Catch cans

[vex]

Alright, I know this is quite the newb question but I figure this might be the best place for it. I do not wish to fork out a huge amount of money for a simple radiator re-circulating can. The problem is that the stock can broke when I got into my accident last year and I've been making use of a crappy s13 one while i've been out and about. I figure it's about time for me to actually upgrade my cooling system to an aluminum radiator and I figure whil I'm at it I should go ahead and put in a brand new catch can.

My thought is this: The basics of a catch can are extremely simple, why should I shell out 70+ dollars for one when I can easily build one for far less. Granted it would involve time and money to do it, but I would probably be able to build one for as little as 40 bucks once all is said and done. My trouble with doing it this way is access to the right materials and actually being able to have the time to produce it.

My next option would be to modify an exsisting catch can to become recirulitory but that in and of itself is a gamble as I would not know what I would need to do to the catch can prior to me receiving it (whether it's as simple as just drilling a hole in the top or if it's more involved by welding one side, drill and tap the other and what not.)

What I'm curious about and what I'd like to ask the group here: is it really that expensive to manufacture a catch can? is there something else I'm missing that would drive the cost of the product up to the 70+ i see all over the place?

If not, I think I should just build my own.

[Max777]

when you say "Radiator, what do you mean? you mean oil cooler?

I thought that with the cooling system, you have an "air separator tank", and with the oil system you have a catch can so that you dont spill oil onto the track when racing?

I know that if you emiminate the emissions on the FC some people hook one of the nipples up to a catch can?

Personally I know very little on the subject, so I'm confused by your post and hope that someone can explain to me better so we all learn something.

[vex]

Originally Posted by Max777

when you say "Radiator, what do you mean? you mean oil cooler?

Nope.

I thought that with the cooling system, you have an "air separator tank", and with the oil system you have a catch can so that you dont spill oil onto the track when racing?

well, yes and no. On street driven cars you have a coolant recovery tank, which is also known as a recirculating catch can. The ones I was looking at on summit were going for 70+ and were just made from aluminum. Not exactly super classy ones either.

Air seperator tanks just seperate air from the coolant flow. They do not (on average) allow for the fluids volumetric expansion and resulting recirculation back into the cooling system.

[djmtsu]

You can buy universal coolant overflow tanks at autoparts stores for less than $20, and they work pretty well.

A friend bought two of them, put them side-by-side using one for coolant overflow, and one as a water reservoir for intercooler sprayers.

[vex]

Originally Posted by djmtsu

You can buy universal coolant overflow tanks at autoparts stores for less than $20, and they work pretty well.

A friend bought two of them, put them side-by-side using one for coolant overflow, and one as a water reservoir for intercooler sprayers.

That's what I'm planning on doing. I checked prices and I found one for 7bucks. so much better. As for intercooler sprayer... I'm not sure I want to go that route yet... maybe one day, but right now... I don't know.

[JunpoweR]

catch can is for oil
overflow tank
air seperator (recirculated coolant tank)


The cheapest method is to use a PET plastic Dasani water bottle
(1 liter size)
Take cap off and drill a hole large enough for the hose going to the radiator to be fit in and reach the bottom of the bottle, tie strap to a decent location. note U can boil water in PET bottles over fire)I seen this on am episode of "extreme survivor" or whatever show that's called so no heat issues.Tie strap to decent location.
$1 dollar overflow tank. WALA

[classicauto]

It all depends on what you're after. I just used a stock overflow from an 86 N/A to keep it off the front of the rad support. If you want a fancy aluminum deal, buy one and modify or build your own. Its a very simple tank, so there's no real hold ups when making or modifying one.

Just do whatever suits your needs.

[cpubugs]

someone post a pic of one and I probably have a spare ill part with for say 10 bucks plus shipping.

I have made many catch tanks in the past.. easy to do.

[RETed]

Originally Posted by JunpoweR

note U can boil water in PET bottles over fire)

This doesn't mean jack...
I can boil water in styrofoam cups and not melt the cup.

[Flooder]

I know this is made for the S13, but its still pretty nice. You can bleed the radiator from it and it even has a level gauge to show you how full it is.