Originally Posted By: DoubleWasp
A catch can is not a solution in search of a problem. It is the solution to a problem that simply isn't a critical problem.
Dealers have been fixing those problems for years in engines, which is why we have seen so many of them migrate from from the valve covers to the intake valley in V engines.
More companies have redesigned their valve covers to reduce oil consumption in their engines.
Many others have replaced their plug in PCV systems to breather boxes or baffle boxes for the same reason.
The nasty deposits left by oil dragged from the PCV system has been rsponsible for everything from seizing up the operation of variable runner intake manifolds, to drivability issues from clogged up idle air control motors and throttle bodies, to knocking from excess carbon deposits in the combustion chamber.
Nissan even went as far as to add two electric oil pump to each cylinder head of the GTR in order to prevent oil consumption by the PCV system.
There are are a lot of engineers and a lot of money being put into this problem that doesn't exist.
+1!
It's seems like 'I've never had problems without one' is as good as evidence round here!
On BITOG, we stay On top of any little issues with our vehicles before they become real problems. We're anal and OCD and it shows in our immaculately well maintained vehicles... So when all of the 'usual' issues with a make/model have been addressed, we start to look at smaller things like base stocks, filtration specs etc.
With those issues done to death it seems valve cleanliness is next on the list - you'll never solve the issue without being maverick and breaking the law, so this should drive further development into catch cans.
You had it right in the 60s with vac pumps and venting to exhaust but as the law becomes less sympathetic toward motor vehicles, technologies and designs must evolve.