Tag: north tuned tuning
What is an Oil Catch Tank? Why It’s Essential for Performance Cars
In this article, we will examine the purpose and working principle of the Oil Catch Tank, one of the critical components of forced induction and modified vehicles, from the perspective of North Tuned.
The Hidden Pressure: Blow-By Gases
In a four-stroke engine, as the piston moves from the top to the bottom, the intake valves open to draw in the air-fuel mixture. When the piston moves back up, all valves close to compress this mixture.
During this compression and combustion phase, a portion of the high-pressure gases leaks past the piston rings into the crankcase. This is known as “Blow-by.” To manage this unwanted pressure without releasing harmful gases into the atmosphere, manufacturers route this air back into the intake system through a ventilation channel.
The Problem with Oil Vapor
The air evacuated from the crankcase is not just air; it contains a significant amount of oil vapor from the engine oil being tossed around at high temperatures. In factory setups, this oily mist is sent directly back into the turbocharger, intercooler pipes, and intake manifold.
Over time, this leads to:
Contamination: Oil coating the inside of the intercooler significantly reduces its cooling efficiency.
Carbon Buildup: In direct-injection engines, oil accumulates on the intake valves, hardening into carbon deposits that restrict airflow.
Detonation Risk: Oil mist entering the combustion chamber lowers the effective octane rating, which can lead to engine knock.
The North Tuned Advantage: Why Use a Catch Tank?
An Oil Catch Tank acts as a high-efficiency filter. Instead of the oily crankcase air going straight to the intake, it first passes through this tank. The internal baffling system causes the oil droplets to condense and settle at the bottom of the reservoir.
The result: Only purified air is returned to the engine. This keeps your internal components clean, ensures your intercooler works at peak capacity, and allows your North Tuned performance map to operate under optimal, clean conditions.
