You have that “Oh What a Feeling” new Toyota sparkle in your eye, add the confident stride of a five-year warranty with an extra two on the edge. You’re caught up staring at your Turbo Diesel pride and joy glistening in the sun when your mate says, “Installed a Catch Can Yet?”  

Catch cans seem to be the latest catch phrase if you are at all involved in a 4WD community, and there are many opinions about whether they are needed or not, and what exactly they do. 

What is a Catch Can?

Between the Crankcase and the PCV in your engine runs a pipe. This pipe directs a portion of exhaust gas back through the motor to improve emissions and has been around for a while now. Exhaust gasses have carbon monoxide and oil mist – and when they’re mixed, they stick to everything. Basically, catch cans are designed to catch this oil and carbon mix, and then filter the oil out and catch it in the bottom of the can.  

Why use a Catch Can?

It is extremely rare not to at least see a light oily residue around the inlet tract of a turbo diesel engine. Even a brand-new Turbo Diesel engine, due to completely normal engine pressure, will have some residue. However, deciding how much is too much is when considering a Catch Can is a question you will get many different answers to. The tiniest amount of residue will build up over time and may seem like a lot to the untrained eye. Therefore, if at any point you are concerned by this, you should contact an authorised Toyota service technician.  

For engines that have liquid oil in the inlet tract, or that use a large amount of oil, a catch can may be recommended by a mechanic, or a mate. However, catch cans are not a long-term solution for an engine that is using above normal qualities of oil. It is much better and healthier for your engine to locate and repair the underlying problem with an authorised Toyota Service Technician.  

So what can go wrong?

Catch cans have filters that vary - from steel, fabric, or even nothing, so they are not all made equal, and some are just an empty can. Not ideal. Catch cans can fill up or block, causing back pressure on your engine if they do not allow the perfect amount of air flow. They can retard spark timing and cost fuel economy and power. Another devastating outcome is damage to your engine.  

Does a Catch Can void warranty?

Installing aftermarket parts can compromise your Toyota Warranty Advantage. All Toyota parts are tested to be the perfect fit and will enhance your Toyota experience because they are tested and developed to warranty standards to fit, and work in conjunction, without compromising your genuine Toyota Parts already in use.  

Aftermarket parts can void your warranty if they cause pressure, or worst case, damage to your Toyota engine or genuine Toyota parts. Warranty Coverage will not apply to damage caused by modifications carried out at a non-Toyota repairer or failures in non-genuine parts and accessories. And if the catch can causes damage to your engine by restricted air flow, your warranty will be void.  

Hold onto That Feeling – and your Toyota Warranty Advantage

Catch Cans are designed to trap and deflect excessive oil residue from choking an engine. Your Toyota Warranty covers any issues that may cause excessive oil residue in your engine.  

Love your warranty? Then do not let the can catch you out!  

Chat to your Toyota Service Centre BEFORE you install a Catch Can. The team at Ken Mills Toyota are here to answer your questions! Get in touch today!