Should I install a catch can?
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Should I install a catch can?
I recently purchased a 2015 f150 3.5 ecoboost with 93000 miles and have seen a lot of conflicting statements in weather I should get a catch can for this engine. Looking for insight on weather or not this small investment is worth it or not. Thanks
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Apr 16, 2025, 11:40 PM
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From: Antioquia- Colombia
I got one on 2016 3.5 EB
its kinda cool for me to empty it out and I pour the water/oily mixture in to a mix of burnt oils and diesel to later strain wood.
At this point I have no idea if it really helps or not and have read both sides of that coin to the point that I don’t really care anymore.
its still cool to empty it out.
its kinda cool for me to empty it out and I pour the water/oily mixture in to a mix of burnt oils and diesel to later strain wood.
At this point I have no idea if it really helps or not and have read both sides of that coin to the point that I don’t really care anymore.
its still cool to empty it out.
FJB
Joined: Jan 2021
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From: Ohio
You're going to get the same conflicting answers here. It's your truck and your money so long as you empty it every oil change it won't hurt. I had one but then the hose snapped in half on me so I took it out.
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I put one on my 2017 2.7 ecoboost at 80,000mi 5 yearsago. At my 3000mi oil change there is about 1/4 to 1/2 in oil in the can that I figure isn't gong where it shouldn't be going. I now have 136,500mi on my truck and have had 0 problems so far. Mine is a JLT oil separator 3.0.
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From: Grand Haven, MI
There is a difference between the 2015/2016 Gen 1 Ecoboost, and 2017-2020 versions (Gen 2). The engine you have would benefit from a catch can. Starting in 2017, they have dual injection which sprays fuel over the valves, mitigating the carbon buildup (from oil being introduced into the intake, which is what the catch can helps remove). Found this:
"The GEN1 3.5L EcoBoost relies only on direct fuel injection, which improves efficiency and performance but can lead to fuel dilution and carbon buildup on the intake valves over time. Since the fuel doesn’t wash over the valves (as in port-injected engines), this buildup can reduce engine performance and fuel efficiency. The addition of a catch can system along with regular oil changes using a high-quality oil (like OEM Motorcraft) may help mitigate this issue."
One of the biggest changes between GEN1 and GEN2 EcoBoost V6 engines was the addition of a Dual-Injection fuel system, which combined direct injection (DI) and port fuel injection (PFI). This improves emissions, minimizes carbon buildup on intake valves, and increases the maximum amount of horsepower the engine can produce —all drawbacks of the Gen1’s direct injection only configuration. The GEN2 system added six port injectors to the intake port operating at 60psi, in addition to the six direct injectors operating at 2400 PSI. The Bosch engine computer controls all 12 injectors independently, allowing the port and direct injection systems to work separately or in conjunction with each other. At low RPM or during cold start conditions, the engine operates solely on the port fuel injectors, reducing soot emissions. Higher loads blend in additional fuel from the direct injection system. From a horsepower standpoint, this much fuel headroom in an OEM configuration is an ideal scenario. From a reliability standpoint, the port injectors spray fuel onto the back of the intake valves, helping to prevent carbon buildup (commonly seen in direct-injection-only systems of the Gen1)."
Up to you, but since you have a Gen1 engine, I would install one. Everyone will have different opinions.
"The GEN1 3.5L EcoBoost relies only on direct fuel injection, which improves efficiency and performance but can lead to fuel dilution and carbon buildup on the intake valves over time. Since the fuel doesn’t wash over the valves (as in port-injected engines), this buildup can reduce engine performance and fuel efficiency. The addition of a catch can system along with regular oil changes using a high-quality oil (like OEM Motorcraft) may help mitigate this issue."
One of the biggest changes between GEN1 and GEN2 EcoBoost V6 engines was the addition of a Dual-Injection fuel system, which combined direct injection (DI) and port fuel injection (PFI). This improves emissions, minimizes carbon buildup on intake valves, and increases the maximum amount of horsepower the engine can produce —all drawbacks of the Gen1’s direct injection only configuration. The GEN2 system added six port injectors to the intake port operating at 60psi, in addition to the six direct injectors operating at 2400 PSI. The Bosch engine computer controls all 12 injectors independently, allowing the port and direct injection systems to work separately or in conjunction with each other. At low RPM or during cold start conditions, the engine operates solely on the port fuel injectors, reducing soot emissions. Higher loads blend in additional fuel from the direct injection system. From a horsepower standpoint, this much fuel headroom in an OEM configuration is an ideal scenario. From a reliability standpoint, the port injectors spray fuel onto the back of the intake valves, helping to prevent carbon buildup (commonly seen in direct-injection-only systems of the Gen1)."
Up to you, but since you have a Gen1 engine, I would install one. Everyone will have different opinions.
Last edited by HalfPirate; Apr 17, 2025 at 08:49 AM.
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From: Antioquia- Colombia
Just want to add that if you do decide to install one, check it after every fill up of your gas tank so that you can understand how fast/slow it fills up the little reservoir.
I see many that empty theirs with each oil change, mine gets more than 1/2 full with each fill up of fuel.
My conditions are far from normal being at a very high altitudes and very challenging terrain, but regardless everyone’s experience will be unique.
Regardless of what timelines you go with, allowing that little can to fill up and overflow/clog would not be an ideal situation.
I see many that empty theirs with each oil change, mine gets more than 1/2 full with each fill up of fuel.
My conditions are far from normal being at a very high altitudes and very challenging terrain, but regardless everyone’s experience will be unique.
Regardless of what timelines you go with, allowing that little can to fill up and overflow/clog would not be an ideal situation.
Community Team
Joined: Jun 2016
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From: Vermont
There is a difference between the 2015/2016 Gen 1 Ecoboost, and 2017-2020 versions (Gen 2). The engine you have would benefit from a catch can. Starting in 2017, they have dual injection which sprays fuel over the valves, mitigating the carbon buildup (from oil being introduced into the intake, which is what the catch can helps remove). Found this:
"The GEN1 3.5L EcoBoost relies only on direct fuel injection, which improves efficiency and performance but can lead to fuel dilution and carbon buildup on the intake valves over time. Since the fuel doesn’t wash over the valves (as in port-injected engines), this buildup can reduce engine performance and fuel efficiency. The addition of a catch can system along with regular oil changes using a high-quality oil (like OEM Motorcraft) may help mitigate this issue."
One of the biggest changes between GEN1 and GEN2 EcoBoost V6 engines was the addition of a Dual-Injection fuel system, which combined direct injection (DI) and port fuel injection (PFI). This improves emissions, minimizes carbon buildup on intake valves, and increases the maximum amount of horsepower the engine can produce —all drawbacks of the Gen1’s direct injection only configuration. The GEN2 system added six port injectors to the intake port operating at 60psi, in addition to the six direct injectors operating at 2400 PSI. The Bosch engine computer controls all 12 injectors independently, allowing the port and direct injection systems to work separately or in conjunction with each other. At low RPM or during cold start conditions, the engine operates solely on the port fuel injectors, reducing soot emissions. Higher loads blend in additional fuel from the direct injection system. From a horsepower standpoint, this much fuel headroom in an OEM configuration is an ideal scenario. From a reliability standpoint, the port injectors spray fuel onto the back of the intake valves, helping to prevent carbon buildup (commonly seen in direct-injection-only systems of the Gen1)."
Up to you, but since you have a Gen1 engine, I would install one. Everyone will have different opinions.
"The GEN1 3.5L EcoBoost relies only on direct fuel injection, which improves efficiency and performance but can lead to fuel dilution and carbon buildup on the intake valves over time. Since the fuel doesn’t wash over the valves (as in port-injected engines), this buildup can reduce engine performance and fuel efficiency. The addition of a catch can system along with regular oil changes using a high-quality oil (like OEM Motorcraft) may help mitigate this issue."
One of the biggest changes between GEN1 and GEN2 EcoBoost V6 engines was the addition of a Dual-Injection fuel system, which combined direct injection (DI) and port fuel injection (PFI). This improves emissions, minimizes carbon buildup on intake valves, and increases the maximum amount of horsepower the engine can produce —all drawbacks of the Gen1’s direct injection only configuration. The GEN2 system added six port injectors to the intake port operating at 60psi, in addition to the six direct injectors operating at 2400 PSI. The Bosch engine computer controls all 12 injectors independently, allowing the port and direct injection systems to work separately or in conjunction with each other. At low RPM or during cold start conditions, the engine operates solely on the port fuel injectors, reducing soot emissions. Higher loads blend in additional fuel from the direct injection system. From a horsepower standpoint, this much fuel headroom in an OEM configuration is an ideal scenario. From a reliability standpoint, the port injectors spray fuel onto the back of the intake valves, helping to prevent carbon buildup (commonly seen in direct-injection-only systems of the Gen1)."
Up to you, but since you have a Gen1 engine, I would install one. Everyone will have different opinions.
What you’ve stated is just re hashed and posted all over the internet and usually brought to light by those who have the gen 2 EBs and feel superior about their engines for said reasons.
The problem is, there are just about zero reports of carbon build up on the gen 1 3.5 and 2.7 EBs.