Oil catch can in winter/ long term sub zero temps

[Nate_V8]

Any problems with these in winter with long term subzero temps?

I drive my '17 GT in the winter a bit. I was thinking about grabbing a Bob's CC but haven't decided yet because I drive in winter also. Don't bother with suggesting a beater, I have a beater but sometimes the wife needs the beater and I need to drive the mustang and a 3rd car isn't worth the investment.

I read somewhere that since the liquid is mainly water it can freeze which then can clog the CC which is then essentially a clogged PVC system which is a very bad thing.

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[BlueThunder]

You're a ways north of me but it's mostly a mixture of oil, debris, and water, which shouldn't really freeze all the way. And unless your CC is full or very shallow, it should still allow the proper level of air through the system so it's not like it's going to freeze and form a plug. And given your latitude and likelihood of warming the car up on cold days, anything frozen should be aqueous before you leave.

I've had one since I've had Mustangs and while NY winters aren't as bad, we've had plenty of week+ sub-freezing temps and I've never had a problem (I've had Bobs and UPR cans).

 

[BmacIL]

Have had the Bob's can for 4 years, including winter. No issues.

 

[EFI]

Catch cans catch oil, not water. Oil doesn't freeze.

You will be fine.

 

[Nate_V8]

Catch cans catch oil, not water. Oil doesn't freeze.

You will be fine.

From what I have read/seen they catch a mix of oil and water/vapor and the water can freeze in there. You can find pictures of it on google

 

[EFI]

From what I have read/seen they catch a mix of oil and water/vapor and the water can freeze in there. You can find pictures of it on google

There might very well be water vapors in there, but it's minimal. Definitely not enough to cause any issues in the hoses or can itself. Like the other guy said, I've been running a catch can since the first week I owned this car in summer 2016 (so going on it's 4th winter now) and this is driven daily with no issues. In New England, winters are harsh and I start it up every morning in single digits temps and drive to work.

Whenever I empty the catch can, it's mainly oil in there. If there was water you can easily tell. You know how when you mix oil and water they tend to separate, well this is not like that. It's 99.9% oil.

 

[Rapid Red]

What's with the oil catch can? Boiling it down, is it just a high dollar PCV ? There are 2 in play correct?

Thanks, getting up to speed.
Pep

 

[Lime1GT]

I think I would at least insulate around the can and hoses if you don't want to remove it for the winter. Remember, Ford used coolant tubes wrapped around the pcv valves on some F150's for freezing, cold thick oil issues. Some PCV's are electrically heated as well. A little info: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/987666-a-word-of-warning-about-the-pcv-valves.html

 

[Jay-rod427]

As soon as you start the engine it starts blowing warm air through it and wouldn't take long at all to thaw any frozen water that would happen to be in it. Keep it emptied regularly and send it.

 

[EFI]

As soon as you start the engine it starts blowing warm air through it and wouldn't take long at all to thaw any frozen water that would happen to be in it. Keep it emptied regularly and send it.

That too. Some 210* oil will make quick work of the frozen water in the tubes.

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