Drain catch can to tank drain return?
 

On a track-only car, looking for the best way to drain the catch can. FIA/CAMS requires a 3L catch can. Some people use a suction pump to drain them periodically but thats a PIA. Is it OK to drain the catch can to a "T" in the return line from the tank to the lower "c-clamped" line on the engine oil cooler? Or some where better?

I'm talkin about #33..

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/...Item_Number=33

I wouldn't. That is the line that feeds the oil pump, if the catch can is empty, it could possibly suck air.

I had a car that drained it to a fitting on the valve cover.

You could install a Fumoto drain valve onto the bottom of your catch can. Attach a long hose to the valve and route it downward so you can conveniently drain it. As long as you can access the release lever, that should be okay.

http://www.fumotousa.com/

Sherwood

I just pull mine out of the car every now and then to drain it. You just have to install it in a way that makes it easy to remove.

EDIT: I just re-read your post and noticed that the catch can has to be "3 L". That seems excessive and It's going to be tough to locate, let alone remove for draining. Good luck!

Canton Mecca and Stef's for example make cans with small drains on them: http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=STF-5110&N=700+400210+115&autoview=sku.

THanks guys

Mike, yeah, ive seen those too but where to drain to? I want a completely recirculating system, no draining between sessions.

So to the valve cover? Any seconds ot other suggestions? Yes, 3L is big but its what FIA/CAMS requires.

this may not apply.. but for bs sake


I have a breather hooked up directly to the oil filler neck. Many track guys around here have the K&N breather fixed directly to the breather neck section. This K&N gets oily.
My breather is attached to a hose going Up from the neck. My K&N breather is spotless.

so imho, if possible, have the breather tank above the engine or oil neck attachment to save bs and time.



the pic is just after install but I'll take a brand new pic if wanted. The same K&N has been on for at least 30-40k miles

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1241362723.jpg

A drain from a catch can to the valve cover could be a closed system if it also doesn't vent to the atmosphere or to the intake. If no vent, then you have a closed system and thus no crankcase ventilation.

If you want an unattended drain system, you might fabricate a timing relay circuit that energizes a solenoid valve, creating a path from the catch can to the valve cover. The timing relay energizes for a set time after the ignition switches OFF; or something like that.

Sherwood

John
Been toying with a similar issue of recent times.
I now have two catch cans. The first is connected to the oil tank breather using 25mm hose with "2 restrictor cones", and has a AN-6 drain back to the engine breather plate. This first tank has baffles and is about 1.0 liter. If the filter (K&N) is fitter to the top of this first tank I do get oil dribble down the tank. In stead of the filter at the top of the first tank take another pipe from here (25mm dia to the second tank). The second catch tank has no return to the engine and the filter to atmosphere. Only oil mist and condensation makes it past the first tank.
Finding the correct space for 2 (or more) smaller tanks could be easier than 1 x 3L tank.

Also consider that a drain from a oil catch tank can let the condensed moisture (WATER) drain back to the engine. Not an issue for race application where the oil is changed frequently, however for street vehicles it is another story.

After 60 laps of 3.2kM there is <50mL (oil and a little water) in the final catch tank.
Nothing in second tank after street driving 500kM.

Paul