As many of you know, the problem with polycarbonate "bowls" that are used with some Home Depot particulate filters is that they are temperature rated (limited) to 125 degrees F. So not only do they NOT trap aerosol oil (they do trap the liquid stuff, however), but the higher engine bay temps in our cars (which can exceed 150F) may render the bowl seal useless, especially near an exhaust manifold.

Most higher temperature catch can designs are made of aluminum, some of the cheaper ones have small sight tubes, but none of the "cans" are both transparent and able to withstand high temperatures. Thus, I set out on a quest to make my own version using the super-efficient Watts coalescing filter.

Here's what I came up with:



Yes, the "can" is glass, 1/8-inch thick glass. Throw in an accomodating aluminum top, a gasket (that is highly resistant to oil), the mounting bracket, filter and retainer from a Watts filter assembly,and some fittings and viola - instant see-through catch can!

Currently, I am road-testing a combination that includes a particulate filter to trap bulk liquids (especially during Winter when water condenses quite readily) and the coalescing filter to trap any aerosols that get past the first filter. Here's what it looks like:




Next accessory: Steel retainer to trap the glass body (in the event that it loosens)

Future accessories: 16-beam optical sensor to relay absence/presence of oil/water at the maximum level mark to an LED display.
Vacuum pressure sensor to monitor filter element life.

Hey, I can't just let the car sit there during wekends!

 

Great looking design Dave

 

Always thinking aren't you Dave. I have relocated my two filters to a lower area and have fabricated a cooling duct/ heat shroud for more effective result. I'll have to wait till spring thaw to try it out though.
Appreciate your endevors toward improvment. Thanks

 

Thanks, DeeGee and Dieselsave56! There is always room for improvement, not matter what the former solution. An engine bay environment can be very harsh on materials and based upon what I've seen in industry, heat is one of the greatest enemies. I'm convinced that we can keep our engine bays temps from exceeding 150F in most areas, our electronics, batteries, hoses and belts will last much longer.
That area up front in which I have mounted the filters stays fairly cool and the PCV hose air temps seem to stay under 160, most of the time.

Dave