Introduction

Our ECS Tuning N54 Catch Cans and full system kits offer the following features:

  • Constructed of strong and lightweight 6061-T6 billet aluminum
  • Black anodized for corrosion resistance
  • In-house designed and engineered
  • All mounting hardware included in full kits
  • Easy installation
  • Full kits includes precise fit silicone hoses
  • Catch Cans include a dipstick to check content level
  • Easy and customizable installation

Installing one of our Catch Can systems is so easy, that any level of experience is all you need. The complete kits include all components and hardware for installation, and the Catch Can itself is designed to work with standard hardware and fittings, so even a custom installation is simple to engineer. We’ll take you through the connections and installation highlights of a full kit, which will give you all of the knowledge you need for any installation. Thank you for looking to ECS Tuning for all your performance and repair needs. We appreciate your business!

Kit Contents

• Protecta-Sockets (for lug nuts) ES#2221243
• 3/8” Drive Ratchet ES#2765902
• 3/8” Drive Torque Wrench ES#2221245
• 3/8” Drive Deep and Shallow Sockets ES#2763772
• 3/8” Drive Extensions ES#2804822
• Hydraulic Floor Jack ES#240941
• Torx Drivers and Sockets ES#11417/8
• 1/2” Drive Deep and Shallow Sockets ES#2839106
• 1/2” Drive Ratchet
• 1/2” Drive Extensions
• 1/2” Drive Torque Wrench ES#2221244
• 1/2” Drive Breaker Bar ES#2776653
• File Set
• Air Nozzle/Blow Gun
• Bench Mounted Vise
• Crows Foot Wrenches
• Hook and Pick Tool Set ES#2778980
• 1/4” Drive Ratchet ES#2823235
• 1/4” Drive Deep and Shallow Sockets ES#2823235
• 1/4” Drive Extensions ES#2823235
• 1/4” Drive Torque Wrench
• Plier and Cutter Set ES#2804496
• Flat and Phillips Screwdrivers ES#2225921
• Jack Stands ES#2763355
• Ball Pein Hammers
• Pry Bar Set ES#1899378
• Electric/Cordless Drill
• Wire Strippers/Crimpers
• Adjustable (Crescent) Type Wrenches
• Drill Bits
• Punch and Chisel Set
• Hex Bit (Allen) Wrenches and Sockets ES#11420
• Thread Repair Tools ES#1306824
• Open/Boxed End Wrench Set ES#2765907
• Heat Gun
• Razor Blades

Getting Started

Here is a picture of the N54 Catch Can system installed on our 335i. As you can see, the Catch Can is the only visible component, but don’t be intimidated, this is an easy installation. The only things that limit access are the cowl tray and the engine cover. The cowl tray is a common design and has to be removed for many different service procedures on these newer BMW’s. As a result, they’ve designed them for easy removal. So now, to get started, remove the following:

  • Cowl Tray – remove the cabin filter, wiring harness channel, side covers, then the cowl tray.
  • Engine Cover – hold down screws at the front and rear.
  • Air Box – this is optional but can give you some extra working room.

Installing the Catch Can

Step 1:

Locate the two studs on the LH (driver) side inner fender, the lower of which will have a ground wire attached. This is where you will mount the Catch Can Bracket.

Step 2:

10mm Socket, Ratchet

Remove the ground wire and mount the Catch Can Bracket in place, relocating the ground wire onto the lower stud. Two nuts are included with the kit to be used here. (This will leave the one you took off as an extra).

Also install the Fir Clip into the side of the Catch Can Bracket. This will secure the vacuum line that runs along side.

Step 3:

Crescent (Adjustable) Wrench

Install the Catch Can into the bracket by doing the following:

  • Unthread the Catch Can reservoir and remove the O-ring from the Catch Can separator.
  • Thread the hose fittings into the Catch Can separator and tighten them.
  • Place the separator into the bracket.
  • Lubricate the O-ring with clean engine oil, then install it into the groove in the separator.
  • Thread the reservoir onto the separator to lock the Catch Can into the bracket.

Step 4:

Small Angled Pick

Moving to the back of the engine, remove the crank vent hose between the valve cover and the intake tube (highlighted). These are a little tricky at times, due to the self-locking fittings on the end. You’ll have to use a pick and gently work around the perimeter of each fitting to release it.

Step 5:

Heat Gun -or – Razor Blade

Now you’ll have to separate the fittings from the Crank Vent Hose itself, they’re needed to install the system. There are two ways you can do this:

1) Heat the ends of the hose and pull the fittings out – use caution with this method since you can easily get the fittings too hot and melt them.

2) Carefully slice the hose at each fitting using a sharp razor blade, then pull the fittings out.

Set these fittings aside just for the moment.

Step 6:

Locate the PCV Valve Cap (highlighted). It’s threaded into the valve cover, but it’s partially hidden under a fuel injector pipe. The PCV valve is located inside this cap.

Step 7:

13mm Socket, Ratchet

Here we’ve taken pictures of a valve cover off the car so you get a clear picture of what’s going on. The PCV Valve Cap has a 13mm hex on the end. Unthread and remove the cap.

Step 8:

Underneath the cap, you’ll see the end of the PCV Valve. Grab the end of it and pull it out.

You can set the PCV Valve aside. You will not be reusing it.

Step 9:

Replace the o-ring on the PCV valve cap with the new one from your kit, and install the remaining o-ring from the kit onto the new PCV plug.

• Be sure and lubricate both of these O-rings with clean engine oil prior to installation.

Step 10:

Slide the PCV plug into the PCV cap.

Step 11:

13mm Socket, Ratchet

Install the PCV plug and cap back into the valve cover.

Step 12:

Reinstall the crank vent hose fitting onto the intake tube. This will be the Catch Can return.

Step 13:

Reinstall the crank vent hose fitting onto the valve cover. This will be the Catch Can feed.

Step 14:

Flat Blade Screwdriver

Install both of the Catch Can hoses. The feed hose comes straight off the valve cover fitting. The return hose has a 180 degree bend on the end and connects to the intake pipe.

For the best routing of the hoses, make sure the return hose is underneath the feed hose, as shown in the picture.

Step 15:

Connect both hoses at the Catch Can, making sure to correctly locate the feed and return.

Step 16:

For reference, you can confirm the feed and return sides by looking into the end of the Catch Can Separator. In the feed side you will see a number of small holes, and the return side a flat plate.

Reassemble the Air Box, Engine Cover, and Cowl Panel, and your installation is complete!

Please read through the following section, Cleaning and Maintenance, before operating your vehicle with the Catch Can system installed.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Step 1:

We recommend that you check the level of the waste in your catch can on a regular basis. Start with once a week until you determine the amount of time it takes your car to fill the reservoir. Note that the dipstick does not go all the way to the bottom of the reservoir. When you begin to see waste register on the dipstick, you already have about an inch of buildup in the bottom. Empty and clean the reservoir when the waste registers approximately 2” up on the dipstick.

Step 2:

About twice a year, we recommend that you remove the separator for cleaning. To remove it, remove the lines and the reservoir. Remember to remove the o-ring seal, then lift the separator out of the bracket.

If the o-ring seal needs to be replaced, it is available as a replacement part on our website, ES#3097721

Step 3:

Once you have removed the separator, note the position of the baffle inside. The feed side of the separator has a number of small holes in it. Through the return side you will only be able to see a flat plate.

The baffle can be reversed for custom applications, it is important to note the position now so the separator is reassembled in the correct order.

Step 4:

Using the 2.5mm Allen wrench included with the kit, remove the two baffle plate screws.

Step 5:

Lift the baffle plate out of the separator housing.

Step 6:

Lift the remaining baffles out of the separator housing.

Step 7:

Note the positions of the fixed baffle and the reversing baffle.

Step 8:

Slide the two baffles apart.

Step 9:

Clean the separator baffles, housing, and reservoir, using any mild cleanser or solvent. Note in the picture on the right that the fixed baffle is shorter than the reversing baffle.

Any mild cleaner or solvent can be used to clean the catch can, however, we recommend that you test all cleansers
on an inconspicuous area inside the reservoir to check for discoloration before you clean the outside surfaces.

Step 10:

Reassemble the baffles into the separator housing and make sure that the baffles have not been reversed and the feed and return sides are positioned correctly.

Reinstall the catch can into your car. Be sure and lubricate all o-rings with clean engine oil.

Cold Weather Warning

In cold temperatures, the crank vent system will generate a much greater amount of moisture which can present a risk of freezing.

When the temperature outside approaches freezing, your catch can be cleaned on a weekly basis to prevent freeze up of the crank vent system and damage to engine seals.

When the temperature reaches freezing and below, we recommend disconnecting the feed and return lines and installing the original PCV hose between the intake pipe and PCV valve assembly.

Interested in purchasing?

ECS Tuning N54 Baffled Oil Catch Can System

Utilizing the high-pressure PCV circuit for maximum results reducing the need for walnut blasting

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