FIND PRODUCTS for your vehicle
Diesel Catch Can Overview
A diesel catch can is designed to protect your engine by separating oil vapour and contaminants from the crankcase gases before they’re fed back into the intake. Modern diesel engines, especially common-rail turbo diesels, recirculate these gases as part of their emissions system. Over time, this can lead to oily buildup inside the intake, intercooler and EGR system. A quality catch can helps stop that buildup before it causes issues, keeping the intake cleaner and the engine running as it should.
This is particularly important on today’s high-output diesel engines used in 4WDs and utes. When oil vapour mixes with exhaust soot from the EGR system, it forms a thick residue that can restrict airflow and affect performance and reliability. Fitting a diesel catch can helps reduce this contamination, which can support smoother running, more consistent power delivery and long-term engine health. While it’s not a performance modification in the traditional sense, it’s a smart preventative upgrade for anyone planning to keep their vehicle long term.
As a business that supplies vehicle-specific diesel protection solutions, we focus on proven systems rather than generic universal kits. Our range includes trusted ProVent oil separator setups and Direction Plus kits designed for specific vehicles and engine layouts. Whether you’re running a stock daily driver or a touring 4WD that sees heavy loads and long distances, a properly engineered diesel catch can is a simple upgrade that can make a real difference over the life of your engine.
Diesel Catch Can Benefits
Diesel catch cans are especially beneficial for modern turbo diesel vehicles that work hard, whether that’s towing, touring or daily driving in stop-start conditions. 4WDs and utes are particularly prone to oil vapour buildup because they often operate under load and at higher boost levels. A properly fitted catch can helps keep intake components cleaner, which can support consistent performance and reduce the likelihood of long-term issues related to EGR and intake contamination.
Catch cans are also a smart upgrade for vehicles that have been tuned or modified. Increased boost and fuel delivery can result in higher crankcase pressure, which means more oil vapour entering the intake system. By separating this vapour before it reaches sensitive components, a diesel catch can adds an extra layer of protection. Even on stock vehicles, owners who plan to keep their 4WD long term often fit a catch can early to help prevent problems down the track rather than reacting once issues appear.
Diesel Catch Can Installation
Installing a diesel catch can is straightforward when using a vehicle-specific kit. These systems are designed to integrate cleanly into the factory breather setup, using proper fittings and mounting points to ensure reliable operation. Correct installation is important, as poor hose routing or low-quality components can cause pressure issues, which is why we recommend engineered kits rather than universal setups.
Maintenance is simple but important. Most diesel catch cans need to be drained periodically, with frequency depending on driving conditions, engine load and climate. Vehicles that tow regularly or see short trips may collect more oil, while long highway runs typically result in less buildup. Extended drain options can make servicing even easier, especially for touring vehicles.
If you’re unsure which setup is right for your vehicle or how it should be maintained, we’re always happy to help you choose the right diesel catch can for your needs.
LEADERS IN 4X4 PERFORMANCE STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUSTS & DIESEL ECU TUNING
© 2026 PPD Performance