that lil red filter will clog fast and ul have earl shooting out ur dipstick.

 

You can build yourself one of these and route it back into your intake.

 

Nice, looks like I need to figure this out. That crap on my IC boots I do not like. Is there any how to,s on something like this.

 

http://rides.webshots.com/album/570302656jgowcl

Welcome to guzzle's CCV mod web page

Riffraff Diesel: RDP CCV Kit

 

Thank you. I had two out of the three, but I think I am liking the one I did not have.

 

I had made my catch can with the same methods as Chris I went a little smaller and plumbed it back to the intake. I also used a clear piece of tubing so I could see if any oil was making it back into the intake. It worked out nice NO oil but I do drain it about every 1500 miles and I get about 1/2oz of oil. I have a photo of it on my profile.
Sorry I don't know how to post photos to the tread. I am an old guy who is lucky to be able to know how to use the computer.

 

Neil...

I've read quite a few reports of the Racor CCV 3550-FRD-02 causing other leaks in the system due to it being sized too small and building up crankcase pressure that finds it's way out through other seals (oil pan, etc).

Some of the folks reported switching to the CCV4500 (more complicated to install, requires custom fab) and their leak problems went away. The 3550 flows 3 CFM, whereas the 4500 flows 10 cfm... over 300 percent more without restriction.

Have you ever experienced any oil leaks any where?

How often have you had to change the filter in the Racor unit?

Do you tow heavy?

Do you have any other modifications that effect air flow or fuel into and out of the engine?

I'm in CA too, so the climate is nearly the same, and I am strongly considering the 3550, but have hesitated due to the concerns I have read since about 2005. It has been a challenge finding people who are actually happy with their 3550. I've only found two, and you are one of them. The rest have either modified or replaced their 3550 with something else.

I'm quite interested in your observations and experience with yours.

 

I can't say for certain that it can't happen. Racor is a very respectable company, and I find it hard to believe that they would go to the trouble of making a special kit for the Powerstroke without doing a LOT of testing first. I'd have to guess that those that have/had leaks have other issues if the engine builds up that much crank case pressure. You have to remember you also have vacuum on the opposite side of the CCV. The inlet is right in front of the turbo intake. The Racor CCV has the same size inlet and outlet as the OEM CCV, so if the filter media isn't plugged, you should minimal and possibly negative crankcase pressure.

I will try my best to remember to look at the the School buses when I go to the bus yard on Friday. They have some CNG powered buses with John Deere pusher engines. They came equipped with the Racor CCV systems, and I think they are the 3550's.

I'm probably the worst person to be asking.....my truck doesn't do much other that occupy a spot in the garage. I installed the CCV on 6-20-2004 and the odometer reading was 16739 at the time. Today (1-10-12) the odometer reading is 24839. So, I really haven't put it through any real world testing.

I've not yet had to change it. The indicator hasn't moved. But I have a box of replacement filters on the shelf for when the time comes.

Once or twice a year I tow my dump trailer loaded with gravel. Loaded it weighs about 7500-8000 pounds. It is all up hill when I'm loaded for about 15 miles. The pit is at 250 ft elevation, my place is a hair under 2400 ft.

I have the Ford Severe Service air filter system installed, Banks 4" exhaust from the turbo back, and I run the Superchips 1705 tuner set at 90 hp.

If you are anywhere near my neck of the woods, feel free to drop in sometime and take a look. I think it is a very well built system, and as I mentioned above, I'd bet if folks are having leaks, there's other issues behind them.

 

THANKS for your feedback NEIL!

And wow, I thought I had low mileage under 50K. You definitely win the prize with under 25K! And garaged too? Wow.

You're right... you are not really a good "long term" testing candidate! Only 8k total miles in 8 years! (I parked my truck as much as I could too when the fuel went up in 2005). Nor are you a good "engine load" testing candidate. I'm looking for Donner Pass in the morning and Grapevine in the late afternoon weighing 10K wet and dragging 13K behind type of load on the engine. (F-550) Not everyday mind you, but I do wonder how much engine load in one day can produce enough oil mist to saturate the smaller 3550 to the point of restriction within one long trip.

But you are an excellent forum citizen, and I mightly appreciate your thorough feedback, as it is helping me decide. I agree with you about the fit and finish and OEM quality of the Racor unit, and I've often wondered what the rest of the story is when people report trouble with it.

 

You guys with your low miles are making my truck feel like an old wore out street corner girl !!!

 

Yours is just more experienced.

 

Thanks Neil That makes her feel better

 

BDK, what did you use for the mounting bracket? And, looks like a formed hose from the dog house to the catch can? Do you know the particular application?
Thanks, great thought, as I was wanting to set mine up very similar. I like the idea of the clear hose.
Tom.
01 F250.

 

Well Tom the formed hose was something I just had in a box with alot of other hoses with bends in them. I keep all kinds of stupid things that I may never use. But I got luck and that one fits like it was made for that app. So I don't remember what it was for. And I checked for someone else and there is no part# on it. Sorry. And as far as a mounting bracket I used a piece of metal from a stereo mounting bracket grinded it down and drilled a hole in each side and used a metal strap that is used for heat wrap. I tried to keep it clean and simple. If you use PVC like I did do NOT use PVC glue. They make a epoxy glue for pcv and plastic which will hold up to oil.
Do like I did and start with Google and "Home made catch can" there is alot out there.
Goog luck

 

I'm considering doing something like this.
VWVortex.com - DIY: Another home made oil catch can

I know someone mentioned exhaust fumes getting in the cab. How bad is this? Seriously?