Conquering the Catch Can - Part 3: Final Prototype Testing
If you remember from our last post about the Titan XD catch can, we ran into some challenges with the first and second prototypes. Since then we have perfected our design, so without further delay, let's look at our final prototype for testing.
Final Prototype
With the check engine light vanquished, our last update left us with a slightly different hurdle to climb. A buildup of condensation in the system had us a tad worried about possible freezing in the winter. Little did we know that the solution was right in the Titan's engine bay. One of the benefits of working on a larger truck is that there is more room under the hood to work with. We used this to our advantage and decided to relocate the can to another spot in the engine bay - one that would see more heat. The idea is that extra heat introduced to the catch can will burn off a good deal of the moisture and prevent freezing of the can. A fine theory, but let's see it in practice.
Welding a new Titan XD catch can bracket
Before testing, we got to work fabricating a different bracket. This one moves the location of the catch can to a warmer spot in the engine bay, between the expansion tank and the EGR cooler.
Titan XD catch can prototype for testing
Testing
Now that we had our catch can in its new home, we set out to put some miles on this prototype. When the road testing was finally complete, the team was thrilled as we opened the catch can after about 3,000 miles of driving.
Titan XD catch can testing results
Titan XD catch can testing results
Not a bad result! The stock Titan XD comes equipped with its own oil -separation methods, so we were glad to see even this bit of oil in the bottom of our catch can. Every drop that we can collect in the can is a drop that is not being re-introduced to this brand-new Cummins engine. Blow by amounts will vary with the climate and driving style, so we recommend checking the can every 1,500 miles initially, to establish a baseline for your truck.
Coming Up!
Now that testing is complete, we will be moving forward with our final design. Be on the lookout for a discounted pre-sale as a thank you for those who have followed our progress. In the meantime, let us know what you think in the comments below.
Thanks for Reading!
Sara
