Solenoid for catch can drain

[steveNZ]

After some discussion on the one way ball bearing valve for catch can drain is seems that it might fail some times especially on long journeys allowing oil from the sump to well back up into catch can
Had a little look into electric valves but couldn't find anything suitable, so moved my train of thought to the vacuum system

Had the vacuum solenoid from the cold start system lying around and ball valve (valve that only needs to turn 90° from closed to open)

catch can 144 (Small).jpg

Figured i could get the two together and run off the vac system

catch can 145 (Small).jpg

Did a trial with it on vac line worked great valve open with no vac and valve closed with vac
Plumbed it back into truck, started truck valve closed sweet turned truck off valve stayed closed, humm system still had a vacuum in it
Scratched head a bit more then realized the 12 volt solenoid that controlled the cold start system was what i needed as it would let air back into vac line to solenoid after power off

catch can 164 (Small).jpg

Wired solenoid into fuel cut of valve circuit
Sorted after engine stop vac is released from line to catch by by 12 volt solenoid

catch can 166 (Small).jpg

Valve closes completely when engine is started and opens when engine stops

Should stop any unwanted oil from sump getting back up into catch and let oil from catch drain back into sump much quicker as it doesn't have to squeeze past a ball bearing
You gotta love this life

Steve

[Captcol]

Looks like a cunning plan, don't quite follow it at the moment, but will look at it again tomorrow after some sleep

[steveNZ]

Thought id better explain the 12volt solenoid a bit better

vac (Small).JPG

when you put 12 volts on the solenoid it allows vac to pas through it then when powered down it allows air back into outlet line only so not causing the vacuum in the inlet to be afected

[wbski007]

Great going Steve, what a guy, and I thought I was pretty good at rigging things, I think you just beat me, I'm on the road right now camping with my daughter and grandson, as soon as I get back home I'm going to look into what you did and make one up for myself, it looks great. I think I have those cold start solenoids on mine, I have to check when I get back, right now I'm with my daughter in her motor home.

[steveNZ]

Have a good trip Wayne
If you need a 12volt solenoid ive got spares on old truck i can post one over if you want

Steve

[steveNZ]

Made a more substantial bracket for valve today, The system is working perfectly and this stage i am totally happy with it.