ATTN: High Mileage Owners: Any Issues with Carbon Buildup?

[cryptolime]

Anybody inspect their intake valves for carbon buildup? I did the CRC solvent cleanse a couple times but didn't really notice any difference and was worried about damaging the turbo. But I was wondering if this might become an issue as I rack up more miles.

Would be cool to see some pictures of torn down engines.

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[Sooner1]

I am not an expert on all the causes of carbon build up but I installed a catch can at about the 2,000 mile mark. I come from the Audi/VW world where a catch can is almost a necessity. I should keep better track of the volume it catches but it is not much. I am currently at 10k miles and I have emptied at most a half cup out of it in 8k miles (probably closer to 1/3 of a cup). I guess catching the little bit is has it better than not catching it.

 

[Brittania]

I asked a Honda master technician who daily drives an FK8 if he recommended catch cans, or using an intake valve cleaner periodically. He said the best thing you can do is to just drive it like a sports car is meant to be driven. Get it hot and take it for as many long drives as you can. He advised against catch cans but said an intake valve cleaner every 15k wouldn't hurt.

 

[zumbooruk]

I asked a Honda master technician who daily drives an FK8 if he recommended catch cans, or using an intake valve cleaner periodically. He said the best thing you can do is to just drive it like a sports car is meant to be driven. Get it hot and take it for as many long drives as you can. He advised against catch cans but said an intake valve cleaner every 15k wouldn't hurt.

I am very curious as to why he advised against catch cans?

Is it because catch cans can cause more harm than good?

Or just because they are expensive or not effective???

I did a lot of research and just purchased the dual catch can kit from Radium, but have not yet install it.

https://www.radiumauto.com/products/20-0826-fl-dual-catch-can-kit-2017-civic-type-r-fluid-lock

 

[blueroadster]

I used catch cans on several of my previous cars but not on the FL5. An additional benefit is that they catch oil vapors that would otherwise be introduced into the intake track and accumulate inside the bottom of the intercooler.

 

[chopsuey34]

I can't remember sources, but over the years, I've come away with a negative few on catch cans.

They are the easiest parts for manufacturers to design and create (can, tubes, brackets), which means they have the highest profit margins. Companies love to push them because of this.

The catch can mostly traps water, not oil anyways, so it's not that effective, and in freezing conditions, this water will freeze, potentially causing blockages, rust, etc.

Engineers account for the oil recirculation, etc. (hence the tech saying to drive the car hard which also helps with carbon deposits on the valves).

It's another maintenance item that 99.9% of drivers don't need to do.

Maybe catch cans were needed in the 90's. But is 2025, and it's a Honda engine, it'll last with maintenance. I think catch cans are something you can easily skip, boss.

 

[cryptolime]

I am very curious as to why he advised against catch cans?

Is it because catch cans can cause more harm than good?

Or just because they are expensive or not effective???

I did a lot of research and just purchased the dual catch can kit from Radium, but have not yet install it.

https://www.radiumauto.com/products/20-0826-fl-dual-catch-can-kit-2017-civic-type-r-fluid-lock

the stock PCV system is VERY good.

 

[AZCWTypeR]

I installed a Mishimoto catch can and it catches a fair amount of oil between changes, not water. I live in a hot climate, so the car may never sees freezing weather.
Seeing the intake valves are difficult to access, I'd rather have the catch can trapping oil. I've cleaned intake valves before on motorcycles and the solvent cleaner inevitably leaks into the cylinders, which is bad for the rings and bores.

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