Removal of the stock ccv filter (crankcase ventilation system) is primarily intended to improve engine performance, reduce carbon and oil mist buildup, avoid secondary combustion, and improve air flow efficiency.
It is becoming more common especially among tuning enthusiasts who have specific needs for engine performance and emissions. One owner of a 2014 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins has replaced the valve covers and removed the stock ccv filter system.
For better understanding of the beginners, let's explain it by unfolding the example of a diesel car with 6.7 Cummins engine:
Advantages of replacing the valve cover to remove the stock ccv filter
a. Improve engine performance
The primary function of the ccv filter system is to reintroduce exhaust gases, oil mist and gases generated inside the engine through the air intake system for combustion.
However, this exhaust gas contains incompletely burned hydrocarbons and oil mist, which adversely affect the engine's combustion efficiency and power output when they enter the cylinders.
With the removal of the ccv filter system, these exhaust gases no longer enter the intake piping, thus reducing the contamination of the intake system by oil mist, and the engine's air flow is cleaner, which improves combustion efficiency and thus the overall engine performance.
b. Reduction of carbon and oil mist buildup
As exhaust gases are reintroduced into the intake system through the ccv filter system, oil mist and unburned hydrocarbons can build up on the intake manifold and valves. Over time, this carbon buildup can lead to reduced engine performance and increased maintenance.
With the removal of the factory ccv filter system, oil mist no longer enters the intake piping, reducing the formation of carbon deposits and helping to keep the engine running cleanly and efficiently.
c. Avoidance of secondary combustion
The ccv filter system indirectly participates in secondary combustion by introducing crankcase exhaust gases into the air intake system.
Although this process helps to reduce emissions, the exhaust gas may contain incompletely burned hydrocarbons and other hazardous substances that may be re-burned during high load operation, leading to the phenomenon of secondary combustion.
Secondary combustion not only reduces engine efficiency, but also increases pollution emissions.
With the removal of the ccv filter system, these exhaust gases no longer enter the air intake system, thus preventing secondary combustion from occurring.
d. Improved air flow efficiency
With the removal of the stock ccv filter system, exhaust gases no longer flow back through the intake system, which makes the intake system cleaner and more efficient.
The intake ducts are no longer contaminated with oil mist and exhaust gases, and airflow is smoother, resulting in improved air flow. This is especially important for high-performance tuned vehicles, as better air flow improves the engine's intake efficiency and increases power output.
Is there any harm in replacing the valve cover to remove the stock ccv filter?
While removing the factory ccv filter system has the potential to improve performance, there are some downsides:
- Increased Pollution Emissions: ccv filter systems help to reduce direct exhaust emissions, and their removal may increase environmental pollution, especially if there are no alternatives that may violate environmental regulations.
- can lead to oil leaks: if the ccv filter system is removed without other proper pressure regulating mechanisms, oil leaks may occur inside the engine due to excessive pressure.
But there is already a very perfect solution to the above problem as detailed below:
Soluciones
Best Solution: SPELAB 6.7 cummins valve cover + oil jug with oil/gas separator method
- 1. Avoiding the CCV to direct the exhaust gas back into the intake pipe, which will cause the engine to burn the additional components twice and the intake pipe to be contaminated with oil.
- 2. Exhaust gases are discharged directly through the oil/air separator, and oil overflowing from the valve cover under excessive pressure is collected in the separator and flows back into the cylinder block.
Other solutions
- Reinforce the seal: After removing the stock ccv filter, the pressure in the engine crankcase may change. Therefore, use high quality seals and valve covers to ensure sealing and prevent oil leakage problems caused by excessive pressure.
- Adding Exhaust Valves: Some vehicles control the way exhaust gases are emitted by installing special exhaust valves. In this way, the direct flow of exhaust gases back into the intake system can be reduced, reducing the buildup of oil mist and pollutants.
- Regular cleaning of the intake system: After removing the ccv filter system, regularly inspect and clean the intake manifold, valves and other components to avoid oil mist and residue buildup. Regularly use engine cleaners or perform carbon cleaning to keep the inside of the engine clean.
- Optimize the air intake system: Improve the design of the air intake ducts to reduce the effects of exhaust gases and oil mist, use high-flow air filters or optimize the intake manifold to ensure that the engine receives clean air and improves combustion efficiency.
- Install a PCV system: If completely removing the factory ccv filter system, consider using a **PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation)** system, which, while similar to a ccv filter system, is designed for pressure management, helping to efficiently manage crankcase pressure while preventing oil mist from entering the intake system.
Conclusion
Owners looking for a performance enhancement are perfectly capable of removing the stock ccv filter system and simply adding an oil jug after removing the stock ccv filter system, which is a perfect closing of the loop.
However, care needs to be taken in the selection of the oil jug, while this modification practice needs to be done under professional guidance to ensure that it does not affect the other functions of the engine and to avoid potential emissions and environmental issues.
FAQ
Q1: How does removing the ccv filter affect engine performance?
A1: Removing the ccv filter can improve the air flow efficiency of the engine, reduce the accumulation of oil mist and carbon, and thus improve the combustion efficiency and engine performance. Especially for turbocharging and air intake system, the performance improvement is obvious.
Q2: Do I need to readjust the engine control system after removing the ccv filter?
A2: After removing the ccv filter, it is usually necessary to make some adjustments, such as modifying the engine control unit (ECU) or installing specialized accessories to ensure that the engine works properly. It is best to consult a professional mechanic to ensure that the modified vehicle still runs efficiently and safely.
Q3. How does removing the ccv filter affect engine life?
A3: Removing the ccv filter results in a cleaner air intake system, reducing the buildup of carbon and oil mist, which helps to extend the life of the engine. In the long run, less carbon buildup will reduce wear and tear on engine components.
Q4. Do I need additional parts to remove the ccv filter?
A4: Yes, removing the factory ccv filter system usually requires the installation of a replacement bonnet, oil/air separator, or specially designed components to ensure proper engine operation and to avoid direct emission of oil mist into the atmosphere.
Q5. Are all diesel engines suitable for ccv filter removal?
A5: Not all diesel engines are suitable for ccv filter removal. Modifications need to take into account the engine type, application and local emission requirements. In some areas, removing the ccv system may violate environmental regulations, so you should consult a professional before retrofitting.
