Just installed ECS Catch CAn kit

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

After further analysis and testing, we are confident that the leaking seals experienced by some customers are a result of a pre-existing condition of excessive crankcase pressure that plagues some of the early B8 A4s.

Although the crankcase pressure at idle is considerably lower than that experienced during high boost and/or high RPM conditions, removing the vacuum at idle (a feature that ECS kits, as well as kits that delete the PCV valve entirely) appears to exacerbate the leaks at select seals.

For kits like ours that retain the OEM PCV valve, there is a simple fix that can be implemented to regain vacuum at idle. As some forum members have already noted, the hose between the PCV valve and manifold can be reinstalled in place of the provided caps. While this is not an option for all catch can kits on the market; making this change to our kit will retain the function of the catch can under boost (when you need it most), while routing the blow-by gases to the intake manifold when under vacuum. This continues to allow the PCV valve and related oil separators to function as intended by Audi, with the added benefit of keeping your intake tract free of the oil vapor that would normally be pushed back into the intake pre-turbo.

We encourage customers who have later models, and those who have not experienced any leaking to continue to use their ECS Catch Can Kit as originally designed.


Thanks,

ECS R&D Team

[adamazing]

After further analysis and testing, we are confident that the leaking seals experienced by some customers are a result of a pre-existing condition of excessive crankcase pressure that plagues some of the early B8 A4s.

Although the crankcase pressure at idle is considerably lower than that experienced during high boost and/or high RPM conditions, removing the vacuum at idle (a feature that ECS kits, as well as kits that delete the PCV valve entirely) appears to exacerbate the leaks at select seals.

For kits like ours that retain the OEM PCV valve, there is a simple fix that can be implemented to regain vacuum at idle. As some forum members have already noted, the hose between the PCV valve and manifold can be reinstalled in place of the provided caps. While this is not an option for all catch can kits on the market; making this change to our kit will retain the function of the catch can under boost (when you need it most), while routing the blow-by gases to the intake manifold when under vacuum. This continues to allow the PCV valve and related oil separators to function as intended by Audi, with the added benefit of keeping your intake tract free of the oil vapor that would normally be pushed back into the intake pre-turbo.

We encourage customers who have later models, and those who have not experienced any leaking to continue to use their ECS Catch Can Kit as originally designed.


Thanks,

ECS R&D Team

I reinstalled the manifold port about 10 days ago - as a precaution while you guys did your testing & analysis. I would routinely collect about 1/2 to 3/4 can worth of vapor and condensate per week.
In the 10 days that I've been running with the port reinstalled, my can is bone dry. It's not collecting any vapor or condensate whatsoever.

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

I reinstalled the manifold port about 10 days ago - as a precaution while you guys did your testing & analysis. I would routinely collect about 1/2 to 3/4 can worth of vapor and condensate per week.
In the 10 days that I've been running with the port reinstalled, my can is bone dry. It's not collecting any vapor or condensate whatsoever.

You have a 2013 this shouldn't apply to your vehicle. You should be using your catch can as originally designed.

Jason