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Is a PCV Catch Can Legal for Use in California?

Is the use of an aftermarket "catch can" legal for use in California? A catch can is a baffled container that is installed in the PCV line(s) to remove oil from the crankcase blow-by gases before they return to the engine, preventing oil-fouling of the intake system when the gases are reintroduced to the engine for burning. It is a passive device with no moving parts.

Answer:

Unfortunately not. Any modification to a vehicle's emissions system is considered an Emissions Tamper and will cause a vehicle to fail the California smog check... regardless of whether the modification will improve or degrade harmful emissions output. If an emissions component is not tested and approved by the California Air Resources Board for use an any given make, model, and year vehicle and engine, the component may not be legally installed on the vehicle's engine. posted by SmogTips Support

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