2.0 Ecoboost JLT Catch Can = Stinkin' Lincoln

[TomV]

So I installed a JLT 3.0 Oil Separator on my 2019 MKZ about a year ago. While is seems to be doing it's job, I was getting a lot of oil vapor smell. It's especially noticeable after parking in my garage, soon the whole garage stinks like crank case.  

 

Part of the problem was JLT originally supplied the wrong type of hose. They provided Thermoid Flex-Loc 300 hose which is designed for air compressors. So when I contacted them about the problem, they shipped out some 3/8" Gates Fuel Line and initially the new hose was much better.

 

However lately I've started noticing the smell again. So while pondering what might be leaking, I stumbled upon the OEM PCV Baffle Plate and figuring out how it works from the factory. Essentially, the PCV valve is a one-way check valve. It vents crank case pressure out to the manifold through a short PVC hose. During regular driving conditions the manifold is under vacuum. However during spirited driving, boost pressure in the manifold would want to go back towards the crankcase, which is eventually blocked by the PCV valve.

 

So after adding the catch can, I've realized the catch can and rubber hose system is likely experiencing "boost pressure" when the turbo kicks in. The PCV valve still blocks the boost from entering the crankcase, but the rubber hoses and catch can weren't designed for boost conditions. So in attempt to resolve this, I've ordered some better hose and another vacuum check valve. This second check valve will be installed close to the intake manifold to prevent boost pressure from going back to the catch can system.

 

I ordered Gates 4219BF Barricade Fuel Injection Hose which is designed to be a low-permeation hose.

I also ordered a MLE Innovations Check Valve (pn# 18322) which is designed with a very low opening point (cracking pressure) of only 0.5 psi, it works immediately and provides 100% sealing up to 150 psi. 

 

Once I get the items above, I'll take some pictures of the installation and let everyone know if it resolves the problem.

 

Note that the JLT 3.0 Oil Separator (in it's current shipping form) would be fine and not have this issue on a non-turbo car.

 

 

 

[TomV]

New hose and check valve installed. I'll see how this works and report back.

 

[my2k2zx2]

Did this help any?  I installed the JLT kit last month on our 2.0 ecoboost and we are now noticing the vapor odor.

[TomV]

I believe it helped with the odor. However I haven't driven enough lately, since the install, to verify the catch can still functions properly.

[TomV]

I just emptied some water from the can, which means it’s still working properly with the check valve. So the modifications seem to be good thus far. 

[02LincLS]

On 10/21/2021 at 11:19 AM, TomV said:

New hose and check valve installed. I'll see how this works and report back.

 

Hi TomV, where did you get the connectors to go onto the PCV valve and on the intake. I see one of them on the intake side in your pic near the added check valve.

The kit online only shows installed on 2.0 EB's and appears to have no fittings included. Thanks!

[TomV]

In the picture above, the top hose slips onto the factory PCV valve, which has a 90 degree fitting that is non-removable.

 

The end fitting on the lower hose came from the factory tubing that connected to the intake.

 

I'm still trying to determine whether the check valve is too restrictive or not. Now that the weather is getting nicer in Ohio, I should be driving it more and hope to find out how much the can is collecting.

[02LincLS]

I like your idea with the check valve. As long as it can handle whatever might get by the separator, and the heat in the area.

 

Can you show a pic where you mounted it? Really appreciate your replies!

[TomV]

It's the white piece a couple inches from the 90 deg intake connector in the image above.

[02LincLS]

I probably should have worded that better. Could you send a pic from under the hood showing the whole thing installed?

 

I did get one for my 3.5 EB Flex and I might eventually move it over to the MKZ. Its still clean and dry, so I don't get the smell associated with the unit seeing boost pressure. (Most of the crud hitting the intake valves on my Flex is oil blow-by from the tired turbos. They have the wastegate linkage rattle and sound like there's bypass on the wastegate itself due to wear. This in turn makes them spin faster to hit boost target and wears it out). I don't think there's any way to catch this, and its substantial.

 

Edit: Even thought this is a thread on the 2.0 engine, I read 3.0 in your post and thought you had the 3.0 engine, not realizing its referring to the separator.

Edited May 17, 2022 by 02LincLS

[02LincLS]

I just wanted to add to this thread that I did get a can for my 3.0T. I got it from Unleashed Tuning. Its made for the 2.7 Fusion Sport, but it fits perfectly on my car...

JLT 3.0 Oil Separator Passenger Side / 2017-19 Fusion Sport 2.7 Ecoboost / Black Anodized JLT3034P-B

[TomV]

Update, I finally got tired of the oil smell and yanked the can. I put a new factory PCV plate that comes with the plastic hose.

 

While removing the can, I noticed the carbon buildup on the valves looked a little worse than I remembered, so I'm not sure the can was even working that well to begin with.