Find the Best Oil Catch Cans for your vehicle — top-rated and reliable options.
This article is part of our Oil Catch Cans Guide.
An oil catch can can help reduce the amount of oil vapor and blow-by residue that gets pulled back into the intake system, especially on direct-injection and turbocharged engines. But if you have started shopping for one, you have probably noticed that not every “installation kit” means the same thing.
Some kits are nearly complete and include hoses, fittings, a bracket, and hardware. Others are really just the can itself with a few generic accessories thrown in. Before you start tearing into your PCV system, it helps to know exactly what usually comes in the box, what may still be missing, and what matters most for a reliable install on your specific vehicle.
This guide breaks down the typical contents of an oil catch can installation kit, the extra items DIYers often need to buy separately, and the key fitment and safety checks to make before installing anything.
What an Oil Catch Can Kit Is Supposed to Do
An oil catch can is installed in the crankcase ventilation path, usually along the PCV line between the engine and intake manifold or in a related breather circuit, depending on the engine design. Its job is to separate suspended oil mist and moisture from the air flowing through the system before that contamination reaches the intake tract.
A good installation kit should give you the parts needed to mount the can securely and connect it to the correct hoses without creating vacuum leaks, kinks, or clearance problems. The key phrase here is should. Many universal kits are only universal in the loosest sense, so the installer still has to solve fitment issues.
- The can itself
- A mounting method
- Hose connections that match your engine’s PCV plumbing
- Enough hose to route cleanly without sagging or rubbing
- Hardware and fittings that seal properly under heat and vibration
What Is Usually Included in the Box
The Catch Can Body
This is the main reservoir that collects oil and condensation. Better designs include internal baffling, filter media, or a multi-stage separator. Cheaper cans may be little more than an empty aluminum container, which limits how well they actually separate vapor from airflow.
Inlet and Outlet Fittings
Most kits include threaded ports and a pair of hose barb fittings. The issue is that they are often a generic size, such as 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch, while your vehicle may use molded hoses, quick-connect fittings, or a different inner diameter. Included fittings are common, but vehicle-specific fittings are not.
Mounting Bracket
Many kits include a simple metal bracket attached to the can or packaged separately. On a universal kit, the bracket may only give you a starting point. You may still need to bend it slightly, drill a hole, or fabricate a better mounting solution depending on engine bay space.
Basic Hardware
Bolts, washers, and nuts are often included for mounting the bracket and attaching fittings. Hardware quality varies a lot. Some kits come with decent stainless hardware, while others include soft fasteners or odd sizes that do not match common tools.
Hose
Universal kits often include a short roll of hose. This is helpful, but it is one of the most common weak points. The hose may be too short, too stiff, too soft under heat, or not oil-rated. On turbo engines or tight engine bays, poor hose quality can quickly become a problem.
Hose Clamps
Some kits include worm-gear clamps or spring clamps. They may work fine for a basic install, but size mismatch is common. If the clamp does not apply even pressure or bottoms out before tightening, you can end up with a vacuum leak.
- Catch can body
- Two or more port fittings
- Simple bracket
- Mounting hardware
- A length of generic hose
- Basic clamps
- Sometimes a drain plug, dipstick, sight tube, or petcock valve
What Many Kits Do Not Include
This is where many DIY installs stall out. The box may contain enough parts to suggest a complete package, but not enough to actually install the can correctly on your specific engine.
Vehicle-specific Adapters
Modern PCV systems often use quick-connect ends, molded elbows, hard line transitions, check valves, and odd-size nipples. Universal kits usually do not include the exact adapters needed to connect to those factory lines cleanly.
Extra Hose Length
Included hose may be enough only if the can mounts very close to the factory PCV path. If your preferred mounting location is on the strut tower, firewall, or radiator support, you may need significantly more hose than the kit provides.
Oil-resistant, Heat-resistant Line
Not all rubber hose survives long-term exposure to oil vapor and engine heat. A better choice may be fuel/emissions hose, reinforced oil-rated line, or silicone hose designed for vapor systems if compatible with the application.
Thread Sealant or O-rings
Some fittings seal on tapered threads, while others rely on crush washers or O-rings. Kits do not always make this clear. If you guess wrong and add sealant where it should not be used, or skip it where it is needed, leaks can follow.
Check Valves or Flow-direction Components
Certain turbocharged or more complex PCV systems may require a check valve or a specific routing approach to maintain proper crankcase ventilation under boost and vacuum conditions. Generic kits rarely include these parts.
A Proper Mounting Location Solution
Even with a bracket in the box, you may still need spacers, self-locking nuts, rivnuts, additional brackets, or a small fabricated plate to mount the can solidly and keep it accessible for draining.
Parts You May Still Need to Buy Separately
Before ordering your kit, inspect your vehicle’s PCV routing and compare hose size, fitting style, and available mounting space. In many cases, one or more of the following items will still be needed.
- Correct-diameter PCV or emissions hose rated for oil vapor
- Straight, 45-degree, or 90-degree hose barb fittings
- Barb reducers or unions to transition between hose sizes
- Quick-connect PCV adapters made for your vehicle
- Additional hose clamps in the correct size
- Thread sealant approved for the fitting design, if required
- Rubber-lined clamps or P-clamps for securing hose runs
- Bracket material or universal mounting plate
- Rivnuts, self-tapping screws, or replacement bolts for mounting
- Protective sleeve or heat wrap if hose passes near hot components
- Vacuum caps for unused ports if your can has multiple configurations
- A drain hose kit if you want easier servicing
If your engine uses a particularly integrated PCV assembly, it may make more sense to buy a vehicle-specific catch can kit rather than trying to adapt a universal kit. The up-front cost is often higher, but installation is usually cleaner and less frustrating.
Tools You Will Probably Need
Even a mostly complete kit still requires a few common tools. Some installs are simple enough for hand tools only, while others require minor bracket work or drilling.
- Socket set and ratchet
- Combination wrenches
- Screwdrivers
- Pliers for spring clamps
- Utility knife or hose cutter
- Drill and bits if a new mounting hole is needed
- Tape measure or flexible ruler
- Marker for routing and bracket alignment
- Torque wrench for critical fasteners if specified
- Flashlight or work light
A hose cutter is especially helpful. It makes cleaner, square cuts than a dull utility knife, which improves clamp sealing and makes the finished install look more professional.
How to Tell if a Kit Is Truly Complete for Your Vehicle
The word “complete” on a product listing does not guarantee vehicle compatibility. What matters is whether the kit matches your engine’s plumbing, not whether the parts count looks generous.
Check Hose Size and Fitting Style
Measure the inside diameter of the factory hose or look up the PCV line specs. Also inspect whether the factory system uses plain hose over barbs, quick-connects, molded ends, or hard plastic line. This is one of the fastest ways to spot whether a universal kit will actually fit.
Confirm Mounting Space
Look for a cool, accessible area away from exhaust heat and moving parts. Make sure the can can sit upright and that you can still unscrew or drain it later. Hood clearance matters too.
Understand the PCV Path
Do not install a catch can blindly in any vacuum line you see. Follow the service information or trusted model-specific guides to identify the correct side of the PCV system and the proper flow direction.
Read Reviews From Owners of the Same Engine
A universal kit may work beautifully on one vehicle and be a headache on another. Reviews from owners with the same engine family can tell you which adapters, hose lengths, or mounting solutions are commonly needed.
Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid
- Using hose that softens, collapses, or sweats oil after a few heat cycles
- Routing lines too close to the exhaust manifold, turbo, or belt path
- Mounting the can at an angle that affects drainage or service access
- Creating a low spot in the hose where oil pools and restricts flow
- Mixing up inlet and outlet ports on a directional can
- Overtightening aluminum fittings and stripping threads
- Failing to secure hoses against vibration and chafing
- Assuming any sealant is safe for every thread type
- Installing a catch can on a complex PCV system without understanding boost and vacuum behavior
The biggest risk is a vacuum leak or improper crankcase ventilation. If the engine idles poorly, sets lean codes, whistles, or develops oil leaks after installation, recheck routing, fittings, clamp tension, and any required check-valve setup.
When a Vehicle-specific Kit Is Worth the Extra Money
A universal catch can kit can work well for experienced DIYers who do not mind sourcing fittings and building a clean bracket setup. But for many owners, a vehicle-specific kit is the better value.
- It usually includes the correct hose lengths and end connections
- Bracket placement is designed around your engine bay
- Installation tends to be faster and more reversible
- Instructions are often much clearer
- The risk of leaks, kinks, and routing mistakes is lower
If you drive a newer turbocharged car, a direct-injection engine with known intake valve buildup issues, or a vehicle with very tight packaging, the time saved by buying the right kit can easily justify the higher purchase price.
Bottom Line Before You Order
An oil catch can installation kit usually includes the can, a few fittings, a bracket, some hose, and basic hardware. What it often does not include is everything needed to install it neatly and correctly on your exact vehicle.
Before buying, verify your hose size, fitting style, PCV routing, and mounting location. Expect that you may still need better hose, extra clamps, adapters, sealant, or custom bracket hardware. A little planning up front can save you from a half-finished install and prevent drivability problems later.
FAQ
Does Every Oil Catch Can Kit Come with Hoses and Clamps?
No. Many do, but the included hose and clamps may be generic or too limited for your vehicle. Always check the product contents and compare them to your PCV hose size and routing needs.
Can I Use Any Rubber Hose for an Oil Catch Can Install?
No. Use hose rated for oil vapor and engine-bay heat. Generic vacuum hose may soften, crack, or collapse over time, especially near hot components.
Do I Need a Vehicle-specific Adapter for My PCV Line?
Possibly. Many newer engines use quick-connect or molded PCV fittings that do not connect directly to standard barb fittings. In that case, a vehicle-specific adapter is often necessary.
Is a Universal Oil Catch Can Kit a Bad Idea?
Not necessarily. A universal kit can work fine if you are comfortable measuring hose sizes, sourcing adapters, and fabricating or modifying a bracket. It is just less plug-and-play than a vehicle-specific kit.
Where Should I Mount an Oil Catch Can?
Mount it upright in a cool, accessible area away from exhaust heat, moving belts, and sharp edges. Make sure the hoses can route cleanly and that you can still drain or remove the can for service.
Do I Need Thread Sealant on the Fittings?
Only if the fitting design calls for it. Some fittings seal on tapered threads, while others rely on O-rings or washers. Follow the can manufacturer’s guidance rather than applying sealant automatically.
Can a Poorly Installed Catch Can Cause Engine Problems?
Yes. Bad routing, leaks, collapsed hose, or incorrect flow direction can cause vacuum leaks, poor idle, lean codes, or improper crankcase ventilation. Double-check the setup before driving.
How Do I Know if a Catch Can Kit Is Complete for My Car?
A kit is only truly complete if it matches your engine’s hose sizes, fitting style, and mounting space. Look for vehicle-specific fitment details, not just a long list of included parts.
Want the full breakdown on Oil Catch Cans - from costs and replacement timing to DIY tips and how to choose the right option? Head over to the complete Oil Catch Cans guide.