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GEN 3 oil catch can in cold climates, yes or no

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by kutcht1, Apr 6, 2023.

  1. kutcht1

    kutcht1 Member

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    I have searched and really didn't find anyone stating that they have had good or bad results in a colder area that has a real winter, aka Minnesota. Are there owners using a OCC with success in these areas? If there are do they switch it back to the normal hose for the colder months? I have a 2012 V with 244,XXX and have been thinking about it. Thanks!
    TomK
     
  2. ForestBeekeeper

    ForestBeekeeper Active Member

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    Are you thinking this would help to keep the EGR clean?
     
  3. kutcht1

    kutcht1 Member

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    Thought it mostly keeps the intake cleaner from vent oil and gases. Just have read also of GEN3 Prius owners have put an OCC on.
    TomK
     
  4. kutcht1

    kutcht1 Member

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    This is what really got me thinking.
    TomK
     
  5. ForestBeekeeper

    ForestBeekeeper Active Member

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    Have you been using petroleum oil, or synthetic?

    Would it make any difference?
     
  6. kutcht1

    kutcht1 Member

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    I have been using either Mobil 1 0W20 or Kirkland. Bought it with around 200,000 with head gasket done at 181,000 by previous owner. Just trying to still figure this GEN 3 out as my experience has been with the GEN 2. Sure seems most think a OCC is beneficial with the GEN 3. Really curious how those that have it installed in cold areas deal with it in the colder months.
    TomK
     
  7. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Don’t neglect EGR and intake manifold cleaning, for head gasket preservation.

    My impression is OCC is mainly to keep intake valves, injectors and piston rings cleaner.

    I’ve never had OCC freeze up issue, but I’m only on west coast Canada, not that cold.
     
  8. Fifen

    Fifen Member

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    I'm curious about this too. I live in Utah in the summer we hit 90F in the winter it stays below freezing for the whole duration. I don't want the freezing to ruin anything. Should I get a OCC?
     
  9. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

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    Freed by my air intake, my OCC sits right beside the engine and in front of the PCV valve where it is warned by the engine, especially in cold climates if a block heater is used.

    occ installed Prius V 003.jpg
     
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  10. Higgins909

    Higgins909 Member

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    I never put mine on and don't know if I ever will. However, if I lived up there, I'd fully block the bottom grille in the winters, in the least.