How Effective Are Oil Pan Evac Systems?

Oil pan evac systems are a type of crankcase ventilation system that removes oil vapour and other by-products from the engine. They work by using vacuum pressure to pull oil and vapour out of the crankcase and into a collection container. The benefits of these systems include reduced oil leaks, cleaner oil, and less mess. However, they may not be as effective as dedicated vacuum pump systems in terms of the amount of vacuum pressure generated and the ability to extract sludge. The choice between an oil pan evac system and other options such as mechanically driven pump systems or traditional draining methods depends on factors such as personal preference, available power sources, and the specific requirements of the engine and vehicle.

Do oil pan evac systems work with open headers?

An oil pan evacuation system is a device used to suck the oil out of an engine. This is in contrast to the traditional method of draining oil, where a plug is removed and the oil drains out the bottom.

There are various opinions on whether oil pan evacuation systems work with open headers. Some people claim that it is not necessary to raise the car and remove the drain plug when using an oil pan evacuation system, as the oil can be extracted from the dipstick funnel. However, others argue that it is still necessary to lift the car to access the oil filter and perform an inspection.

One user reported that they had successfully used an oil pan evacuation system with open headers on their boat engine, and it had resulted in a cleaner engine and less oil mess after racing. They recommended installing check valves to prevent the possibility of flame travelling back down the evacuation hose and igniting the oil vapor in the crankcase.

Another user questioned the effectiveness of oil pan evacuation systems in assisting oil drain back to the pan. They suggested that the vacuum created by the system might not be strong enough to overcome the crankcase pressure at higher RPMs, leading to oil leaks and breather pop-outs.

Overall, the effectiveness of oil pan evacuation systems with open headers may depend on various factors such as engine design, crankcase pressure, and the specific oil pan evacuation system being used. It is always recommended to refer to the manufacturer's instructions and consult with automotive professionals when making modifications to vehicle systems.

Do oil pan evac systems work with mufflers?

Oil pan evac systems can work with mufflers, but it depends on the level of restriction in the exhaust system. If there is too much back pressure, the evac system will not work properly, and can even pressurise the crankcase. This can lead to oil being blown out of the engine, and the dipstick being ejected.

Some people have reported success with running evac systems with mufflers, but it is important to ensure that the exhaust system is not too restrictive. One user reported that they had to move the evac system further back in the exhaust to get it to work properly. Another user reported that their evac system worked fine with mufflers, but that when they turned on the nitrous, the dipstick would come flying out and oil would spit everywhere.

It is generally recommended that evac systems are installed before the mufflers, or even before any bends in the exhaust pipe. This ensures that there is minimal back pressure, and that the evac system can function properly. However, some people have reported success with running evac systems after the mufflers, as long as the exhaust is very free-flowing.

Overall, it is possible to run an oil pan evac system with mufflers, but it is important to ensure that the exhaust system is not too restrictive. Running an evac system with a restrictive exhaust can lead to increased crankcase pressure and potential oil leaks.

Do oil pan evac systems work without a vacuum pump?

Oil pan evac systems, or pan-evacs, are designed to reduce crankcase pressure and improve piston ring seal, resulting in reduced oil leaks and contamination. They work by sucking air from the engine, reducing air pressure build-up caused by blow-by gases escaping past the piston rings into the pan.

While some pan-evacs can work without a vacuum pump, their effectiveness is limited to specific conditions, such as open header race applications. In contrast, vacuum pumps offer greater flexibility and are beneficial for any high-performance engine that produces a significant amount of blow-by.

Vacuum pumps work by creating a vacuum in the crankcase, reducing the air pressure that causes blow-by gases to escape past the piston rings. This, in turn, improves ring seal and reduces oil contamination, leaks, and combustion chamber heat.

It is important to note that the use of a vacuum pump can lead to a decrease in oil pressure gauge readings, which may be alarming. However, this is primarily due to the gauge reading relative to atmospheric pressure rather than a significant change in oil flow or bearing health.

In conclusion, while pan-evacs without vacuum pumps can work in specific scenarios, vacuum pumps offer a more comprehensive solution for managing blow-by and improving engine performance.

Do oil pan evac systems need check valves?

An oil pan evacuation system is a method of removing oil from an engine. It is an alternative to the traditional method of draining oil by removing a plug and letting it flow out of the bottom of the engine. The evacuation system uses a device to suck the oil out, often through the dipstick funnel. This can be done without raising the car, which is advantageous when putting the car in the air is difficult. It is also beneficial when the oil pan is made of soft metal or plastic, as there is no risk of damage to the pan when a drain plug is removed. Additionally, it keeps the process clean and contained, which is favourable to newer technicians who prefer to avoid getting oily and dirty.

However, the evacuation method can be noisy and may require a good supply of compressed air to function. It may also not remove all the oil from the engine, especially if it is cold. In such cases, it may be necessary to combine the extraction method with the traditional draining method to ensure that all the oil is removed.

When implementing an oil pan evacuation system, it is important to consider the inclusion of check valves. Check valves, or flash valves, are recommended by some users to prevent the possibility of flame travelling back down the evacuation hose and igniting the oil vapour in the crankcase. They can also prevent excessive vacuum from being reached, which could cause oil leaks. However, other users have reported successful operation of an oil pan evacuation system without the use of check valves. Therefore, while check valves can provide additional safety and control, they may not be strictly necessary for the functioning of an oil pan evacuation system.

Do oil pan evac systems need to be vented?

The need for venting in oil pan evacuation systems is a topic of debate. Some people argue that all crank cases need to be vented, while others claim to have run pan evacuation systems without venting for years without any issues.

Those who argue for venting point out that crankcase ventilation is necessary to prevent oil leaks caused by crankcase pressures and to keep the oil clean. They also highlight the importance of installing flash valves to prevent the possibility of flames travelling back down the evacuation hose and igniting oil vapours in the crankcase.

On the other hand, those who argue against venting question the logic of adding a vent to a system designed to create negative pressure. They claim that pan evacuation systems are not powerful enough to require venting and that they have successfully run such systems without venting, even in high-performance applications.

Ultimately, the decision to vent or not vent an oil pan evacuation system may depend on various factors, including the specific application, engine design, and personal preferences. It is always recommended to consult with experts or experienced individuals before making any modifications to engine systems, especially those related to crankcase ventilation and oil management.

Frequently asked questions