Catch can 2019 equinox 1.5

[americanchadazz]

I have been researching a little about catch cans, would they help with the valve carbon buildup? And is there a good brand that's "bolt on"?

What's everyone's thoughts on them? Are they worth the money?

 

[PoManNox]

The problem with trying a catch can on the LYX 1.5 is the PCV system is kind of a convoluted mess. The manifold vacuum side of the system is ported into the head and cam cover. You have to take the cam cover off to access it. The secondary "vacuum" source is at the inlet of the turbo compressor. The breather section is tubed into the fresh air tube between the air filter box and turbo inlet, then there are two more "valves" in the cam cover that all interconnect with tubing. All the hoses, fittings and "valves" are one time use items per GM.

There is a fella on super cruises or whatever the site it's called that has a pre made CC setup for the 1.5T. I am not an expert on it by any means, but I question the fellas design of it.

 

[Red2018]

I have been researching a little about catch cans, would they help with the valve carbon buildup? And is there a good brand that's "bolt on"?

What's everyone's thoughts on them? Are they worth the money?

I did a lot of research on GDI engines like the 1.5L which is very reliable and as one person posted it can be complicated to install a catch can on this engine however, the other alternative which would be much less trouble is change your oil more often using an extended life engine oil like Castrol 40000Km extended life 0W20 and every 6 months use GRC air intake and turbo cleaner. What causes most of the carbon build up on the intake valves is dirty oil along with hard acceleration so, do these two things and you'll never have to worry about carbon build up ever.

 

[ricklack]

When I got my first Nox, a 2013 V6, I read a LOT about catch cans, etc and seriously considered installing one. I bought it used and had to take off the intake to change the spark plugs @160,000km. I looked around and the engine was spotless, which surprised me as I was constantly cleaning soot from the chrome exhaust tips. When I removed the intake I also removed the throttle body to clean it and realized it had a small catch can like device from the factory. It did have some moisture that came out, but there was no way to drain it other than remove it.

I had decided to do the "seafoam" treatment thru the throttle body previously, and was again amazed that it did not pour white smoke out the exhaust as most videos showed, indicating a lack of carbon. That, combined with the pristine condition inside the engine made me forget about the catch can. BUT, I drove it a LOT for work, about 50-70,000km a year, which is not your typical driving. That highway driving helped prevent some issues a lot of people face.

If I would have had the 2.4 four cylinder that had serious PCV issues, I would have most likely went the catch can route. The V6 was much more robust and reliable, that engine purred when I traded in the car at @ 350,000km.

As for the 2022 with the 1.5, there have not been complaints anywhere near the amount of the older 2.4. I still do 75% highway driving and change the oil a lot, so I figure I'm not going to worry about a catch can. IMO, the 1.5 is more closely related to the 1.4 that Chevy used on the Trax and others, which did not have PCV issues. I'm at 162,000km and going strong so far.

 

[Red2018]

When I got my first Nox, a 2013 V6, I read a LOT about catch cans, etc and seriously considered installing one. I bought it used and had to take off the intake to change the spark plugs @160,000km. I looked around and the engine was spotless, which surprised me as I was constantly cleaning soot from the chrome exhaust tips. When I removed the intake I also removed the throttle body to clean it and realized it had a small catch can like device from the factory. It did have some moisture that came out, but there was no way to drain it other than remove it.

I had decided to do the "seafoam" treatment thru the throttle body previously, and was again amazed that it did not pour white smoke out the exhaust as most videos showed, indicating a lack of carbon. That, combined with the pristine condition inside the engine made me forget about the catch can. BUT, I drove it a LOT for work, about 50-70,000km a year, which is not your typical driving. That highway driving helped prevent some issues a lot of people face.

If I would have had the 2.4 four cylinder that had serious PCV issues, I would have most likely went the catch can route. The V6 was much more robust and reliable, that engine purred when I traded in the car at @ 350,000km.

As for the 2022 with the 1.5, there have not been complaints anywhere near the amount of the older 2.4. I still do 75% highway driving and change the oil a lot, so I figure I'm not going to worry about a catch can. IMO, the 1.5 is more closely related to the 1.4 that Chevy used on the Trax and others, which did not have PCV issues. I'm at 162,000km and going strong so far.

You got it!