oil catch can

[mroclimbr]

ok. Stupid question time. Besides taking oil out of the gas, what does this thing do? What things or systems are affected by this thing?

[Tokay444]

it doesn't even take oil out of the gas.
you have one, but don't know?
do you know that it needs to be emptied regularly?

[silvapain]

I hope you didn't put it in backwards, because if you did it is putting oil in your gas. That's a big no-no.

[dooderek]

mqkes your cqr go fqster

[Tokay444]

Oil in your gas is luls.

[bova]

it actually puts coolant in your washer fluid

[mroclimbr]

I have one, it came on the car and the past owner instructed me to empty it often. Did one oil change so far and it had a few drop in it. I'm assuming less is better.

[Raider]

Might want to take it out, and check that the drain is not clogged. I bought a used one, and the first attempt at draining, just a few drops. using a dental pick with the drain open, I released a TON of crap. Just a few drops, either the drain was not open, or it was clogged.

[bova]

i often suggest replacing the wing drain valve for just a straight hex plug that way you get everything out. with the wing drain valve it sits up about 1/4" in the can so you don't always drain out everything.

[Raider]

Yeah, I think they came with one initially, but it was put in by request. I drain mine enough that a little on the bottom is ok. Just drain when you change the oil.

[bova]

well i guess in florida you can get by with not draining that often, but in cold areas during the winter you almost have to do it weekly because a lot of condensation builds up in there and fills the can with water. in the summer i empty it about once a month.

[karl-hungus]

sometimes my thick man butter is holding back the thinner stuff so i pop the hood and leave the wing nut open for a spell.

[wankular]

You guys have a drain? F that. Open hole all the way!

[mroclimbr]

So you guys all made me paranoid so I took it in to my buddies shop and put her up on the lift. unscrewed the bottom plug and nothing. I looked up inside the thing and it is sparkling. There are light blue tubes going in and out, and not even any condensation in those. I'm emailing the past owner tonight, but I'm pretty sure he said he never got more than a few drops between oil changes. The car runs like a raped ape, never sputters, nothing, feels brand new. Oh and I couldn't find a brand name or anything on the catch can. It's just a stainless cylinder with light blue hoses coming and going. Weird