If you're tired of seeing oil pooling in your intake, installing a 6.7 powerstroke ccv delete catch can might be the smartest move you make for your truck this weekend. It's one of those modifications that doesn't necessarily give you a massive bump in horsepower that'll pin you to your seat, but it saves you a massive headache—and potentially a lot of money—down the road. If you've ever pulled your intercooler pipes and seen that thin (or thick) film of black oil coating everything, you already know exactly what I'm talking about.
The 6.7 Powerstroke is a workhorse, there's no doubt about that. But like any modern diesel engine, it's got some quirks designed to satisfy emissions laws that don't exactly do the engine's longevity any favors. The Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) system is right at the top of that list. Let's break down why this little upgrade is such a big deal for your Ford.
The Messy Reality of the Stock CCV System
To understand why a 6.7 powerstroke ccv delete catch can is necessary, you have to look at what the factory system is actually doing. Basically, as your engine runs, a certain amount of "blow-by" (combustion gases and oil mist) escapes past the piston rings and into the crankcase. To keep the pressure from blowing out your seals, the engine has to vent those gases.
Back in the day, trucks just dumped this stuff onto the road through a "road draft tube." It was simple, but it wasn't exactly environmentally friendly. Nowadays, the 6.7 Powerstroke is designed to route those oily vapors back into the intake so they can be burned off in the cylinders.
The problem? That oil vapor isn't "clean." It's a hot, misty mess. As it travels through your cold air intake, turbocharger, and intercooler, it cools down and turns back into liquid oil. This oil coats your turbo compressor wheel, gunks up your intercooler (reducing its efficiency), and eventually makes its way into the intake manifold.
The "Black Peanut Butter" Problem
If you haven't heard the term "black peanut butter" in the diesel world yet, consider yourself lucky. This happens when the oily mist from the CCV system meets the soot from the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system. When those two combine, they create a thick, sticky sludge that builds up inside your intake plenum and around your valves.
Over time, this sludge restricts airflow. Your engine has to work harder to breathe, your fuel economy starts to dip, and your throttle response feels a bit "mushy." By installing a 6.7 powerstroke ccv delete catch can, you're effectively cutting off the "glue" part of that equation. Without the oil mist, the soot doesn't have anything to stick to, and it mostly just passes through without turning into a structural hazard inside your engine.
Delete vs. Catch Can: What's the Difference?
You'll hear people use these terms interchangeably, but there's a slight difference in how they're set up. A pure "CCV delete" often involves venting the crankcase gases directly to the atmosphere (VTA). You basically run a hose from the crankcase down to the frame rail and let it vent to the air.
While that's effective at keeping the intake clean, it has two major downsides: it smells like an old tractor at every red light, and it can leave small oil spots on your driveway.
A catch can is the "refined" version of a delete. It sits in line between the crankcase and the intake (or the atmosphere). The oily air enters the can, passes through a series of baffles or filters that force the oil to drop out of suspension, and then the "clean" air exits. It's the best of both worlds. You keep the engine clean, but you don't have to deal with the smell or the drips. Plus, it looks a lot more professional under the hood.
Why the 6.7 Powerstroke Specifically?
Ford changed the CCV design a few times throughout the life of the 6.7. The early models (2011–2016) had a box on the driver-side valve cover that actually had replaceable filters. Then, Ford decided to go to a "maintenance-free" sealed box. The problem is that "maintenance-free" usually just means it works okay for a while and then eventually fails or lets way too much oil through once the internal baffles get saturated.
If you have one of the newer 6.7s, you've likely noticed that the intercooler boots—the rubber connectors on your charge pipes—tend to get "sweaty." That's oil soaking through the silicone. Once those boots get soaked in oil, they get slippery. Under high boost, they can actually pop right off, leaving you stranded on the side of the road with zero power. A 6.7 powerstroke ccv delete catch can stops that oil from ever reaching those boots in the first place.
Choosing the Right Setup
When you're looking for a 6.7 powerstroke ccv delete catch can, you'll see everything from $50 plastic containers to $400 CNC-machined aluminum masterpieces. Honestly, you get what you pay for here. You want something with high-quality fittings—preferably AN fittings or heavy-duty hose barbs—because the last thing you want is a vacuum leak or an oil leak because a cheap plastic connector cracked under the heat of the engine bay.
The internals matter too. A good catch can should have internal baffles or a stainless steel mesh. This creates more surface area for the oil mist to cling to so it can't just fly straight through the can and back into your intake.
Is the Install Hard?
Not at all. This is one of those "driveway-friendly" mods. Most kits for the 6.7 Powerstroke are designed to be bolt-on. You'll usually be removing the factory CCV box or at least the hose that leads to the intake.
The hardest part is usually just routing the new hoses so they look clean and don't rub on anything. Most guys can get a 6.7 powerstroke ccv delete catch can installed in about an hour with basic hand tools. Just make sure you've got a good set of sockets and maybe some pliers for those stubborn factory hose clamps.
Keeping Up With Maintenance
The "catch" with a catch can is that you actually have to empty it. How often? Well, that depends on your engine's health and how you drive. A brand-new truck with very little blow-by might only need to be emptied every oil change. An older truck with a bit more wear might need it every 3,000 miles.
Most cans have a drain valve at the bottom. You just put a little cup under it, open the valve, and let the trapped oil drain out. It's satisfying to see all that junk that didn't end up inside your turbo. If you forget to empty it, the can will eventually fill up and start sending oil back into the intake again, defeating the whole purpose.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, a 6.7 powerstroke ccv delete catch can is all about peace of mind. You're protecting your turbocharger, keeping your intercooler efficient, and preventing that nasty sludge buildup in your intake manifold. It's a proactive way to make sure your truck stays on the road for the long haul.
If you plan on keeping your 6.7 for a long time—or if you've already started seeing oil residue where it shouldn't be—it's time to stop thinking about it and just get it done. Your engine will definitely thank you for the fresh air.