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During the past few years, automotive manufacturers had to comply with strict rules regarding the emissions of their vehicles.
Plenty of systems have been put in place to achieve the numbers required; however, not all of them are as good as they sound.
In this article, we will be explaining the reason why new engines recirculate crankcase gases back to the intake, how this can significantly reduce the life of your engine and why a catch can eliminate most issues and reduce the likelihood of a clogged common rail diesel engine.
How Do Engine Manufacturers Achieve a Reduction in Emissions?
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During the combustion process of an engine, oil, smoke, and diesel can make their way through the piston rings and down to the crankcase. In the old days, the pressure created in the crankcase was released into the atmosphere through a valve located on top of the valve cover.
In modern-day diesels, the gases, oil, and diesel are recirculated back inside the engine’s intake which makes the air we breathe cleaner but the air our engines breathe much dirtier.
The issue with this is that over time soot and oil build up inside the engine’s intake and intercooler; therefore, clogging up the engine far earlier than normal.
How Can a Catch Can Prevent a Clogged Common Rail Diesel Engine?
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A catch can act as a filter for the recirculated air – it will pick up any oil and soot that were about to enter the engine which will keep all your intake components clean.
The sooner you fit a catch can the better. If possible, get your new truck straight out of the dealer and into the shop to have a catch can installed. The longer you run your engine without one the more soot builds up on your intake components which can be costly and time-consuming to clean.
Learn More:
What Quality Should I Go For to Prevent a Clogged Common Rail Diesel Engine?
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As this is an important accessory that is crucial to the longevity of your engine, you should opt for the more expensive and well-known brands as they have been proven to provide far better filtration and get you better results for preventing a clogged common rail diesel engine.
Is Recirculating Exhaust Gasses Kinder to the Environment?
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I am going to start an argument here, but I am not convinced that recirculating the exhaust gasses back inside the intake is better for the environment.
Sure, it does help emit less dangerous particles; however, it encourages premature wear of the engine and engine components while also requiring strong chemicals to clean.
What I am trying to say here is that in our effort to make internal combustion friendlier we waste resources by prematurely wearing engines that require energy to be created. Furthermore, we emit deadly chemicals into the atmosphere by cleaning the soot that was built-up to save the environment in the first place.
We hope that this article was informative regarding the reasons why a catch can will significantly increase the longevity of your engine. Will you be installing one to prevent a clogged common rail diesel engine?