Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need a catch can system on my vehicle?
All gasoline engines can benefit from proper PCV vapor evacuation and the removal of oil mist. For proper combustion, your engine needs only air and fuel in the combustion chamber. An oil separating catch can system will intercept other contaminants and allow for a cleaner running engine. Our systems use constant vacuum to pull the PCV vapors out of the crank case and once they coalesce, the harmful deposits are left behind. These include sulfuric acid, unburned fuel, oil mist and water. These compounds are what build up on the valves and are known as valve coking. In boosted vehicles the intercooler will ingest some oil and water as well.

The main benefits of the RX, Tracy Lewis Signature series PCV air/oil separation crankcase evacuation systems over most “catchcans” are as follows:

• 95% plus effectiveness at stopping and retaining all oil and other contaminants present in the PCV vapor. Most cans on the market are 15-30% effective and allow more to pass through than they trap.
• Provide true evacuation at all times VS only when intake manifold vacuum is present.
• Eliminates crankcase pressure by always pulling suction on the crankcase, never allowing pressure to first build and then vent as any breather or tank system does.
• Does NOT defeat, delete, or negatively affect ANY functions of the OEM PCV system. Only enhances it for a emissions compliant close system. Most vented/tank/breather solutions defeat many of the critical functions of the PCV system resulting n shortened engine life and increased wear. By evacuating at all operating modes not only does the oil remain cleaner longer, engine life is also extended. Vented tanks, etc. defeat these critical functions allowing most of the contaminates to remain in the crankcase and engine oil.
• Improves fuel economy by 1-3 MPG average by reducing knock retard caused by detonation as well as allowing a more complete energy producing burn during combustion. ANY contaminates present have a negative affect.
• Capacity of several times the average “catchcan” so draining is only needed every 5000 or so miles. Note Ford Ecoboost needs to be drained more often.
• Traps far more than oil from the PCV vapors, also traps water, unburnt fuel, sulfuric acid, abrasive soot, carbon, and ash particles and more.

Why don’t the auto manufacturers install these on new vehicles?
Manufacturers are constantly pushing to move away from any end-user maintenance. Because an oil catch can system has to be emptied periodically, it opposes their desire for you to keep your hands off.

What’s the difference between the Dual and Monster Catch Can? Which do I need?

Dual Valve: Most common solution for all gasoline engines, Naturally Aspirated, Super Charged, or Turbo charged. Uses secondary evacuation suction source to provide evacuation at all operating modes where the OEM system only evacuates at idle, cruise, and deceleration. The dual check valves will automatically default to the strongest evacuation suction source no matter the operating mode. A must for any turbo or centrifugal supercharger system. This is a good solution for boost up to 8# in most cases.

Monster: Same as above but designed with app. twice the capacity and ability for all big cube, big power builds and any with boost over 8#. Can support 1000-1200 HP plus if engine has no piston/ring/cylinder sealing issues. Size of this makes many installations a tight fit, but well worth it. Ford Ecoboost F150 owners, this is a MUST if you live in a climate that gets below freezing in the winter due to the large amount of contaminates the Ecoboost 3.5 and 2.7L engines produce.

What does the clean side separator do?
While the catch can eliminates most of the oil and condensates which come through the dirty side, the clean side separator, as the name implies, takes care of the little bit that can come through the clean side. Anytime you exceed 2/3 throttle, reversion pulses reduce any measurable vacuum inside the intake manifold. When this happens, the PCV system stops evacuating and pressure builds in the crankcase. The oil vapors are pushed backwards out the fresh side inlet allowing ingestion. The Clean Side Separator will intercept these vapors

Can I install a catch can system myself or do I need a mechanic?
With even basic skills, anyone can install a catch can system on their vehicle. Check our Install Instructions tab and our Youtube page for directions.

How often do I drain the can?
All engines are different depending on PCV design, piston ring seal, and if DOD or not (displacement on demand creates added oil mist) so start by checking at 500-1000 miles to get an idea of the fill rate of your engine. In winter cold weather, these trap more than summer due to the added amount of moisture and fuel from cold start enrichment, etc. Most will be able to run up to 5k miles between empty intervals, others may only go 1-2,000 miles. NEVER let the main separator fill to full!! This will allow what has been trapped to be pulled through and into the engine defeating the benefits.

What do I do with what is caught?
Dispose of properly as you would any engine drain oil. Most auto parts stores have drain oil collection tanks for this. NEVER drain onto ground as this is a pollutant that has been removed from the engine.

Will a catch can system improve my fuel economy?
Yes! Depending upon the vehicle, you can realize up to a 3 mile per gallon increase in fuel economy. Think about it this way, if you remove the contaminants in your engine, it will operate more efficiently. The end result is improved efficiency.

Will the installation of a catch can system void my warranty?
No it will not. Legally, a vehicle manufacturer cannot void the warranty on a vehicle due to an aftermarket part unless they can prove that the aftermarket part caused or contributed to the failure in the vehicle (per the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. 2302(C).

California Air Resources Board (CARB)
CARB prohibits the sale or use of parts that will modify or defeat emissions systems in any 1966 and newer vehicles. This does not restrict sale of approved replacement parts, those granted an executive order (EO) number by the California Air Resources Board or race only vehicles. Items not approved by CARB will not be sold to California residents either by mail order, customer call center or website orders. Please check the following link to ensure your vehicle compliance CARB Aftermarket Parts (www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermkt/aftermkt.htm).

The California Safe Drinking Water & Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 (Prop 65)
Prop 65 is a list of chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. This list, which must be updated at least once a year, has grown to include over 900 chemicals since it was first published in 1987. Prop 65 requires businesses to provide Californians with a clear and reasonable warning about chemicals in the products they purchase, in their home or workplace, or that are released into the environment. Due to the amount of products offered that may contain small amounts of listed chemicals as ingredients; Tracy Lewis Performance is required to label with exact content provided by the State of California Prop 65 warning label. Please check the following link to review the list of chemicals Prop 65 (www.oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65).

Product Disclaimer

The person that is purchasing this product makes the following representations and acknowledges and agrees to the following terms and conditions:

This off-road race only product (“this Product”) is designed and intended for use in organized, amateur and professional racing events, but is limited to closed-course racing and open-course racing that is formally sanctioned by a recognized racing organization involving the motor vehicle in which it is installed (the “Vehicle”). It is not for use on public highways or roads nor is it for recreational off-road use other than solely for competition purposes. The person or entity buying this Product and/or using this Product (the “User”) agrees to use the Vehicle solely for competition uses as described herein, and the User acknowledges that the purchase, installation and use of this Product all comply with federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations and ordinances by the User.

The User accepting this disclaimer acknowledges and hereby indemnifies and saves harmless to the manufacture(s), its officers, employees, agents, distributors and dealers for any damages, penalties, fines, expenses or other costs which may arise from the use of this Product and without limiting the generality of the foregoing specifically acknowledges the following:

• Use of this Product for purposes other than solely for competition is a violation of federal law and may violate applicable state or local environmental, motor vehicle and other laws. The User warrants that this Product shall only be used in sanctioned closed-circuit events.
• That use of this Product may violate warranties from the manufacturer of the Vehicle or from others.
• That use of this Product may make the Vehicle unfit or unsafe for the purposes intended or for any purpose and cause personal injury, property damage or death.
• That the installation of this Product, improper installation of this Product, use of this Product with other components or failure to use this Product in conjunction with other components, could result in or cause personal injury, property damage or death.

THIS PRODUCT IS FOR COMPETITION RACETRACK USE ONLY. ALL OTHER USES ARE CONTRARY TO FEDERAL LAW. IF YOU INTEND THIS PRODUCT FOR HIGHWAY OR NON-COMPETITION RACETRACK OFF-ROAD PURPOSES DO NOT PURCHASE OR INSTALL THIS PRODUCT.

WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the State. For more information go to https://www.p65warnings.ca.gov/