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Audi A3: How to Install Oil Catch Can

A catch can in the Audi A3 will catch the oil that leaks past the piston rings, which prevents gunk from forming in the intake tract. Read on to learn how to install one.

By Bassem Girgis - March 23, 2016

This article applies to the Audi A3 (1996-2008).

Your Audi A3 is quipped with a system called the PCV system, which stands for Positive Crankcase Ventilation. This system is designed to remove the harmful fumes from your engine. Through the process of combusting air and fuel, some amounts of fuel and oil vapor can blow past the piston rings, and sit in the crankcase—this is referred to as blow-by. Overtime, the leaked mixture will gunk up the intake tract of your vehicle, commonly noticed as deposits on the intake valves and in the intake system in the general. The oil catch can works as an intermediary in the PCV system by catching those fuel and oil vapors, and still allowing adequate crank case ventilation/pressure to exist. You install it, it catches, then you empty it every time you change your oil. This is a good step in protecting your engine and ensuring it lasts for a long time.

Audi A3 VW GTI 2.0t TFSI FSI engine oil catch can PCV install how to remove replace
Figure 1. Oil catch can.
Audi A3 How to Install Oil Catch Can

Materials Needed

  • Catch can
  • Flat head screwdriver
  • Phillips screwdriver

Step 1 – Remove PCV pipe

Remove the engine cover by loosening the screw at the intake tube, then pulling the cover up. Remove the PCV pipe from both ends. You will need to squeeze the plastic tab to get it to disconnect.

Audi A3 VW GTI 2.0t TFSI FSI engine oil catch can PCV install how to remove replace
Figure 2. Remove the pipe out of the car.

Step 2 – Remove the assembly

Remove the PCV assembly where the pipe was connected to. You will need to remove the four screws holding it in place.

  • Audi A3 VW GTI 2.0t TFSI FSI engine oil catch can PCV install how to remove replace
    Figure 3. Remove four screws.
  • Audi A3 VW GTI 2.0t TFSI FSI engine oil catch can PCV install how to remove replace
    Figure 4. Remove assembly.

Step 3 – Install kit in place

The new kit will come with a plastic piece that should fit perfectly in place of the assembly you removed in the previous step. Align it in place, then tighten the four screws.

  • Audi A3 VW GTI 2.0t TFSI FSI engine oil catch can PCV install how to remove replace
    Figure 5. Align the new kit in place.
  • Audi A3 VW GTI 2.0t TFSI FSI engine oil catch can PCV install how to remove replace
    Figure 6. Tighten the four screws.

Step 4 – Mount the catch can

The catch can will come with a mount, so you can mount it anywhere you want, as long as the hoses can reach. The best place to mount it is to the frame next to the air conditioning pipe. It's recommended you install the catch can on the mount, then install the mount; instead of installing the mount, then trying to fit the catch can in the tight area.

Audi A3 VW GTI 2.0t TFSI FSI engine oil catch can PCV install how to remove replace
Figure 7. Install the mount.

Step 5 – Install two hoses

Your kit will come with two hoses. Install the shorter hose to the inside, from the manifold to the catch cat, and the longer one to the outside, from the manifold to the catch can. You slip the hose on, then turn the nut by hand to tighten it.

  • Audi A3 VW GTI 2.0t TFSI FSI engine oil catch can PCV install how to remove replace
    Figure 8. Install two hoses.
  • Audi A3 VW GTI 2.0t TFSI FSI engine oil catch can PCV install how to remove replace
    Figure 9. Install two hoses.

Pro Tip

Some people suggest you install a hose on the bottom of the catch can, and route it to the bottom of the car so you can drain the oil from it, while others prefer to remove the catch can to drain the oil.

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