Can someone explain exactly what a breather tank does. I sort of understand what a surge tank does ( more or less, if someone wants to give a detailed explanation on this too go right ahead ) but not what exactly a breather tank does.

if you go to www.braidedlines.com and click on customers cars you will see a breather tank. How important is one anyways?

Thanks

 

a breather tank is the same a catch-can.

When all the oilly air suddenly goes into a large area (the can) the pressure drops, and the oil forms into small droplets. The oil is then collected in the can, and the air leaves via a filter. On the stock setup, this air is recirculated back into the inlet - which is only so you dont dump loads of oilly air all over you engine-bay, and to keep the "enviromental impact" down.

well, thats as far as I know anyway - if I'm wrong, please correct me people

 

I have a catch tank in the vent line from the oil filler neck to the turbo inlet. It only fills with a shotglass of oil when:

1) high speed corners at summit point during 20 minute session (even with oil level 1/2 way up d-stick range.

2) if I fill too fast when changing oil

Since installed, very little oil in ducts/IC.

 

The breather or catch can can be used to replace the PCV and the hose that vents the crankcase to the suction of the first turbo. 95's did not have the a PCV and relied on the single hose to vent the crankcase.

Problem with either of these is location. They are too low on the oil fill neck and liquid oil can easily be forced into the manifold or turbo suction under high boost and especially right hand corners. Smoky exhaust.

Many of us vent from the oil fill cap to a catch can, then vent the can to atm or back to the suction side of the turbo. I now use 1/2" diameter hose to a can, then 1/2" clear to the suction of the turbo. Bigger the better so you don't pressure up the crankcase. Pressure in the crank is bad, can promote oil leaks in the turbo and motor resulting in a smoky exhaust.