Why I’m removing my HPD Catch Can (it’s not great)
Fitting a catch can to a modern turbo diesel is extremely important. I wrote a post some time ago, covering this, and mentioning that I installed a catch can from HPD, or High Performance Diesel. You can read more about this here – Is a Catch Can important on a modern turbo diesel?
Many of you know that I am extremely thorough in my research, and like any products I fit to my Dmax, I spend a lot of time researching and weighing up the pro’s and con’s of each option before I lay my hard earned down.
I detest buying things twice, and will pay for a quality product the first time over several cheaper units that don’t work as well.
Even well before buying the Dmax, I was doing research into what people recommended, and catch cans were high up there on the list of first modifications you should do to your 4WD. Unless you plan on selling your vehicle after a few years of ownership they are a great idea for longevity.
I read a myriad of forums, commercial posts, sales spiels and comments from owners of MUX and Dmax’s online. The overwhelming majority of people recommended the HPD, with a few people mentioning the Provent 200 as well.
Beyond that though, the HPD unit comes in a complete kit with all the brackets, had a great reputation, was Aussie made and was supposed to work well.
There must be thousands of these fitted to various 4WD’s in Australia. They’ve got to be good then, yeah? Well, maybe not…
What’s the purpose of a catch can?
The single purpose of a catch can is to filter blow by gasses from the crankcase, and remove as much oil/fuel/water vapour/carbon soot as possible.
If you fit a catch can or separator and it doesn’t do this, or it does it poorly then you’ve essentially bought a paper weight.
Beyond this, it needs to separate the fluid without creating a pressure drop. In other words, the air needs to flow into the catch can, through it and out the other side with as little as possible restriction, or this can cause other issues.
Diesel oil catch can pros and cons
Long term, there really is no reason why you shouldn’t install a good quality catch can. It’s the only legal way to keep your vehicles EGR working and your intake manifold clean. This helps maintain good fuel economy, power and ultimately reliability.
The only con is that they cost money to fit, and there’s a lot of them out there which are poorly engineered and don’t catch much.
Catch can efficiency testing
Not long after writing the post, I received an email with a study from Curtin University, where they tested 12 common catch cans for their ability to catch oil, and you know what? The HPD catch can was the forth worst performer. Consider this a Catch Can Comparison test, with the major brands tested.
To make things worse, it wasn’t even remotely close to the performance of many of its competitors. In terms of a catch can review, the HPD faired very poorly. I was very intrigued by these results, having a strong interest in identifying the best catch can.
When I first read the report, I was pretty gutted. I’d blown $385 on a HPD catch can and it was barely working. How could I, and so many people get it wrong in recommending the High Performance Diesel catch can?
In the report, the Flashlube catch can pro, Provent 100 and 200 are the best performers by a country mile. I always suspected the Provent’s would filter a lot more than the HPD, but had no proof. If you want to compare the Flashlube catch can vs Provent, here’s your answers!
Thinking about it logically, it makes sense. A German engineering company making a catch can with a proper fibrous filter is always going to catch more than a catch can with 4 sets of mesh with an aperture of around 0.5 – 0.8mm on the inlet and outlet.
In fact, the results show the Provent catches vapour 5 times more effectively.
In summary though, here’s the catch cans filter quality factor:
- Flashlube Catch can (CF 1.2)
- Mann and Hummel Provent 200 (CF 2.1)
- Mann and Hummel Provent 100 (CF 1.1)
- Mann and Hummel Provent 150 (CF 1.5)
- Unbranded wire mesh catch can (CF 2.3)
- Unbranded fibrous element catch can (CF 1.3)
- Unbranded Fibrous element catch can (CF 2.2)
- Unbranded wire mesh catch can (CF 1.4)
- HPD catch can (CC1)
- Taipan wire wool catch can (CC2)
- Calibre catch can (CC3)
- Mann and Hummel Cyclone with no element (Cyclone)
In terms of pressure drop, capture efficiency and quality factor the Provent 200, and Flashlube take the cake overall.
Of course, this publication has been put online, and you can read it for yourself here – Catch can study. You will have to sign up to download it, but the report is free. You will get an invoice for $0.00.
In the interest of being completely transparent and sharing everything I’ve learnt, I will mention that the funding for this study at Curtin was provided by Mann and Hummel (the manufacturers of Provent). They paid for a completely independent test to be done, so there would be no conflict of interest.
Some of you might say its incorrect data, but the chances of Curtin Uni risking their reputation on a study are slim to none, and my results agree with their data too.
My independent results
I’ve had the HPD catch can fitted to the Dmax for 27,000km. It was fitted when the Dmax hit 2000km. When I first installed it, the hose clamps supplied by HPD didn’t clamp their new hose onto the OEM barb properly and it did weep a bit of oil out.
I fixed it with proper worm drive hose clamps, and have removed all of the oil recently. It’s caught just 65ml of oil. That’s 24ml of oil for every 10,000km, and is a terrible result. Consider this my HPD catch can review.
EDIT: The Provent wins by a country mile
I ended up running the HPD catch can for 34,000km, then swapped to a Provent 200 Catch Can. I collected the oil caught in both catch cans and meticulously recorded their results.
The difference between the two catch cans is chalk and cheese. Check the full post out here; Provent vs HPD Catch Can.
Finding the best catch can was pretty clear cut in this instance!
What does the Provent catch?
By my research, Provent’s fitted to the 4JJ1 motor (same as mine) are collecting 100 – 300ml of oil every 10,000km. That would line up with the 5 x better filtration than the HPD I have experienced!
Obviously, there are a lot of variables at play here – engine oil viscosity and age, engine condition, how the engine is driven and many more. Despite this, from what I have seen on new 4JJ1 motors (under 50,000km), the Provent catches a LOT more.
Since having the Provent fitted for about 35,000km, I’ve collected 1200ml of oil, and that’s pretty incredible.
Other things to think about
When you buy a catch can, there are other things to consider. Obviously how effective it is at removing vapour is a huge consideration, but consider these too:
Ease of draining
Before you buy a catch can, look at how they are emptied. The Provent has a drain on the bottom, which most people attach a hose to that comes out near the inner guard. Every so often you get a container under the hose, crack the tap and let it empty.
The HPD catch can has a metal bowl on the bottom which you are supposed to unscrew. There is no chance in the world I can get this undone without removing the catch can.
If you have small hands or a filter wrench you can undo it, but the much easier way to empty the can is to suck it out using a big syringe and tube.
Physical size and mounting position
One of the reasons I didn’t get the Provent 200 to start with was their physical size, and where they mounted in off the shelf kits for the Dmax. The only custom Dmax catch can kit that was sold for my model put the catch can where our secondary fuel filter had to go, which created a problem.
If you put a traditional dual battery setup in your Dmax or MUX you have an even bigger problem, as the Provent, secondary fuel filter and battery all need the same space, so what do you pick?
Of course, I’m more than able to knock up brackets to mount it elsewhere, but the Provent 200’s are seriously big and finding somewhere under the engine bay near the crankcase outlet that isn’t going to interfere with anything else is a mission in itself.
Cost of changing filters
The Provent’s have separators (fibrous filters) that need replacing. The recommendation is somewhere between 40,000 – 75,000km. They are about $80 a pop. The HPD has no filters, and therefore no ongoing costs.
You’ll find this is the biggest grudge that people hold who own Provents, but if you take a step back and actually weigh up how much it adds to your overall maintenance bill, its not much. Lets say you replace it every 50k; its $1.6 every one thousand kilometres.
Some people cheap out and install mesh filters into their Provents, or buy the cheap copies. If you do the first, you’ll lose most of its filtering ability, and the latter can result other issues you really don’t want to deal with, like blown rear main seals.
Pressure on the motor
You don’t want to put any back pressure on your motor. This is done by fitting catch cans that don’t allow enough air flow through them, or allowing them to fill up and block up.
Hoses (or inlets/outlets) that are smaller than the factory ones are a sure way to identify a catch can not suited to your motor. The Provents are sized based on recommended industrial engine CC’s, at high load.
I have spoken to Mann and Hummel, who tell me the Provent 100 is more than suitable for a standard 4JJ1 motor. That said, if you can fit a Provent 150 or 200 it is a better option in terms of offering longer separator/filter/element life.
I would suggest if you have substantially more power and torque than stock, or you work the motor hard (towing something heavy for example) get the Provent 150 or 200.
Provent catch cans come with a relief valve that opens if the pressure builds up too much. HPD have nothing like this, but because the filters are much less fine the chances of back pressure is substantially less.
There is a chance of the dipstick on the HPD popping out under pressure, as long as the hose outlets aren’t over the top of it.
I don’t know what sort of pressure you’d need to do this though, as they are quite tight around the 0 ring.
Quality of construction
The HPD kit is well made, there’s no doubting that. However, they do lack in some areas:
The bracket holding the catch can up rubs on the brake lines unless you bend them over. This could have easily been rectified in the design phase (or at least mentioned in the instructions). I simply bent the brake line a tiny bit.
The air intake hose clamp (under the catch can) rubs on the catch can unless you rotate it, which is not mentioned in the fitting instructions.
The plate on the bottom of the bracket to make it sit level is not exactly the right thickness (out by around 0.5mm on my vehicle), which puts extra stress on the panels. I have seen a photo of someone’s cracked inner guard where the catch can bracket bolts to.
I suspect it is due to the uneven surface, but also because the bracket can move back and forth over corrugations. A lot of people report vibrations/noises coming from the inner guard after fitting a HPD catch can, and I concur with this. Even though they are aluminium, they are still a heavy unit.
The hose clamps that came with the catch can was not suitable for the hose they provided. You could easily pull the hose off the crankcase hosetail even with their clamp on, and this meant that oil would weep out as well, all over the side of your motor.
I put up with it for a while, but eventually changed the clamps to worm drive ones and it never leaked again.
The kit that suits 2012 to 2016 Dmax’s creates a nasty vibration occasionally on take off. I have verified this with my own vehicle, and another one. Remove the catch can from HPD and it goes away. Obviously something isn’t quite right with the kit.
I can’t comment on the quality of the Provent as I’ve never had one, but they are one of the most common catch cans world wide across everything from light vehicles to heavy machinery.
Where to from here?
I’m not really sure. I feel pretty bummed to be let down by the HPD catch can given how it was marketed to me, but I’m going to remove it and try something else.
I was specifically told that these catch nearly as much as the Provents, which obviously is false. In my opinion removing as much oil from the intake is critical on vehicles that run an EGR system, and I want to change it to something else that is going to catch as much as possible.
I could go down the EGR delete path, but really want to keep it completely legal.
Ryco have just released a catch can (although I hear its actually bigger than the Provent 200!), and I have heard good things about the Seper8tor as well. I’d like to fit a Provent 200, but will need to spend some serious time trying to see if it will fit, and making up a custom bracket.
EDIT: If you are looking for a Ryco catch can review, there are a few people running them now, and their own website claims they are better than the Provent 200. As far as I know, there has been no independent testing to back this up though, but its entirely possible.
There is some more testing going on behind the scenes at Curtin University too, which will hopefully result in some more useful information I can pass along.
Update June 2019
A few months ago, Western Filters released a dual mounting bracket, which allowed me to install a Provent 200. The Provent unit goes on one side near the firewall, and the fuel filter (which was in this spot and stopping me from installing a Provent) goes on the other side of the bracket.
With a larger battery its a tight fit, and not the easiest installation, but its done, and now I know I have a quality catch can installed.
I’ve documented all of the kilometres, and collected all of the oil from the HPD catch can. In due course, I’ll do another write up with the results, and how they compare.
In short though, if you look at the catch can filter its pretty obvious which one will catch more oil!
Please don’t be upset with the findings
If you own a HPD catch can, I understand you are probably not too happy reading this right now. I’m sorry; I really am. I feel the same way. I write this purely to share what I’ve found. I get no financial incentive either way.
You can agree or disagree with what I’ve written; that’s your call. This is just my findings, and the research laid out for you to read. Do me a favour though, and leave a comment below with what catch can you run, and how much oil it catches.
The HPD Catch can is a decent, Australian made product that works, just not nearly as well as some of its competitors.
What catch can do you run? Are you happy with it?
Hi Glenn,
I can believe it, because it matches the study from Curtain uni, and when you physically compare the two units its pretty obvious why one works much better than the other.
The amount caught is dependent on many factors; you can’t compare what you catch on your vehicle to mine, as they are likely vastly different in a huge number of ways.
I’d suggest if you fit a Provent 200, you would be absolutely gobsmacked at the difference.
All the best
Aaron
Cant believe how minimal amount you drained from your HPD Can. (24ml per 10,000ks). I am currently using a HPD can and regularly drain 110ml per 7500ks. Huge difference from your figures. So definitely doing its job as far as I am concerned.
Hi Shawn,
Your vehicle has a motor significantly larger than mine, and I would expect very different results. Your amount is about 140ml/10000km, which is still well under what most 200 series are getting from their Provents, or a more efficient catch can.
Fit one that is more efficient and I guarantee you’ll catch far more oil.
All the best
Aaron
I have a HPD on my 200 series and the findings that this person is mentioning doesn’t add up 24ml every 10000kms. I know for a fact with mine and it’s been on the vehicle now for 6000kms it caught 85mls so looking at it it is doing a pretty good job if you ask me.
Hi Chuck,
I’m not sure if you are referring to the EGR building up, or what is after it. The EGR takes a portion of your exhaust gasses and feeds it back into the motor. If the EGR is building up with soot then a catch can won’t help. If you are talking about the intake ‘flaps’ building up with soot and oil mixed together, then yes, a good catch can will reduce the build up.
All the best
Aaron
I have a Mercedes 2015 OM642 3L V diesel with turbo and intercooler on a Sprinter 3500 cutaway chassis. This engine is subject of litigation regarding emissions. The EGR seems to collect soot and the flappers need cleaning. Does a catch tank address this issue?
Hey Graham,
Yep, you can install it in a variety of places. Western Filters should be able to help you out with both the pre filter and catch can. Alternatively, Xpedition Concepts make a bracket and Provent 200 kit up for this, mounted near the radiator at the front of the vehicle.
All the best
Aaron
Hi Aaron
Very comprehensive article with some great comments.
I wish to fit a catch can to my recently purchased 200 series Cruiser. It is 2015 model and travelled 93,000. My model has 2 batteries unlike recent models.
Can it be installed easily and in a place where I may also wish to fit a pre fuel filter
Regards Graham
Hey Mark,
Yep, you absolutely can. I have seen a number of 200 series Land Cruisers with them installed near the intercooler with long hoses. Ideally the hose length is kept as short as possible, but it will still work fine
All the best
Aaron
Hi Aaron, I am looking to fit a catch can system to my 2012 Navara V6,ST-x 550. From what i here, the catch can fits in the middle of the hose back to the inlet manifold. If I were to purchase the provent 200, can I fit this in the front of the engine bay, next to the intercooler, and just extend the hoses? Thanks for an interesting article. Mark
Hey Glenn,
Thanks for the comment, and interesting results. If you are saying that you’ve caught 2L of oil in 77,000km with the HPD that is a lot more than I would expect.
I think the Provent units have been out for much longer than the HPD, but just don’t get as well shared around and marketed. The Ryco unit is new to the market though.
You are correct in saying short trips will make more condensation, although I don’t seem to get much with the Provent, and I wonder if its due to being plastic and not aluminium like the HPD.
We seem to collect a lot on long trips, as well as around town. Every motor is different, and the only way to know for sure is to swap and compare, or to get your intake cleaned to see how much has really gone past.
All the best
Aaron
Have had HPD catch can on 2013 build DMax and 04/2017 Dmax as well, 75,000km and currently 77,000km and still going.
Swapped over can with modification to bracket to 2017 build.
Have read above comments with a great degree of interest.
My experience over 7 years being that due to not doing many long trips that there is a reasonable amount of condensation along with oil in can when emptied into a jar and allowed to settle.
When traveling on long trips at at speed limit hardly if any by product collected.
2017 Dmax travelled 75,000km has recorded 2021grams of condensation and oil removed from engine.At the time the hpd can was probably one of the best available and with improvements by competitors has lost its gloss.
Maybe time to seriously think of a change of brand.
Hey John,
Your comments are very valid. Inlet valve lubrication is certainly an interesting topic that you don’t hear many people speak about. Totally agree regarding good quality oil, working the engine and good servicing practices.
All the best
Aaron
Some new diesel engines have a crankcase separation system as standard fitment, and no doubt helps the life of the DPF. Having said that, the subject of inlet valve lubrication can be an issue, and I have seen diesel engines with the inlet valves almost pulled through when the original crankcase ventilation system was rerouted to atmosphere.
There is no substitute for a diesel engine other than top quality oil, and I don’t mean mineral, regular servicing and working the engine hard, which promotes ring seal and stops operation of the EGR valve. Don’t forget, the EGR valve is usually flowing exhaust gas under light load, high temperature conditions.
Hey John,
Interesting. If you went in for a GVM upgrade, why would they be looking at anything else asides from that? You can return the catch can oil to the sump, and this is done on some industrial motors, but putting it back in pre-turbo would be the same as removing your catch can all together.
Draining the oil out and disposing of it responsibly is the best course of action
All the best
Aaron
Went for engineering on gvm upgrade and engineer said i could not have drain hose and that it should be plumbed in pre turbo
Hey Mick,
If there is blowby (which is normal), the HPD will be letting some of it through. Some motors are better than others for not releasing much though
All the best
Aaron
I run the HPD doesn’t capture much oil but intercooler hoses are dry so dont know maybe not much blow by 30,000klm
Hey Peter,
Who did your injector seals, and is giving you advice? I would suggest you go and see a reputable diesel mechanic, and see what they have to say. In fact, speak to a couple, and you may find you get a very different opinion to what you’ve been told.
If the Provent 200 is working properly, and serviced as it should, there will be minimal difference in pressure, and I highly doubt the Provent has caused this.
All the best
Aaron
Great article.
I have the provent 200 on an NW Pajero. I have just been advised after my injector seals leaking again, they were fixed six months ago, to remove my catch can or at least the filter. Apparently they viod motor warranty and are not recommended.
This was installed, like most of us, after months of research and with the best intentions for the motor. I will be removing the filter this evening and will monitor over the next two weeks to see if the seals are stilll leaking.
So to summarise….I wouldn’t bother getting one, just remove and clean intake every 100000kms (which I did six month ago when the injector seals were replaced, and the mechanic said it wasn’t very dirty either).
Hey Simon,
You are welcome. As far as I know there has been no independent testing. I also cannot see how any stainless filter could be as effective as a proper fibrous filter, but I’ve been wrong before! To be fair, I’ve never actually seen the insides of one either.
All the best
Aaron
Thanks for the article Aaron, are you aware of any comparisons between the Terratuff SEPR8R and Provent, do you know if the lifetime stainless filter in the SEPR8R works well.
Thanks
Simon
Hi Stig,
That is a very interesting question. The Mitsubishi’s are well known for caking up badly, and a Provent 200 would go a long way to fixing this, but the temperatures might be an issue. I would contact Mann and Hummel directly, and speak to their technical guys. They have a heap of engineers that will be able to answer better. From a quick look online, it would seem that lots of people run catch cans in cold weather, but I couldn’t see many with proper filters like the Provent.
Let me know how it goes
Aaron
I’m thinking of fitting a Provent 200 to my (as it is called here) Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2 mk.4.
The intake is so badly clogged now that I had to disconnect the vaccum to the swirl actuator to ceep it running until summertime, when I can clean it out.
My only concern is what happens when it is freezing temperature? Any thoughts?
Here “close to the north pole” we have sub zero temps on and off from november to april, could go as low as -30°C but mostly -10° to +10°.
Ceep safe!
Stig – Norway
Hi Dave,
I would go for a common tyre size somewhere between the factory size and 50mm increase, if its for general touring and 4WDing.
As for the direction plus website, I can’t help mate. Give them a call; they will explain it all very quickly. Otherwise, Western Filters are awesome as well.
All the best
Aaron
Hey Aaron,
What size would you recommend for a 04 kzn165 td hilux..
Also a little confused with direction plus website..
150dpk(drain and reducers)
151dpk (bracket/hoses)
Same for 200/201
Is anyone selling a all inclusive kit?
Is the flashlube product the same?
Cheers
Hey Dave,
Yep, I’m sure they are a quality unit. They even claim more efficiency than the Provent 200, but there’s been no independent testing just yet.
Overall though, Ryco is very well respected
All the best
Aaron
be interesting to see what the ryco ones are like i like the there fuel and catch can that they do for the v8 cruiser utes
Hey Sid,
Sorry to hear mate. I was in exactly the same situation, and was also very annoyed about the whole situation. HPD will tell you that you can plumb their catch cans up in either direction, which in itself should ring alarm bells. They certainly will catch oil, but just not nearly as much as the better units on the market.
If you are up for it, look at swapping it to a Provent 200 or a Ryco unit. Western Filters will help you out with the Provent, and the Ryco can be bought from most auto stores.
All the best in the new year!
Aaron
Thanks Aaron, devastated by your info & HPD. fitted $400 hpd can to my 2017 mux as per hpd instruction sheet wasn’t catching any oil? Looked on internet at other hpd fitment on other vehicles eg. Landcruiser noticed hoses were connected opposite to the isuzu so changed mine & started to catch some oil but not much as you know. Went with hpd because reputable mechanic used them. (makes no difference to them they get $$ to clean up dirty intercoolers/air intakes ). Need the mux to go forever 1st & last new vehicle . Cheers.
Hi Ag,
It was done by Curtin University, which is completely independent to Mann and Hummel. Of course someone had to fund the study; they don’t get done as freebies. On top of this, I’ve verified their data is correct in my own testing, and I have zero attachment to either business.
I would have a read again, and you’ll see HPD is not at the bottom. Do a bit more digging, and you’ll find very, very few people that will say a HPD performs better than a Provent. It’s chalk and cheese.
All the best
Aaron
Hey Ken,
If you plan on keeping the vehicle longer term, I’d fit one. That said, find yourself an independent mechanic, or diesel mechanic and ask them the same question. I haven’t met too many mechanics who don’t believe they are a good idea.
All the best
Aaron
This is NOT an independent study if its backed by a manufacturer. DO NOT TRUST any studies with conflict of interests
No wonder or surprise that their biggest competitor was stuck to the bottom.
G’day Aaron just had my first complimentary service (1500k’s) done on my 2020 MR Glxr Triton and after reading this article I’m sold on the Provent 200 and would like to know is it better to fit one now before i clock up the K’s or wait ,the Mitsi mechanic says i don’t need one & that it’s all a myth, he’s a bit older and maybe old school ?, P.S good write up mate very interesting read
Hey John,
Yep, the water is normal, especially when its colder and you’ve been doing lots of stop start driving. If its mounted where it chills, then you’ll see more as well.
Speak to Western Filters if you are concerned, but I wouldn’t be too worried
All the best
Aaron
Great feedback, was looking at the HPD for my 200 Series Diesel now 31000 k’s but went with Prov-200 no regrets. I check the hose outlet as often as I can remember to do it and today found a good amount of water coming out before seeing any oil but once it started flowing it drained fairly quick, the catch can itself was full of grey slime muck that I cleaned out…
Is this normal ???
Cheers John
Hi Martin,
The most common, and best way is to pull the intake apart and clean it all. You can look on Google images to get an idea, but any decent mechanic will do it.
Don’t go down the path of the carbon cleans as it will not scratch the surface
All the best
Aaron
I have a 2016 D Max with 180K on the clock – and have just been advised by my mechanic to have a catch can fitted to prolong the engine life which sounds reasonable. In reading some of the comments here it seems apparent that some cleaning should be done first so that as best as possible there can be a clean slate to start from. So, could you please comment on what needs to be cleaned and how that should be done, cheers, Martin
Hey Darren,
4WD or not, all modern diesel motors suffer the same. The Flashlube would work fine, but I’d still fit a Provent 200 if you can fit it in. How many km’s on the vehicle?
All the best
Aaron
I understand we are discussing 4×4 and the results may differ but im wondering if fitting a flashlube unit to a Ford Territory Diesel would be Ok as I wont be leaving highway or be modding so Would the smaller unit require more filter changes. Ive heard Territorys can have EGR issues and being my 1st Diesel im flying blind as it were.
Hi Paul,
There is only one filter type, made by Mann and Hummel. Buy it from a proper physical store or Western filters online. It should be about $85.
All the rest including the stainless ones are aftermarket and will not work as well, or will cause you motor damage. Be very careful of imitations on eBay
All the best
Aaron
Hi I was just wondering which filter is arguably best at its job for the provent?
I’m seeing stainless steel and cotton, is fibrous a third option? Is there more? EBay results has got my head spinning.
Hi Craig,
I would not recommend the Flashlube over the Provent 200. The Provent 100 is the same unit as the Flashlube. They have a smaller filter and will get to their end of life faster.
Both are good products but for a larger motor that breathes a lot the 200 is the better option.
All the best
Aaron
Aaron, but would you recommend the Flashlube catch can over the Provent? If not, why not?
Hey Karl,
Yep, lots of different opinions on it. They fit catch cans to a lot of large trucks, and large diesel motors used for pumps and generators. Isuzu themselves don’t fit them to the Dmax or MUX, but for the same motor used in the light trucks they do. Go figure.
For vehicles with an EGR they are the only way of legally stopping the build up occuring. I probably wouldn’t bother on a vehicle that doesn’t have an EGR
Manufacturers are notorious for skimping on parts to make the end product cheaper. I’m surprised Ray wasn’t aware of the issues caused on modern turbo diesels when the soot from your EGR mixes with the oil, but there you go.
All the best
Aaron
Installed a HPD catch can on my 1992 80 series Cruiser. No great experience with oil quantities as yet. However, for a different reason I saw Ray from Ray Hall Turbos in Cairns, who has installed plenty of turbos in his over 30 years of business. On spotting the catch can in the engine compartment he asked me why I had installed one in the first instance. I told him about articles on the internet. He asked me if I had ever seen a vehicle with a factory fitted catch can. He said, if there was a real need for a catch can they surely would fit one during production. He advised me to remove the catch can alltogether. He voiced great concern over airflow restrictions by catch cans. He questioned the need for a catch can. There you go, yet another view point to add to the confusion.
Hi Tim,
It won’t. They are a factory installation on many motors world wide, and there’s no reason for them to adversely affect the performance or reliability.
All the best
Aaron
Good luck with your catch can installations, hopefully your engine won’t be blown up within 100k kms.
Hey Roger,
There probably is a tiny bit of extra resistance, but it would be negligible, and the lines are under some vacuum anyway. If you are concerned, speak to the guys you got the kit from, or an engineer could do the calculations for you, but its not uncommon.
A lot of 200 series owners have them fitted at the front of the engine bay and also have long hoses, and they are a lot bigger motor with a higher flow rate
All the best
Aaron
Hi Aaron, after reading up a bit on the provent, I got the kit and installed one today on my 2015 dmax. The only question that I have is that with me installing as per the instructions on the right side of the engine bay near to the battery, the hoses are then quite long to reach across to the left where the outlet is. Will the two longer hoses cause any resistance to the gases and build up of pressure versus if you get the alternative mounts and put on the left of the engine bay close to the manifold?
I’d be grateful for your feedback.
Cheers
Roger
Hey Brendan,
It’s pretty hard to give a figure that means anything given how many variables there are. I would say it should comfortably do 500,000, and possibly a lot more, but who really knows
All the best
Aaron
Hey Iggy,
Yep, I have heard that too. I’ll wait for an independent test, but have no doubt they are good at filtering. I hope there are no back pressure issues, but the only real reviews are those who’ve been given a product so far
All the best
Aaron
Results of testing to ISO 17536-2:2017 published by Ryco claims their now superseded RCC350 has an efficiency of 96.3%. Results for the PV150 were 93.0%. The PV200 scored 89.84%.
The performance results of both Provents were higher when fitted with a Ryco filter.
HPD efficiency was only 66.07%
Presumably the performance of the current Ryco RCC351 exceeds the superseded RCC350.
https://www.rycofilters.com.au/Crankcase_CatchCan
Thanks for the advice Matthew and Aaron. My mechanic fitted the can and it looks neat and I’m happy with the result. My Ute has been serviced meticulously every 10000 kilometres as per manufacturers logbook . I even get the auto transmission serviced at 20000 kilometre intervals . The Ute has been washed almost weekly and polished 4 times per year. I would travel a minimum 40000 kms per year. I guess my question is- how many kms should a diesel Ute do before it falls apart if it is loved as much as mine is?
Hey Brendan,
You don’t ‘need’ a catch can. They are a good idea, but without an intake clean at those sort of kilometres unless you intend on keeping it forever I’d almost not bother with one.
That said, if you are going to keep it for a while, jump on the Western filters website and get a kit for much less than $800 and fit it yourself, or get your mechanic to do it. It should take less than 30 minutes to do. Don’t get a poor quality unit.
All the best
Aaron
Hey Matthew,
The trick is to buy a kit from someone like Western Filters, that comes with everything. Fitting it should be easy.
The HPD will be better than nothing.
All the best
Aaron
I bought a Provent for my ML 3.2 Triton, I gave up trying to find all the right hoses and reducers to make it work and the bracket supplied was very dodgy and I think it would fall off on a rough road. I ended up going with the HPD. It took about 20 minutes to fit and seems to be working great so far, haven’t done many k’s since I’ve fitted it, but it has to be better than nothing.
My 2014 d max Ute has 245000km on it and mechanic says I need a catch can to collect oil cost will be $800. Having had the Ute religiously serviced and cared for I’m worried. I thought Diesel engines ran for 1 million kilometres without nonsense. Am I to now go back to petrol Toyota HiLux? Help!
Hi Bunsen,
I have heard they are being fitted by a few people. They don’t come with a kit so you have to make that yourself. Performance wise I haven’t seen any independent tests, but would assume they’d be decent. As good as a Provent 200? Possibly not, but you never know
Aaron
Hi Aaron,
I note a few guys installing the Isuzu Catch Can over the Provent, HPD etc. Have you had any feedback from them regarding fitting(easy/hard, costs?) and the performance of the unit itself.
Cheers
Hey Hugo.
It will wreck your air filter in no time, and then you will have other, more serious issues.
The standard route is to fit a catch can or leave it alone
Aaron
Hello! I just started reading about these catch cans after buying a used 2015 Isuzu dmax. The crane case ventilation tube on the stock dmax goes into the air intake, after the air filter and maf sensor. What do you think about rerouting it before the air filter and using that filter as the way to remove the oil particles? I’d imagine the air filter would need to be replaced more often. Could there be other problems? Thanks for this well written article btw!
Hey Dave,
The water is fairly normal, especially if you do lots of short trips. The grey sludge will be a mix between the water and oil. As long as its not venting out the pressure relief valve it should be fine.
Cheers for the information about how its fitted. Very neat
All the best
Aaron
G’day Aaron
I fitted a Provent 200 catch can to my 2018 Dmax at 16000 kms and have just drained it for the first time at 21000 kms getting about 200 ml of oil but also some water which was a surprise. Is this normal to get water as well? On inspection of the catch can it had an oily grey sludge in it and I’m wondering if the filter should be replaced. My Dmax has the second battery under the bonnet with the catch can behind the air filter box and fuel pre filter next to the main battery to the front. Both filters came with vehicle specific brackets from either PPD performance or Western Filters. It’s a bit squeeze under the bonnet but can be done.
Cheers Dave
Hey Dan,
I guess having any catch can is better than none, but when you fork out good money for them you’d expect it to work better. I would go with a Provent 200, or the Ryco ones are getting a good wrap, as are the Terratuff.
Ryco are claiming better efficiency than the Provent, but I haven’t seen any independent testing to back this up, and as far as I know the Terratuff hasn’t been tested either.
Get what you are happy with, but run with some independent studies before you lay any money down
Aaron
Hi Aaron
I’m waiting delivery of a Brand New Raptor, I’m based here in Adelaide and HPG is made just around the corner.
I was about to get the hpd but will now look at other options..I guess its better to have a catch can than None?
What are my other options.
Hi Damian,
An EGT gauge has no bearing on back pressure. They are a good way to keep an eye on how hard your motor is working, and for some motors they are worth while getting, but it depends on what you use it for, how its tuned and what other ways you have of monitoring the engines condition
All the best
Aaron
Hey Damian,
The Flashlube is a Provent 100. They are fine, but you are better off with a Provent 200 as they have more surface area. That said, if you followed the Flashlube recommendations and had an issues I’m sure they would sort it out
All the best
Aaron
Hi Michael.
Sure thing. It’s admin @ 4wdingaustralia.com without the spaces
All the best
Aaron
Hello Aaron,
I am glad I found this article of yours. Is it possible to get your e-mail I would like to bounce something off you.
regards,
Michael
Also saw comment regards EGT gauge, would you fit one normally or just to ensure catch can doesn’t create too much back pressure?
Bought a Flashlube one about 6 months ago, seeing as I hadn’t done it asked mechanics to do for me, they were reluctant as had heard cases of filters being sucked into engine and destroying it, has anyone heard of this (not necessarily Flashlube just in general).
Hey Anton,
Yep, heard of a few people installing these. I have no doubt they’d be pretty decent quality.
All the best mate
Aaron
G’day mate ?
Isuzu make their own catch cans for their small trucks. They are made in Japan and are of sturdy construction. They are available from any Isuzu dealer in Australia and will not void your warranty if used on any Isuzu vehicle. The Isuzu part number for the catch can is 8-97324682-1 and the filter is 8-98002346-0. I plan on fitting this to my 2018 D Max. Hope this helps ?
Hi Ben,
It’s the same product mate. Both are Provent’s (probably both Provent 200’s as well), made by Mann and Hummell. You can get it from Western Filters, Direction Plus or a whole heap of other places. Give them a call. They will be helpful.
All the best mate
Aaron
I am undecided on buying either the direction plus kit for 70 series or the mann+humell seems like the direction plus is quite main stream now and made in Australia if I am correct. PDD performance have a kit . Any help would be great thanks
Hey Darren,
How long are you planning on keeping it? If you want to hold onto it long term, and it hasn’t done a heap of kilometres already I would get a Provent. I’m going to guess they don’t do a kit, but you will be able to buy one and find somewhere to mount it (just know the Provent 200’s are pretty big)
All the best
Aaron
Hi, I have a 2008 Sante fe, I was looking at buying HPD but after reading this article has changed my mind, can you please advise whst would be best for my car? Darren
Hey Trevor,
Not sure where you got the 2 PSI from? I’d agree that back pressure is something you REALLY want to avoid. The Provent catch cans have an in built pressure relief valve if for some reason there’s a restriction.
With the vacuum from the inlet side its possible to keep the back pressure down to a minimum, but if you are still worried, give Mann and Hummel a call and chat to one of their engineers.
All the best
Aaron
I want to buy a catch can for my cruiser. I have owned Ford petrol cars for a long time so I have plenty of experience with engine seals leaking. The back pressure is a big concern for me. Not much comment on that. So do people sell their vehicles before it is an issue? Or is the back pressure overrated? 2 psi is massive.
Hey mate,
I would say the Ryco unit would be good quality. Not sure how they compare to Provent 200’s, but they will be decent. I would recommend an EGT gauge too, so you keep an eye on things and can back off before you do nasty damage to the motor.
All the best
Aaron
Thanks Aaron,
Yes, the car will be a long term vehicle .. as we tow a horse float regularly. I’ve read sites about EGR blocking plates & pressure issues & failures and that these mods should be avoided by most reports … but the catch can seems a pretty much a good idea all round to terms of longevity & performance.
I will look at a the catch can soon and clean of manifold as you suggested. As you know the room is tight for a GU catch can with dual batteries and the Flash lube brand has been recommended as it will probably fit better than the Provent 200 along with 19 mil hoses. Have you had any feedback if the Ryco unit is any good .. as its seems well priced and flow rate is suited to 3 litre CRDI diesel engine.
I’m new at this caper .. have had a GQ petrol years ago and the 3 x Kia Sorento diesels but the Diesel GU Patrol is a new beast for me…
Cheers & thanks
Colin
Hey Colin,
If you’ve got an EGR, and you plan on keeping it for ever, then its probably worth doing along with an intake manifold clean out, if its dirty.
This will give you more power/torque/economy. The catch can will keep it cleaner going forward.
Whether its worth it all comes down to your situation.
All the best
Aaron
Lucky I found your article.. You’ve done your research and thanks..I’ve just bought a 2015 GU ZD30 patrol with 135k on clock .. Am I too late to benefit from fitting a catch can?? Came with legit log book every 10k service history using Penrite 10w-40 semi synth oil since new. Hope you can help!! Colin
Hey Dylan,
Thanks for your opinion. I can’t comment on the specifics of the testing, but what I can tell you is that I have replicated their study on my own Dmax, and had very similar results. The HPD caught barely any oil in the 34,000km it was fitted, and then it was replaced with a Provent 200 which has caught nearly the same amount of oil in much, much less kilometers.
I would take the advise of any sales people with a grain of salt, and instead look at the science behind it. I was told by HPD that their catch can would perform almost as well as the Provent. This study disproves it, and so does my own independent testing, which I will post about in the near future
All the best
Aaron
Unfortunately, this study is not accurate and extremely flawed. The University was sponsored by one of the company’s tested and continue to re-release their finds when additional sponsoring money comes in. Additionally, the amount of airflow used in the test was 10 times higher than would go in an engine and was pressure not vacuum and then, they stopped the test prior to the favored CC’s filters becoming clogged and therefore, loose performance.
The reason several of the well-known brands ‘failed’ was the test was not run long enough for them to accrue oil, which they require to function (basic cohesion).
Another fact consumers are not aware of is that brand engine performance also significantly differs, so what a CC on a Ford Ranger (doesn’t collect much) will collect will be different to a 200 series Land Crusier (has to be emptied regularly).
Before anyone removes a current CC, call the service center of your current brand and speak to them about your concerns, ask them about how much oil your can should be collecting for your car brand and disscuss the study with them, you will get informed and honest anwers.
Hi Jason,
I have. I don’t like the idea of them, as firstly they are illegal, but also the DPF also does some beneficial things for the motor, despite their bad reputation. The cable keeps the EGR off by fooling the ECU. The EGR and catch cans do different jobs. I would stick with a good quality catch can and that’s it
Aaron
Hi Aaron,
Have you heard much about the DPF delete harness from Munji? Would be great to hear your opinion as it might save installing a catch can.
Hi Albert,
Go to Western Filters mate, and search for it.
Aaron
Can you share the link to order ProVent oil catch can for Landcruise 80. Thanks.
Hey mate,
Sorry to hear you are having issues with the Ryco. Take it to a dedicated hose shop, and get something that is suitable. It will be available. In WA we would use places like Couplers, Hoseco or Powell Industrial.
All the best
Aaron
Interesting feeds on catch cans from everyone, learnt a lot. I just got a Ryco (looks just like the Provent) for my 2007 Ranger 2.5 turbo. The unit comes without hoses and guess what, I have tried everywhere to get hoses to fit the dam thing and also the rocker cover outlet. I’m about to take it for refund as not fit for purpose. To produce a Catch Can without any hoses supplied is silly, and so am I in thinking I could just go to auto shop and buy a meter of 19mm soft oil resistant hose.
Hey Mic,
Western filters should sell a Provent 200 kit for your model Colorado. It’s a far better engineered piece of equipment vs the HPD, but that’s up for you to decide. I think you may find the sensor you are talking about is the MAF sensor? A good catch can will reduce or eliminate oil going back through the intake, so it won’t end up on your sensors.
I’d be inclined to speak to a reputable mechanic or Western Filters – they should be able to answer your specific questions.
All the best mate
Aaron
Wife came home from work (@holden) today and said the head mechanic there was adement that we should not install anything but the hpd. My wife being someone who takes peoples word for it……and me being the guy that pisses her off with everything like this……by taking far too long (in her opinion) to make a choice. She wants something and wants it now and if it appeals to her because it looks good, sounds good and was marketed well…..she’s sold. Whereas I’ll spend 6 months googling the crap out of it until im absolutely sure on the product i decide upon. As someone else said……pay the dollars once…..the poor man pays twice. So i googled hpd and first up was this article. Ive read the whole article and everyone’s comments. Will now google the provent 200 and enquire if it will fit somehwere on the 2010 holden colorado lx-r rc 3.0L td we just bought her. 130km on the clock. Had the rocker cover gasket replaced. I then changed the oil (penrite) went on a holiday a week later (she wanted to take her flash new car instead of my reliable pos 94 model 80 series n/a slug with no electronics)……..and limp mode. Pulled out the egr sensor and wiped the oil off it and fed a rolled up tissue up the little pipe and removed that oil residue, checked all plugs and hoses etc etc……got the turbo back online. Got a mates mate to put his computer gizmo onto it…..for free…..took 30 secs…..and reset the check engine light…..(holden wanted a $147)……and i was on my way again. So about this catch can……is this egr going to give us trouble again ? Apparently its $600 for a new one. Id put a photo up of it, but its too frikkin small a piece if plastic to photograph. I hate new cars.
Hey Eamon,
Good to hear its working well for you. Blowby is a pretty good indication of engine wear too, as long as you compared it to the same motor in similar situations. You may find it starts to catch more as the filter fills up more.
All the best
Aaron
Hi
After a lot of research on the web I fitted a Provent 200 to my 200 series supplied by Western Filters. Car had 100k km on it which was just after I purchased it. Fitted the catch can before I drove it. Done approx 2,500km so far, mostly trips to Kalbarri from Perth. Drained approx 15-25ml from the drain hose. Happy to see the engine is not showing signs of excessive wear, (it’s always a bit of a risk buying s/h) and good to see my filter choice has been vindicated.
Hey mate,
The trick to removing the bowl is not to, unless you have lots of room. Just buy a small syringe from eBay for a couple of bucks and suck it out. The HPD catch cans seem to catch a fair bit of oil in some motors, but I have no doubt the Provent’s would do even more. I wonder if all the back pressure talk comes from people who fit fake filters, don’t change them regularly enough, plumb them up backwards or simply don’t drain the oil enough.
I think my next vehicle might be Petrol too; diesels are just becoming too complicated
Aaron
Hi Aaron,
Yes I agree with your findings, having sold airline filters for many years, the only serious way to catch oil in my opinion is with a foam or fibrous element. The mesh elements in the HPD are really only a basic filter much like a bronze element in your compressor at home.
In saying that You should not be too concerned, I have been caught twice now because I had one fitted to my Triton at 4000kms by a Diesel workshop in south east Melbourne and at 15000 kms the oil level had barely reached the bottom of the dipstick. Now in my Pajero Sport (with the same engine) again my local mechanic talked me into fitting a HPD unit because he said the Provent one put too much back pressure on the engine. That went on at 3000 kms and at 9000 kms the level is 40mm up the dipstick and needs to be changed. HPD say it should be changed at 25mm on the dipstick. But the real pain is, how do I remove the bowl, there is no room. So I go back to my mechanic who will charge me $100 to do it (that will get expensive every 6000 kms) or I buy some more tools and do it myself.
I think HPD must do some serious marketing to the mechanical workshops as twice I have been caught now by mechanics who I thought were good, recommending a faulty product just because it is Aussie made. This exercise has cost me near enough to $1000 so far and I have not bought the Provent one yet. I think I will go back to a petrol SUV.
Cheers
Hey mate,
You aren’t being unreasonable; it should perform better than they do. I’m surprised you are having an issue with back pressure though; these should hardly affect the flow rate.
All the best
Aaron
bought one about 14 months ago … was disappointed with it and then started hearing negative comments about it – dont care if it an aussie product built by aussie workers .. i want a better product than this one when i spend over $400. Now i see there may be an issue with the back pressure so it will be coming off asap. Might even mail it back to the makers …what a con!!!!
Hey Peter,
Good to hear you’ve had a great run from the Provent. Yep, I know a few people who’ve installed the Isuzu truck catch can. I’d be interested to see the inside of it, and how well it performs compared to the Provent. I wonder if Provent might even have something to do with its origins!
Let me know how it goes
All the best
Aaron
I’ve had the Provent 200 on my 2010 BT50 for 6 years now & 120,000km. It’s never once skipped a beat and works just as well now as it did when I first put it on. As a test I rinsed the filter in parts washer at 40,000km to see if there would be any issues falling apart etc no visible damage done so I ran for another 40,000km before I replaced with a new filter. I will run the same regiment with it from now on. I found out about the Provent 200 through a mechanic friend who works for a bus company, they are running the provents on there entire fleet.
I still have the BT50 but recently got an Isuzu MUX for the wife. While talking to the Isuzu parts department today, we got onto the subject of catch cans and they actually have a genuine Isuzu catch can made in Japan for the NPR series trucks. The guy said he has sold a few now to other people using them on there Dmax/Mux. Price I was given for the unit was $110 and replacement media type filters (same style as Provent) are around $20 mark.
Although the Provent has never let me down, it just can’t compete price wise with the genuine Isuzu catch can. Will be ordering the Isuzu one tomorrow and am super keen to see how it performs against the Provent 200.
Cheers
Pete
Hey Gary,
I’d be inclined to say its probably releasing a lot more, but at least you are stopping some of it. You’ll never know unless you swap to a Provent. How many km’s on the motor? How long are you going to keep it? Unfortunately only you can decide whether its worth swapping or not.
Aaron
I had a HPD fitted around 1000 kms ago (wish I had seen this article prior) to my V6 D40. On checking the dip stick there is around 10 mm on it. So that adds up with the comments on other brands getting 50 ml per 5000 kms. Unless my engine is releasing an exceptional amount of vapor.
Hey Moo,
Nice work. Sounds like a great plan. I wouldn’t go out of the city without a secondary fuel filter. Isuzu get narky if you put one after their filter, so best bet is prior. You can either get a water watch alarm system, or just a pre filter. I run the 30 micron pre filter which is supposed to separate any water prior to making it to the factory Isuzu one. This is the fuel manager 30 micron pre filter kit. I would speak to Western Filters – they know their stuff and sell quality gear (including the fuel manager).
Some people argue its better to put the filter after the factory one, but it depends on what you want to believe.
All the best
Aaron
I have just picked up a 2019 LSU D-Max Space Cab.
I have plans of travelling this great country, and know that outback petrol stations can suffer from water problems in their fuels due to wet season and excessive heat, I was considering a Fuel Manager system.
would love some feed back.
thanks
Hey Mark,
Thanks for the comments. It’s nice to hear of more conclusive evidence. My Provent hasn’t been on for long enough to report on any oil its caught, but I will have something soon. Good to hear you are doing things properly with your own flow testing and oil monitoring. People will always back up what they’ve bought. I’m slowly learning to look for the facts, rather than follow the herd!
On another note, removing the HPD catch can got rid of an awful knocking/vibrating noise on take off. I always suspected it was the catch can, and now I know.
Cheers again, and all the best
Aaron
We run a fleet of 50+ Diesel 4×4’s. Had a few HPD cans and was finding them pretty poor on performance. the head mechanic found a lot of oil was blowing straight by them on the HWY cars. We swapped over to Provent 200’s after we had some independent flow testing and seperation abilities commisioned thru a very similar laboratory to the one you have used.
Swapping over now means no complaints with poor performance and having to remove the bottom of the bowl which can be bloody tricky and quite messy at times. Simple lockable ball valve and drain straight into a old plastic bottle that is then saved for oil testing on the higher mileage fleet and consumption rates per vehicle down the track.
We also found a couple of the HPD cans had snapped their brackets on heavy corrugations, not really a good thing. The Provents have stood up much better.. Who says FRP isnt a great vibration absorber!
Its sadly an old story where people will swear black and blue about what they’ve spent their money on to purchase, “its shiny” they cry.. Kind of like some that bang on about BFG tyres.. My opinion on them is like the HPD.
Great write up you’ve done here..
Hey Tim,
Yep, that’d be interesting to do. Under my bonnet it would be nigh on impossible to fit them, and I’d be worried about additional back pressure but it would be an interesting test.
I have actually read of someone doing this; can’t remember what the motor was, but the Provent was catching oil after it going through the first catch can (which might have been a HPD; I can’t remember)
Aaron
I wouldlike to see someone run these catch cans in line and see how much oil gets through one and caught by the 2nd. Results could be compared by swapping which can is first in line.
Hi Cameron,
Thanks for the comment. I disagree with a lot of it though. I understand this all perfectly well.
Obviously on a worn engine it is going to be worse, but you can get any brand new turbo diesel 4WD straight out of the showroom today and it will have some blowby. My brand new Dmax had quite a bit. The fact that motors which are under 30,000km old are catching 50 – 100ml of oil every 5000km proves this time and time again. A lot of people are fitting Provent’s when the vehicle is brand new and catching plenty of oil.
I would also suggest you do some more research on air flow, as the turbo doesn’t provide nearly enough vacuum to pull oil out of your engine. Do you really think the OEM’s would allow that to happen?
Aaron
Pro-vent are the only ones I will fit, they aren’t as pretty as some others but they work, are made to fit easily and stop oil from coming out of your engine.
By the way, blow-by happens when your engine is worn out. Cylinder pressure gets past worn piston rings or pistons/cylinder walls and pressurises your crank case. IT DOES NOT HAPPEN IN EVERY ENGINE!!!!!
The breather hose that goes directly from the rocker cover to the intake pipe just in front of your turbo intake allows the turbo to suck oil out of your engine. Absolutely a restriction is required to stop this from happening. Another reason the pro-vent, with an oil filter (restriction) is so effective.
This article, while containing some facts, is filled with incorrect information and the writer lacks the basic knowledge to understand this topic correctly.
Hey Glenn,
Good to hear you are happy with it 🙂
Aaron
FlashLube, love it ?
Hey Wayne,
You are very welcome mate. Do it once, do it right 🙂
Aaron
This is a rather timely article as I was looking at putting one on my 2014 D-Max. Thanks for the info.
Hey John,
Good to hear you are happy with the HPD mate. People who empty oil straight onto the ground are idiots and deserve a good fine. Nothing wrong with quality plastic; a good chunk of your car is made of it!
Aaron
Hi Aaron,
not a Isuzu, but my HPD Can has been on 2 D40’s now on a NP300 twin turbo. I the unit on the L/H fender side of engine bay, bracket held by 10mm bolt, as HPD did not make the bracket they now show now. I saw guy’s under their tugs whilst away on a 6,000k+ trip in May, surprise, emptying their Provents, no ice cream bucket in sight. I have plenty of room to undo the bowl. I have a CTEK DC/DC charger & Primary filter set up, whereas the Provent will not fit. I felt the nerve tingle when I read that report on where the HPD was on the list, but my other thought was it’s plastic! Mines not. Regards, John.
Hey Craig,
It’s vehicle dependent as to whether you need a clean or not. Some people say around 100k is when they need cleaning, but it varies depending on how much build up has occurred. I would speak to others with the same motor to see what they have found at various intervals. Generally you will have some loss in power and economy. If you are going to get it cleaned, make sure its a physical removal job, not one where they flush it through your motor!
Aaron
Hi Aaron,
I am going to fit a Provent catch can to my MY2014 Mitsubishi Challenger with 76000km up. As well as a second fuel filter. Is it advisable to have the build up already in the manifold removed or just fit the new catch can.
Thanks for the article. I was about to order the HPD.
Regards
Craig
Hey Mark,
The Flashlube is a pretty small unit, and in the interest of applying less back pressure to the motor I went with the much larger option – the Provent 200. This means if I do engine mods I don’t have to worry about air flow and the filters will last longer
Aaron
Looks like the Flashlube Catch can (presume pro version) is the pick? Why did you choose the Provent?
Cheers
Hi Marco,
HPD run 4 sets of mesh on the inlet and the outlet, so it has to go through 8 sets all up. That said, I agree with what you have said in terms of how it gets pushed through. The filtration is a balance between removing as much muck as possible without restricting the airflow, as this has very nasty consequences. I’m happy to put my faith into Mann and Hummel who have a substantial amount of engineering pouring into their products. No doubt there are lots of different options, but getting the balance would be tricky and expensive
Aaron
I suspected the HPD unit would not cut the mustard, it has two screen mesh mounted horizontally in the unit. Firstly, the screens are too course, secondly, mounting the screens horizontally would not allowing the oil to gravitate quickly down but rather pool to the point it is heavy enough to drip. While waiting to drip more air pressure would rush past the drip and possibly suck the oil further along the pipe route. I could be wrong with this second thought, but there are no section cuts through the filter to determine how the oil would behave.
I have another thought, why can we not retro fit a normal oil filter system to do the same thing, this way you can replace the filter relatively cheaply and have multiple physical barriers for the oil to get caught onto.
These are my thoughts only and would invite constructive criticisms to be shared.
Hey Gareth,
A lot of people seem to be misinformed. My Provent has been on for a few hundred kilometres so far. I will update the blog when I have some concrete results. Let me know how yours goes too mate
Aaron
Unfortunately, i also have a HPD catch can fitted. I fitted it to my 2015 Dmax at 85,000km. I now have 120,000km on the clock and was amazed at the small amount of oil in the can.
When i first fitted the catch can i very quickly noticed that i’d have to remove the bracket to be able to remove the cup & empty the can.
I hadn’t heard of HPD until i spoke to Ultimate Diesel Tuning about getting my vehicle tuned. The guy i spoke to raved about the HPD catch can being so much better than the Provent. He said they exclusively use HPD for this reason.
I couldn’t afford the tune at that time but i bought a catch can, bigger intercooler & hard pipes directly from HPD.
Today, after reading this article, i have bought a Provent 200 & once it arrives i’ll be swapping it for the HPD.
I’m now wondering about whether i get a tune from Ultimate Diesel Tuning given their obviously uninformed opinion on the HPD catch can.
Very disappointing.
Hey Rayden,
That seems like a lot. What motor?
Aaron
Hey James,
This is the unit I installed – https://www.westernfilters.net.au/os-prov-37-isuzu-d-max-mu-x-4jj1-tcx-3-0l-td-4cyl-2012-2016-provent-oil-catch-can-kit/
Aaron
H again Aaron,
Was preparing the truck for a big trip next week so checked the recently installed HPD can. Had only done just over 1000kms with it and it had a good +50mls. Thought that was impressive?
Hi mate,
I have a 2007 Rodeo which has just had the EGR taken off and cleaned after an engine light came on. Now that its just been cleaned it seems like a good time to put one of these on. Could you share a photo of that new bracket with the Provent and the fuel filter so I can get an idea of spacing? Cheers
Hey Andrew,
Yep, reducing hose diameters is not a good idea at all. Western Filters are the guys you want to speak to in regards to a decent catch can
Aaron
Hey Nick,
This has been a real eye opener. I fitted a cheap oil catch can to my old diesel turbo some time ago, after cleaning the intercooler etc. It became obvious quite quickly that there was still residue getting past the can. What I really am worried about is the fact I had to reduce the hose diameters to fit the hose fittings on the can. I will be looking into getting the correct catch can this weekend and just hope I haven’t caused any damage.
All the best
Andrew
Hey Nick,
Yep, I’m not impressed with the HPD Catch Can. Nevertheless, I have a brand new Provent 200 here that is ready to go in when I get some time. I’ll do a comparison between the Provent and HPD, but I think we both know which one is going to catch more oil.
All the best mate
Aaron
BEWARE anyone looking to purchase HPD or TAipanXP catch cans!!!! these companies do produce quality products however catch cans are certainly not within their remit of expertise and considering what they charge they should be ashamed.
Thanks for the review.
HPD should thank you for your closing remarks. Considering that the HPD can costs more than the Flashlube can, had I been in your situation I would have been scathing towards HPD.
The fact that a product is Australian made does not make it good if testing proves that the performance is less than acceptable. The same applies to the TaipanXP can.
Cheers,
Hey mate,
Sorry, but I bet you’d rather know than not! I too felt very dejected when comparing it to other people’s results.
My Provent 200 is nearly here; swapping the HPD out
Aaron
Purchased 2019 PX3 Ranger 3.2 fitted the HPD can at 25kms after picking the car up and driving it home from the dealership.
I feel a little bit dejected reading this info,
I Just reached 1000kms mark and checked the dipstick, noticed oil spray on the dipstick and oil spray in the bowl.
I will record my results as the kilometres roll on and update.
Fingers crossed for good results.
Hey mate,
It will catch some; its not all bad news. Let me know how it goes!
Aaron
Unfortunately I didn’t have a choice. Only HPD had a can suitable for a Navara STX550. Just had it fitted recently with 150,000kms on the clock and hoping with the Plazmaman Intercooler should get a pretty good combination. Very interested to see how much it collects!
Hey Neville,
Good to hear mate. They say around 7000 – 10,000 for it to start collecting oil as the filter has to get full first. Keep draining it out and your intake will stay spotless.
Aaron
I have an MQ triton with a provent 200 fitted at 1600 km. Now done 8300km. After a 4000km round trip to Adelaide from the gold coast with a new filter fitted, I collected 40mm of oil. Very happy with the performance of the provent so far.
Hi Fred,
Yep, they do. I can’t confirm the part numbers, but they are probably correct. Cheap too, including the filters. It’d be good to know how well they work, and how much work is involved in making up brackets and getting hoses etc
Aaron
I have been told Isuzu does have an original “catch can” or “oil separator” in Isuzu speak.
These are the part numbers provided to me. Have not checked them out yet but I don’t doubt they are correct.
Part number: 8-97324682-1
Filter part number: 8-98002346-0
These are fitted to their trucks series but not to DMax or MUX range.
Hey Rob,
That is an option, but it’s not legal, and would seem like a waste of money – why not just run it directly there and save yourself nearly $400? By doing that you also remove the vacuum potential from your intake, which makes the air work harder going through the catch can and would increase back pressure.
Aaron
Does not matter what brand of catch can you have or how well it works, what you do is block it off where it enters the intake manifold and the outlet hose from the catch can run it to the firewall and hide the open end in with your heater hose and wrap tape around it so it can’t be seen, you will never get any oil in the intercooler, turbo or manifold ever, problem solved
Hey Cookie,
Some interesting points made. The HPD certainly takes the cake in some areas, and falls woefully behind in others. I’ve seen intakes with Provent’s fitted that are spotless, so no oil getting through is still the best setup.
You are correct in saying the oil plays a huge role, as does how the vehicle is driven and plenty of other variables.
I’d be surprised if the results were misleading, but it isn’t real world data, as this is too hard to accurately do.
Either way, I’m not happy with the HPD’s performance, and will be putting a Provent 200 on and testing how it goes.
Aaron
Hey mate,
Sorry to hear. Shame they don’t catch much oil!
Aaron
I’m in then same situation, fitted a HPD on my pajero when it was brand new. It’s a great product in anyway except it does NOT collect much oil.
Looking to prevent as well.
The question still remains how much oil vapour do you actually need to remove to limit the intake clogging problem? There’ll be a point where lowering the oil vapour to carbon ratio significantly reduces the build up. Does the HPD remove enough oil vapour, only time will really tell.
The design of the HPD is a coalescer rather than a filter to avoid the drawbacks of filters. In particular maintenance cost and pressure build up. A filter is always more effective at vapour removal but has other drawbacks, and I think for effectiveness vs running cost the hpd would be ahead.
I run a HPD in a 2014 pajero and oil type make a huge difference. I had always run it on “full” synthetic, low vapour oil, and the catch can collected very little. I took it to a different mechanic who put in a mineral based oil (despite our discussion to the contrary, another story) and the catch oil collection went up 10 fold.
Personally I wouldn’t be so quick to dismiss the HPD product. While I don’t question the authenticity of the data in the report, my guess is the data presented is deliberately chosen to highlight the advantages of filters vs coalescers. I’ve worked in these R&D type organisations and that’s basically how it works, if someone is paying you keep them happy.
Hey Ty,
Glad to hear you are happy with it mate. You should compare it to what your friends are catching; it’d be interesting to know!
Aaron
Hi,
After reading your reviews i decided to go and check my Pro 200 catch can and see just how well it was working. Much to my surprise the car (Mitsubishi Triton) only has 5000km on it and glad i fitted it at 50km. I removed 50ml of water and a lot of oil scum which was Oil and water mixed in the can itself. I Cant recommend fitting one of these if you drive a 4WD Diesel. I bucked the trend with two other mates both fitting the HPD units at a much greater expense. So happy that its stopping all that junk going back into my turbo 🙂
Hi Andrew,
Western Filters have just released a new kit that uses a double mount. It takes the usual pre filter kit as well as a Provent 200. I’ll be getting one of these and putting it in.
Cheers
Aaron
Hi Aaron,
Good point as they are 50mm higher.
Where did you fit it? I was going to put the aux battery under the hood but worry now if there is enough room when I put catch can and pre fuel filter in also.
Cheers
Andy
Hi Andrew,
I did, and they have a good reputation. However, the more surface area the better, hence wanting to go for the Provent 200
Cheers
Aaron
Hi Aaron,
Did you consider the FlashLube Catch Can Pro?
I’m picking up a D-Max from new this weekend and want to make this my first mod before I start putting on too many kms.
I’m just trying to decide between Provent 200 and Flashlube.
Cheers
Andy
Hey John,
Hopefully it goes well for you. They have a great reputation. Fitment time is usually when you’ve done a few, and are moving. Nothing wrong with taking your time and making sure its right
Best of luck
Aaron
After lots of web research, I settled on the Provent 200 for my 2014 Mitsubishi Challenger 4D56. On the video, the experts were able to do the fit in 25 minutes – I took a little longer – like 2 hours ! I like to get it right if possible. A long socket extension is useful. The supplied bracket worked well. Make sure that you check the orientation of the hoses before they are attached – the are not designed to adjust easily. I have been advised to check all the hoses for blockages.
Hey Matt,
The Mitsubishi motors in particular build up pretty quickly I’m told, so a catch can and a clean is a good idea. The Provent 200 is certainly the pick of the bunch.
I honestly don’t know what you’d pay for a clean. There are lots of different types out there too; probably physically removing everything and cleaning it would be the way to go. Generally they just unbolt the intake and clean it all.
Best of luck
Aaron
Thanks for the write up Aaron, great insight mate.
I just bought a ’13 Triton 4D56 with 109,000kms on it, runs really well but a catch can seems like a modification worth investing in. Was going to go with the HPD unit as a local diesel specialist recommended them, but wanted to find out more first. In brief conversation they said they’re better due to being billet and not needing replacement filters every so often. A lot of Triton owners on forums however, suggest the Provent units and reading this article, the comments, and a bit more online, they seem like the best choice.
Thanks mate, glad I found this! Will be going with the Provent…
What’s a good price to pay for an inlet clean (and what other parts should be cleaned?)? Seems like a good move on a motor with those kms before fitting the catch can.
Cheers,
Matt
Hey Colin,
Sorry to hear mate. I’ll be selling my HPD soon too. Not happy either mate
Aaron
I fitted the HPD to my ’14 RG Colorado about 30oook ago. it has collected about 40 ml in that time but on checking my throttle body and EGR they were really messy with a lot of ‘vegemite’ (I didn’t try it on toast!) on them. I’m very disappointed in the unit and will be looking at either the Flashlube or Provent unit asap. Does anyone want a cheap HPD catch can?
Hey Graham,
Sorry to hear mate. You aren’t the only one who though’t they’d perform better. Are you going to swap it out?
Aaron
I fitted the HPD catch can to my 16 RG Colorado about fifteen k ago. Since then it has only captured about ten millimetres on the dipstick which I find disappointing. Being very familiar with diesels I find this unit very inefficient at performing a relatively simple function. Looks great with well made brackets but not worth the $$$ if it fails it’s basic function.
Hey George,
Thanks for your comment. Good to hear you are happy with it. They recommend the filter be replaced every 1000 hours, which is somewhere between 40 – 75,000km depending on how you use it. I would be against returning the fluid to your sump; if you see whats in it, you are better off keeping it separate. You’ll get unburnt fuel, soot and even water.
Enjoy mate
Aaron
I manufactured my own bracket to fit a Provent 200 to my NW Pajero diesel.
The oil return pipe was connected via a one way valve to an oil tube that led directly into the sump.
As a result I cannot tell you how much oil is being removed but there is significantly less oil film in the inlet manifold.
After 70,000 klms I changed the paper filter. However I could not tell whether it actually required changing as all seemed OK. The company does not specifically state anything regarding as to when the filter should be changed.
From my perspective I would certainly recommend the Provent.
Hey Paul,
Great to hear. Thanks
Aaron
Hi Aaron
Yeah I’ve done about 50,000Kms since install and recording the oil I’ve drained. I have collected notably less since Holden revised the oil to a different spec of 5W-40 up from 5W-30 which was probably a little thin.
Hey mate,
Good work with the Provent 150. Sounds like its doing its job. Any idea how many km’s you’ve done with it fitted?
There certainly isn’t much room under the bonnets anymore!
Aaron
Hi Aaron, I’ve been using a Provent 150 for a few years now on my 2015 Colorado and collected in excess of 800mls in that time. I too wanted to install the Provent 200 but because of the physical size I was unsure where to put it so purchased the Provent 150. The downside to the 150 is you need to be able to fabricate a bracket with an inlet barb, as there is no fitting on the 150 to attach a hose for the inlet, it needs to be mounted to a flush surface. I mounted my 150 behind the ABS module, as I have a secondary fuel filter which took the space behind the battery. There is not a lot of spare real estate under bonnets nowadays.
Hey Bernard,
Cheers for the comment. Unsealed 4×4 used the same data from Curtin Uni for their article. You can download the finished study here.
Aaron
Hello Gents,
For further reading on this topic, if you go to Unsealed 4×4 #57 you will find a very interesting comparison of the different catch cans available in Australia.
Hey mate,
Good to hear its catching a fair bit. I did wonder about the mesh before I made the purchase, but was told they would catch nearly as much as the provents (by the sales guys) and lots of people raved about them. I guess the masses aren’t always right.
Take care
Aaron
Hey Aaron. Interesting stuff. I’ve got a Provent 200 on my PXII 2017 Ranger. 20,000km and have probably emptied about 150-200 mls ?? of water and oil mix from it. Seems to work well. Glad I put it on at new. Very easy to fit the kit from Western Filters, Sydney. People complain about the cost, but to tell you the truth I consider it one of the cheapest, most valuable mods I’ve done. That oil can’t be good going into the turbo. I checked out the aluminium mesh ones but couldn’t see how the mesh could filter as well as the Provent’s. Nice to see some real data on it, though. Thanks for posting it. Cheers PP
Hey Mark,
Good to hear its doing its job mate
Aaron
Provent 200 fitted to 2 litre VW Amarok for about 5 years. Consistenly get 25mL per 2,500 Km.
Hey Mainey,
Good to hear you are happy with it mate
Aaron
I bought the Mann & Hummel Provent only because it read technically better than those fitted with ‘steel’ mesh or net filters.
I have my Provent connected direct to the DipStick TUBE to empty, so it never needs to be emptied.
I’ve done probably 40K with it attached and has not been cleaned yet, no oil residue anywhere and no problems that are evident so I will remember to get filter cleaned next service.
Hey Frank,
Thanks for your perspective. You certainly aren’t the only person who is happy with their HPD catch can, and that’s fine. I can’t comment on the back pressure on your mates cars, but if the filters are changed within the recommended periods and they aren’t allowed to fill up you should never have an issue. That’s what the pressure relief valve is there for.
The comment you make about the testing has some relevance; its very hard to set up a scientific study that replicates real world conditions. That said, it certainly provides some interesting results
Aaron
HPD on gq patrol.
works great and is catching heaps of oil. Ill stay with my Australian made product from an Australian company.
I have friends who have had rear main seals leak or blow out due to running a provent as their back pressure with a dirty filter is very poor.
The test you refer to is not well done, they are using clean oil in clean filters and not even using a diesel vehicle.
Ill be sticking with my HPD i think.
Hey mate,
Great to hear. Any chance of a photo of what you’ve done? I’d love to fit one on mine
Take care
Aaron
Running a provent 200 on my 2013 Isuzu dmax am very happy with the build quality and serviceability of the unit. Only drama I had was finding a spot to fit it as I was already running a secondary pre fuel filter which is the location that provent recommend mounting the catch can. Ended up fitting it next to the power steering reservoir
Hi Robert,
If you go to a different dealership, you might find you get a different answer. Your service manager likely knows very little about it. Unless the modification is proven to directly contribute to the warranty claim, they have no leg to stand on. There are thousands of these being fitted to brand new vehicles.
As long as it is a proven unit, installed correctly it will not void your warranty.
Aaron
Hey David,
They are working on it mate; I hope to see some results soon.
Aaron
Hi, I have a 2018 may dmax. I ask the service desk manager at my Isuzu dealership can I fit a catch can to my dmax. He said ( no) as it will void your Warranty. The oil is needed for
Lubrication. Basicly I can’t do any mods till my warranty runs out 5 yrs. Cheers
Wish it included the “Terratuff SEPR8R Oil Catch Can” to see what their results would be.
Hey Cody,
Good to hear its working for you. Are you referring to the Provent 200 being removed, or a smaller one of their units? The 200’s should have ample flow rates for even a modded 200, unless the filter is overdue for replacement.
Aaron
Running HPD on my 200 Series.
Significantly higher than factory power output and no complaints. Swapped intercoolers and very light film of oil after 25,000.
We’ve removed both flashlube and provent from multiple vehicles due to restriction with the symptoms you describe.