How To: Build A Cheap Rollover Catch Can / Breather

[freerider15]

Been a while since I've done a write-up (Cut and Fold Rear Quarter Panels) so how about another.

Alright, so I cannot remotely take credit for this. I got the idea from a thread on Pirate:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/gener...nder-15-a.html

But, since I know most of you don't venture there...I'll go ahead and post the build up of mine now

So a list of what you'll need (minumum):

* Aluminum Water bottle - Free in my case thanks to CSU
* Breather Filter - $6.32 + tax after 40% off at Advance Auto
* PCV Valve (PN# PCV1122) - $2.99 + tax at AutoZone
* 3/4" x 1/2" Hex Bushing - $1.95 + tax at Home Depot
* 3/8" ID x 1/2" MIP Brass Hose Barb Adapter - $3.12 + tax at Home Depot

So, total for the main stuff (if you have bottles free like I did):

$14.38

So on to the "build":

An overall picture of everything:









So I did think slightly differently than the write-up on pirate, not by much though. You can either go the route in the pirate thread, or follow mine.

First things first. I smoothed out the small nipple lip on the PCV valve, then tapped it to 3/8x16.

*Note...the smaller part of the PCV valve measures out to about .350 so not completely .375 but taps just fine...you'll see where this makes a difference in a few. As well...the PCV valve is a one way valve so the internal "ball" will prevent it from leaking out in case of a rollover.

After it has been tapped:



Now...drill a hole in the center of the bottom of the bottle. Since the piece isn't really 3/8", I used a size T(~.358") drill bit for a better, tighter fit.



From here, I assembled like so with washers and o-rings for sealing. You can do as you like...this is just what I did.



Now...it isn't the easist to get done inside the bottle but I figured out my own little tricks and it goes pretty quick.



Next, assemble the two adapters together and screw into the neck of the bottle. I used RTV between all threads, but you can use whatever you feel like...RTV, JB Weld. Whatever makes ya feel better



Last but not least...put the filter over the piece of the PCV valve sticking out and viola...done!



OK...so a few more side notes. The filters I got didn't like to go on real easy. So to get them on I had to use a heat gun to get the rubber maleable then push it on. In order to get it more "flush" as shown below...I had to drill the rubber out to a larger hole (~1/2"), then heat and push. But, once done it comes out a little nicer like so:



I'll get them mounted soon and add some pictures!

[MoparManiac]

Bump.

This should be made into a FAQ. Well done dude. I saw that thread on PBB and was planning on making some of my own.

I have some leftover 4" intake tubing and some flat aluminum plate so I'm going to make some a bit shorter than that water bottle so I can place them in tighter areas.

Thanks!

[freerider15]

Originally Posted by MoparManiac

Bump.

This should be made into a FAQ. Well done dude. I saw that thread on PBB and was planning on making some of my own.

I have some leftover 4" intake tubing and some flat aluminum plate so I'm going to make some a bit shorter than that water bottle so I can place them in tighter areas.

Thanks!

Thanks, yeah figured more than a "few" here could use it

Yeah if I had the ability to weld aluminum I would have made my own to fit in the little area I have available a little better.

Love your build...I'm jealous of the 440

[Starboard M]

I copied your cut and fold writeup soon after you wrote it, not realizing I was coping a high school kid!


Now I will be copying a high school kid stuck in an adults body. Its funny how times change, and yet they stay the same.

edit: Go Rams!

[freerider15]

Originally Posted by Starboard M

I copied your cut and fold writeup soon after you wrote it, not realizing I was coping a high school kid!


Now I will be copying a high school kid stuck in an adults body. Its funny how times change, and yet they stay the same.

edit: Go Rams!

So SO true!

Go Rammies!

[WB9YZU]

How us this used?
Looks like a coolant catch can.

[freerider15]

Originally Posted by WB9YZU

How us this used?
Looks like a coolant catch can.

I'm assuming you know that your axles and t-case have breathers correct to let the pressure vent?

Well if you've ever looked at those breather...well there's not much to them.

You roll over or onto your side...and guess where all that fluid wants to go? Yep...right out the breather hose.

So not only do these prevent that (not the going on your lid part ), but they allow greater room for expansion so you won't puke fluid out of your breather hose if the fluid gets hot enough (which I had happen many a time with my NP231).

That and they just look cool

[MoparManiac]

Originally Posted by freerider15

Thanks, yeah figured more than a "few" here could use it

Yeah if I had the ability to weld aluminum I would have made my own to fit in the little area I have available a little better.

Love your build...I'm jealous of the 440

Yeah definitely, I've been reading up on some better ways to vent my crankcase as well. Either gonna do the 3 sides or tee both breathers into a catch can.

Thanks dude. I've been following your build since the beginning, love every minute of it

[sandsgg]

I'm so glad i wasn't the first to ask what these are used for lol

[WB9YZU]

LOL
I've got the FAQ ready to roll out. Are "installed" pictures coming?

[freerider15]

Originally Posted by WB9YZU

LOL
I've got the FAQ ready to roll out. Are "installed" pictures coming?

Well it will be a little longer until I can mount them...need to wait for my harnesses to get installed.

Mine are *probably* going to be mounted a little bit different...since...well...my Jeep is a little bit different than the rest

[rockclimber]

nice writeup.

stealing for my t-case and trans.

I would use a smaller bottle, just to fit in tighter spaces.

[freerider15]

Originally Posted by rockclimber

nice writeup.

stealing for my t-case and trans.

I would use a smaller bottle, just to fit in tighter spaces.

Had I been able to find smaller bottles I would (without spending a ton). One about half the size would be nice.

Nice thing is...if I do find some smaller ones I want to use I can just swap the stuff over.

[rockclimber]

Originally Posted by freerider15

Had I been able to find smaller bottles I would (without spending a ton). One about half the size would be nice.

Nice thing is...if I do find some smaller ones I want to use I can just swap the stuff over.

MSR fuel bottles.

[Built2Flex]

I would consider relocating the hose to the upper side of the bottle. For one reason only...the fluid will consume the hose and the bottom of the bottle preventing it from breathing out of the top. If you relocate the hose to the upper side you will fill up the bottle before ever stopping it from breathing.

Otherwise fantastic idea!!