Has anyon added a catch can and then taken it off due to truck running bad?

Welcome to the forum.

I'll let the others, that have done exactly what you asked, answer more specifically. But essentially the answer is yes.

And there are some that removed them for reasons other than the truck was running poorly.

And there are some that swear by them.

Thanks for the quick reply.
It was pretty immediate difference in performance right after adding it. Never had any collapsing hoses or anything either.
it almost feels like it makes my engine work harder

We have a few threads that get into the minutiae of catch cans on the Ecoboost, but suffice it to say not all catch can "Systems", and it turns out they ARE a system, are not designed the same.
And installation can be done in error as well.

They are participating in a far more sophisticated realm than meets the eye?

Yeah I had one, then a rod went through the side of the block and I never put it back on.

What can are you using? Does it have check valves? Those are notorious for either jamming or being installed backwards in some cases.

You want just an open set of lines with the stock PCV routing. You need two cans if you want to capture crud from both the PCV and CCV sides.

mass-hole said:

Yeah I had one, then a rod went through the side of the block and I never put it back on.

What can are you using? Does it have check valves? Those are notorious for either jamming or being installed backwards in some cases.

You want just an open set of lines with the stock PCV routing. You need two cans if you want to capture crud from both the PCV and CCV sides.

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I can’t remember the brand but it wasn’t too expensive I think I spent like 50-60 on it. No check valves just straight lines.

Klackey said:

I can’t remember the brand but it wasn’t too expensive I think I spent like 50-60 on it. No check valves just straight lines.

Click to expand...

Is it just on the PCV side then? Does the truck run better under boost(manifold pressure greater than 1 atmosphere). If so, that might suggest the lines are collapsing or the can is restrictive or something.

mass-hole said:

Is it just on the PCV side then? Does the truck run better under boost(manifold pressure greater than 1 atmosphere). If so, that might suggest the lines are collapsing or the can is restrictive or something.

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Yeah I only have it on the pcv side. It runs better under boost for sure
I checked the lines and it seems to not be collapsing but now that you mention i could understand why the can itself might be restrictive

I run one only on the dirty side, I sometimes think it's the culprit of my rough idle but I have removed it and rough idle remains, so I just leave it on.
I actually have been thinking about removing it again completely but for no particular reason.

Other than that I've noticed no difference in performance though with it installed or not.

Most catch cans change the crankcase ventilation. Causing more issues than good. They also have a tendency to produce large vacuum leaks. The pressure drop from the lines and CC can actually cause the PCV valve to be open at the wrong time.

I’ve learned a lot of the “blowby” being recycled is simply fuel vapors - as the valve covers do a very good job separating the oil.

Way back when I brought my shiny new F150 home (2015) I bought a high end catch can ($400 or so) and installed it on both sides. It threw codes periodically over 1k miles or so and no amount of fiddling got it to not throw codes so I took it off.

I just opened up my intake at 71k miles to access the rear head jiffy tites for the turbos and as part of that project was going to walnut blast my valves. To my surprise there wasn't much buildup at all. There was some, but not enough to even concern me. Honestly, getting the intake off is easy and cleaning the valves would be easy too. I just see no need in my experience to have a catch can because I have not really seen any problem without it.

From my research and own anecdotal experience, the whole valve buildup situation is overblown online without much actual support. Now, the whole intercooler weep hole issue and buildup there is a whole other story that I have no experience in.

My $.02

Thanks AMPA! Something I have thought since ordering my 2017. Coking of valves probabbly has more to do with vehicle maintainance and driving habits. Quality full synthetic oil and eliminating short runs that never get the engine and trans up to operating temps. KM