[Joedank]

Joined this forum looking for some installs of oil catch cans on the new Foresters. I couldn’t find any. Figure I would post the setup I installed on mine. I used a Mishimoto oil catch I purchased on Amazon. I purchased PCV rated bulk hose from the parts store. I read that some guys are running heater hose on their setup. I would advise against that. Heater hose isn’t designed to transfer oil. I imagine the heater hose will get soft and spongy in the future. Subaru uses 5/8(ish) hose on the PCV. The nipples that come with the catch can are 1/2 barb to 3/8 NPT. I was unable to find 5/8 barb to 3/8 male NPT fittings at Lowe’s, Home Depot or the Grainger by my house. Grainger could get them, but special order. I purchased machined aluminum barb fittings off Amazon instead. The catch can comes with a bracket and 2 self tapping screws. I like the mounting position I chose, but draining it could be a bit challenging. I like how the can is a bit hidden and close to the PCV valve and intake manifold vacuum port. Removing the catch can for draining will likely be easier vs using the drain plug with the location I chose. Will drain the can every oil change. I service my cars at 5,000 mile intervals but will check the can after the initial 1,000 miles. I have some heater box/evaporator insulation tape in my tool box at work that I plan on wrapping around the A/C line right above the catch can to protect metal to metal rubbing. There is some clearance, the line doesn’t hit with the engine idling but may move more on hard acceleration.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XSN8BMN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_o6ALCb5ZM7KGX
^^^Barb fittings^^^

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OBEP51K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_Q7ALCbVDRWVRN
^^^Catch can^^^

 

[buildbigboats]

Thanks for starting this thread. I'm looking to do the same. Purchased the can already. Working on getting the fittings and hoses. Agree with you on hose type too for the reasons you stated. Plan to add fittings, valve and hoses to drain connection at initial installation as well. My question... can you please describe or post pictures of the connections at the PCV valve and intake manifold? I've only pulled the plastic cover off and looked around. Don't immediately see engine's "in" and "out". Assume I'll have to dig deeper, pulling plastic air duct between filter box and throttle body but not sure what I'll find after that. Any help there would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Joedank]

Remove the air tube that attaches the air filter box to the throttle body. Once that is out, you will see the PCV hose. Looks sort of like a 7 or a question mark in shape. The PCV valve is located on the passenger rear side of the engine. Metal nipple that points straight up. The intake port is above it just past the throttle body in the intake plenum. Your catch can should be labeled “In” and “out”. Intake (vacuum) needs to be run to the “out” port on the catch can. PCV valve needs a hose running to the “in” part of the can. I can get a picture if needed

 

[subiesubieDOOO]

I got one from crawford performance, took it to my mechanic and let them do it..for me, they are Gods in coveralls.

 

[Even_Stephen]

I can get a picture if needed

Joe,

I, and I suspect many others, would be forever in your debt if you would post a picture!

 

[Joedank]

Will do fellas. Won’t be until this evening. Car is at home while I am at work. Picture will be up around 7cst.

 

[danornan]

I've got to ask what all of you are talking about ? Is this something to catch oil that might be leaking ?

 

[coregrind]

I've got to ask what all of you are talking about?

The crankcase vents to the intake via the PCV valve. This contains oil vapor. That oil hits your intake manifold and valves. On a direct injection engine, there's no gasoline spray from the injectors to wash the valves. By separating this oil vapor prior to it entering the intake manifold, the amount of deposits on the valves is minimized.

 

[buildbigboats]

I got one from crawford performance, took it to my mechanic and let them do it..for me, they are Gods in coveralls.

Went to the Crawford Performance website. Put in 2019 Forester but didn't come up with an AOS part specified for our vehicle. What part did you install? They seem to manufacture/sell air oil separators (AOS) which from reading their info are sort of different from a catch can. Interesting. Have to think about that a bit more.

 

[coregrind]

Went to the Crawford Performance website. Put in 2019 Forester but didn't come up with an AOS part specified for our vehicle. What part did you install?

I’m guessing the part installed was designed for his ‘17 with turbo. Definitely different fitments. Crawford needs a vehicle for R&D before releasing a direct fit for the ‘19. At best, the version for 18+ Crosstrek might be close enough and usable in the meantime.

 

[buildbigboats]

Guess I'll keep moving forward with the install of the can I have in that case. Thinking about it some more I might not want whatever stuff gets seperated out going back into the crackcase. Thanks

 

[subiesubieDOOO]

#coregrind is correct.

 

[Joedank]

Coregrind nailed it. Here is the pictures. Attach the PCV valve to the “in” on your catch can. Attach the intake port (vacuum) to the “out” on the catch can

 

[buildbigboats]

Coregrind nailed it. Here is the pictures. Attach the PCV valve to the “in” on your catch can. Attach the intake port (vacuum) to the “out” on the catch can

Unable to view either of these pictures. Not sure why because pictures on original post come up fine. Anyone else having the same problem? Tried on both my android phone and my Mac desktop

 

[adc]

Unable to view either of these pictures. Not sure why because pictures on original post come up fine. Anyone else having the same problem? Tried on both my android phone and my Mac desktop

cant view

 

[Joedank]

Weird. These are screenshots of the pictures from the site. Hopefully these work for everyone.

I like the Crawford Air Oil Separator. I considered purchasing but wasn’t sure if the Crosstrek one would work on the Forester engine. I suspect it would. Another reason I choose to make my own setup is I don’t like how the Crawford unit is mounted right up front on the engine. I also like being able to drain and see the can working versus the sealed tank on the Crawford.

 

[buildbigboats]

Those pictures came through fine...thanks
No sure about an AOS either so sticking with Mishimoto can. Might not mind condensed oil vapors going back into crankcase but not thrilled with the idea of condensed fuel or water vapors going back in. Not sure how much if any fuel or water vapors come through. First couple of can drains should give an indication

 

[MNTNDRMNGFXT]

@Joedank nice setup. Looking forward to seeing how much blowby you collect.

 

[Osceolakidt00!]

Will this modification void the subaru warranty?

 

[Even_Stephen]

Thanks Joe! You have done a good turn for many of us.