Best regards
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01-19-2020, 09:19 PM	#13
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8245 Rep 16,085 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	That reminds me, I haven't checked my can lately.
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01-20-2020, 02:42 AM	#18
bgalakazam Private First Class 94 Rep 172 Posts Drives: 2015 328i Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Germany iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW 328i [0.00]	Mine had 1/4 volume worth of nasty stuff. I am glad I installed it. Used the Burgermotorsports one.
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01-20-2020, 05:43 AM	#19
DG330 First Lieutenant 71 Rep 360 Posts Drives: 330 Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Uk iTrader: (0)	Anyone used this one? Also, what does the oil smell like when it's collected in the pot? Are these not too restrictive? Attached Images
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01-20-2020, 09:01 AM	#22
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8245 Rep 16,085 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	I got this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I knew going in that the hoses it came with were crap and that I'd have to make my own, but that wasn't a problem. If you're not comfortable with that route by all means get a plug and play from BMS or the like.
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