Ford 7.3 The Truth On The CCV Mod Controversy!!! 

So, I went the route of using the commercial International CCV Pre filter so it acts as a catch can prior to venting to the atmosphere. I did this after having issues with just venting to the atmosphere. I actually overengineered this simple mod and did it the way it was from the factory on the commercial trucks. I used line diameter, length, general placement, etc. Unfortunately, I fought oil leaks like crazy. I had to do my oil pan gasket three times due to crankcase pressure before finally going back to stock. I have not had a problem since. I wish it worked for me. I now deal with the oil in my intake piping but it was not worth it for me. I am very mechanically capable and have built many cars and motorcycles over the years. It is certainly NOT an installation issue. My guess is that there is enough variation in the 7.3 build specs that some trucks are not able to utilize this modification. I have a 2000, F350. Possibly the year matters as internals are different in the early model trucks. I dunno...

I love what you say. I always thought Bill was not firing on all cylinders when he brought up that topic. One I will do what I have to to get that engine sewage out and away from ever reaching my combustion chamber or going back into my crankcase. Engineers smarter than most of us went through great pain to come up with an air-fuel ratio that will be the cleanest burning and get the most HP out of the least amount of fuel. Then some i----t puts a bunch of sewage in it. Sorry, this does not compute.

You’re amazing bro. Love all your videos

Main reason is the CCV scoop faces where it pulls air into the crank case and not the turbo

Great video. I agree with everything except allowing your condensation oil to run back into the engine. This is sticky soot-filled and fuel-diluted oil which is absolutely bad for your engine.

Thankyou

Can you drill and tap a hole in the exhaust somewhere… nvm instantly answered. Thanks for listening lol. Venturi effect what if it is closer to the end of the exhaust setup like a carb jet. Would there be an issue with running such a long hose? It might be able to actually produce a slight vacuum on the crank case which would be good right.

Young man I really like the fact that your still working on trucks and hitting the woods not letting that chair get in your way. Hope you stick a nice one bud!

I wonder why nobody has just ran it to connect with there exhaust pipe, yea it more work, but atleast it will mix with the exhaust

Alright chief if your in ca. these motors are still required to go thru smog even tho they have no production smog equipment. Visual check is a fail if you are routed to atmosphere. That’s why you go to a catch can and back to the intake

So when the piston is on its down stroke it is fighting that crankcase pressure as it is trying to go down! You have a very good idea with the vent. Do you add any kind of PCV valve on the hose to prevent it from sucking air back into the valve cover?

You didnt have a vacuum line on the wastegate actuator.

All I know is when we put vacuum pumps on the drag race engines we build, and pull a little bit of vacuum on the crankcase, they increase horsepower. Proven by numbers on the engine and or chassis dynos.

it dosent matter to much on these engines do what you want .the reason why high hp engines have thie routed into the intake is because of crank case pressure if your turning 9000 rpm you want a vaccume to pull gasses out. but the 7.3 only 3500 or so the gases that pass by the rings are enough to push the vapors out you dont need a vaccume if you want to re burn the gas and oil vapors run a hose up to your air cleaner box befor the air filter then the fiklter will catch most of the oil vapor and the rest will be sucked up in your intake

I vented mine over 10 years ago with no issues.

Just install a large oil catch can or a cyclone separator and route it back to the intake. Oil problem solved and crankcase is still venting.

No reason to do this on an OBS with no intercooler, people should really differentiate between OBS 7.3 and newer 7.3 when discussing mods for this engine.

Instead of venting direct to atmosphere, you could put an inline oil catch before putting it into the turbo if you still need to pass emissions standards. You could have that drain to the oil pan

I also cut a y in to the oil filler. Directed the hose to the other U joints in front. Doesn't Grease the U-joints but keeps the rust and rock salt from developing on the outside

Semis have the same thing. We call it a blow by. Now i gotta go check where mine is lol. Thanks for the info

I would trust what Bill says being he's work on literally THOUSANDS of these engines. He's the man when it comes to powerstrokes. Why even question what he said is a mystery to me. Tractors and all those other machines your talking about run totally different than these motors. To each their own though.

Thanks man. Good Info

Having oil mist going underneath your truck will prevent rust for those people like me that live were snow falls and they use salt on the roads.

I did the cover mod 6 or 8 years ago. The only down side I saw was the smell and oil vapor at idle. 6 months ago I go a single fitting like comes with the Moroso pan evac for race cars. It has a 45° cut and a booster bleed hole for inside the exhaust. Picked up a anti blow back valve from NAPA that's for the old exhaust air injection systems. Welded it in just behind the muffler. Works great. No more smell or vapor and the Wife is much happier!

Thank you so much, I’ve been driving around mosquito fogging oil smoke at every stop, it was really bad. I went ahead and did what you did this morning after watching your video. I also cleaned my air filter while I was there and I think that was my problem.

I've got a 6.0 Powerstroke. It's been Atmosphere vented for over 100 thousand miles now. Zero problems with seals leaking etc. I did it because I started noticing my boots getting dirty and soaked. One day a boot blew off. that was in the year 2012. After delete it has never been a problem since. Still have the truck and have only been using it for heavy hauling. I put a 1" diameter wash machine drain hose on it for the vent tube. I ran it past the cab and dump the gases at the rear wheels. I do notice a tiny bit of mist every once in a while. But hardly any oil mess from it. I never heard of it being demonized out of some theory that it was bad. I assumed everyone knew it was just EPA smog stuff forced on the manufacturers. The only way a straight dump tube would cause a problem would be restriction of it or by it. That would just be a stupid person doing a simple mod wrong. But it would be even more idiotic that a mechanic wouldn't see that the dump was done wrong. Unless they had limited exposure to diesel engines in general. They would probably have been limited to just small trucks with diesel engines being forced to have EPA smog systems. Not familiar with all truck diesel engines. I put over 3 million miles on heavy trucks during my driving career. None of the trucks had CCV systems. Up to 2015 when I retired the last truck I drove, was a direct to atmosphere dumped system. What the hell has happened to people being able to do a little looking into things before following one persons theory. Easy pickings

Been a Diesel mechanic, truck coach and heavy equipment, since 1976, still working on Diesels. I agree with you 100%. I have a 1999 F250 7.3 26500km. I have had the CCM mod done on my truck for 3 years and haven't had any problem. I also agree it has to be done properly. Love watching your web site videos, you have given me a lot of ideas. Take care and be safe, From Ontario Canada.

Part # is International CCV3550 T444E

Anyone considering this mod due to oily and messy CAC boots. This mod is really not necessary for this reason. Buy a good quality set of silicone CAC boots, clean all the fittings really well before installing the boots, tighten clamps nice and tight and you will have NO MORE oil residue on your intercooler pipes/ CAC boots. It’s all in buying high quality boots to solve this issue

I brought my truck to a shop to get the ccv mod done . The dummies didn’t flip it around and it was kinked . About half way home I noticed my truck smoking . When I got home I saw raw oil in the exhaust and oil coming out of my bell housing . It pressured up and blew oil through the seals . I routed it properly and not an issue since . The shop that did it will be replacing all seals if they start leaking within 50 thousand k . definitely a good mod but like you say …do it correctly and there is no issue

The channel Gillians Garage put a video up 2 months ago, International made a filter assembly to replace the ccv cover, with a replaceable filter. Only $90 on eBay. It’s a good option for people that don’t like the smell or need to keep it emissions compliant!

Just rebuilt my 7.3 and after having to degrease the intercooler 10 times to get all the oil out never again! CCV will forever VTA just like HD engines. I drive a semi and all of em VTA on the years before the greenie wackos were able to cause the current issues. Hats off to your sir for not letting life hold ya down. Keep up the good work!

thank you for putting into video form all i have been preaching for years. . oil on a turbine asks particulate to cling causing slight imbalance and buildup leading to junk in the housing bouncing around and eating the turbine. not to mention the boots and intercooler as stated. i have seen several of your videos now and can direct people to your instruction visually rather than try to explain thank you.

Oil catch can Do the ccv mod like so Buy a cylinder catch can You can run a line from the crank case To the catch can. Then run another line to the intake to pull the vapor. The oil catches in the can and falls to the bottom. The catch can itself is vented to the atmosphere and had a little filter on the top to keep the dust out.

CCV3550-FRD-02 however, if you increase the power some suggest using CCV4500.

On a international 4700 with the dt444 it is vented to side of the block, my dt466 is the same way no problems. It doesn't leak oil out the pipe.

Have you put a catch can on it yet

My buddy runs a 1-in inlet 1-in outlet catch can on his vent. To prevent any messes. Mine is still factory setting so I can't give no advice

I seen a video of a mod route cc v to a filter that could be changed periodically no smell and not going in inner cooler or intake.been out of my chair for a while now hope I stay strong and walk for a long time. You definitely inspired me thanks

Been running the CCV mod for 18 years on my 2000 7.3. Still runnning strong with plenty of compression and fast turbo spool up and not to mention clean tubes and boots.

Very compelling case. Previous owner of my excursion did the ccv mod to vent to atmosphere. I switched back to vent into turbo. Now I’m second guessing myself.

We had slobber cups on the ccv hoses when I was in the military to make the tree huggers happy. The engine hulls still filled with grease and oil on those tanks.

Yep. My old 03 cummins had it venting down the side of the block

I injoy your chanel. I look forward to seeing your bumper and finding out how you are going to go hunting.

He’s right about the T444e ccv. As soon as I watched this video I researched the T444e engine and you see clear as day how the tube is routed **with Turbo.** Very well done!

Love the intro nice rig!!!!

One way if someone is no ok with it venting outside. A catch can will help catch the oil in vapor. But I agree with you on just venting it under the truck.

my dad did this to his 7.3 and it meakes it stink twice as much at idle. I kept the ccv system in my 7.3 if it works dont fix it imo.

I did the same type of mod on my 07 Harley, the vent originally went back into the air filter, making it dirty faster. So I routed it to the ground, it works great. I live in krazy California where we have to smog check our trucks every other year (even diesel). I just bought a 02 F350 with a 7.3 diesel, with only 44,000 miles. I'm going to do all the mods I could to protect and improve performance. Every other year I'll be changing it back to stock to get that smog check. 😉

I’ve done this for years , first time I did it in (2015) I had a small kink in the hose , didn’t care that much but yes leaks start to happen whatever fixed it not freaked out about it , then put a 3/4” tube properly routed it and no kinks , no leaks no issues no problems 1997 7.3 powerstroke 632,343km on it. 2021 daily driven , do the mod

Thanks I will do this tomorrow

You could also use a sediment bowl in the suction line to capture the oil in the line. Better yet install a vacuum pump to the crankcase vent line with a sediment bowl. The vacuum in your crankcase should give you a bit more power. The only maintenance is draining the sediment bowl or filter trap assembly.

Sold! Solid Argument and I double checked what you said also the 90 is the weak link! Appreciate your videos!

I own both 12 valve Cummins and an OBS 7.3 Powerstroke. I was very surprised to see the CCV on a 6.7 Cummins in a 2019 medium duty KW venting to the atmosphere unlike the same engine used in an Automotive application like the Ram pickup.

Good info. Looking for a full-size diesel pickup to tow a 26’ camper trailer. They seem to be rare as hens’ teeth! And when I do find one, they’re asking (and getting) 20Gs for 15 year-old, well-maintained examples!

How much pressure should be coming out the hose

If you do the ccv mod do remember to plug the intake. Or you could get dust and dirt in to your turbo.

Great video, appreciate the information! Checking my 7.🌳 in the morning to see where my CCV in point'n! Happy New Year, my friend!

thanks for your video , and honesty

Just run a sealed catch can I really don’t understand why people don’t understand

Thanks for the vid mine has ccv to atmosphere

Not many know powerstrokes as well as Bill but he’s wrong on this one .

One thing I'd like to add; use a metal pipe when the road draft pipe reaches the underside of the truck so that wind doesn't bend those hose and close off the tube.

Nobody is talking about the fact that the crankcase gases are already spent. Meaning the oxygen has already been burned in the combustion process. The more oxygen you can get in the engine the more power you can make so why would you want oxygen depleted air going back into your intake?

So could you run the vent pipe to a catch can if you don’t want the oil dripping?

awe schucks, so ya might hurt some feelings. oh well. keep doing what ya do

Agree with you totally!

Messing with the ccv is just unnecessary tinkering. The oil vapors going into the turbo reduces heat so I'll keep mine stock.

People really don't understand Boyle's gas law. If the container is no longer sealed then pressure will equal atmospheric pressure (14.5 PSI). So crank case pressure will equal ambient PSI. I mean I did a CCV catch can on my LS3 and its been running great for 7 years and Its full bolt ons with a vortec.

My international is vintage back into the turbo just like the Ford with the t444e and I have a medium duty international and everything on the engine is set up just like it is on my Ford

Good veedio, I’v ben running my vent tuub to the interior cab of me truk fore the past 4 yeers and haven’t nowticed as any prawblems. In fact I thienk the fumes are even making me more smarter !!!!

I wish diesel tech Ron could comment on this...

Another point to know. When and if you do get a worn out or have broken rings. The intercooler condenses the oil and is trapped in it. When you do romp on the fuel, you can and will have a run away. Have had my ccv deleted for 12 years, with no issues. Have 400,000 miles on it and still going strong!

Stupid question,can u do a pressure test of some sorts before and after mid? That would give all proof u need?

Good information buddy

International actually makes a filter kit for this. Filters it and sends it back to intake with no oil. Not sure of part #

Good for you sharing the truth and nothing more on this subject. Lots of wrong information out there about it. I have done it on 4 trucks, and not one problem with any of the trucks. Nice truck btw.

ALWAYS LOVE YOUR VIDEOS.....HOWEVER I DON'T LIKE TO BE "TEASED".....SO.....WHEN WILL WE SEE THE MYSTERY PART?.... B-T-W.....I WAS PLANNING TO MOVE MY C.C.V. IN THE SPRING TO THE REAR OF MY TRUCK.....(LIKE GUZZLE'S DID).....AND NOW I WILL KEEP THAT PL;AN.....KEEP THOSE GOOD VIDEOS COMING.....

One of the earliest kind of emission devices for road vehicles was to vent cc gasses back to intake. Think PCV valve on gassers. My 64' 289 gasser vented to atmosphere on valve cover where you fill oil with no issues before pcv's where even thought of, other than a big gimmey oily mess in that area lol. Industrial diesels don't have emissions and why they don't have to vent back to intake. That's all that ccv is on our diesels, a PCV in a sense. You're spot on with correct ccv by-pass hose run. If you have a dip, it WILL eventually fill up that dip and cause a blockage (think p-trap under your sink) or partial block from reduced inner hose diameter= back pressure in crankcase = seals/gaskets will start to leak. 7.3L Navistar International owner here. Well done video Sir.

Thanks for the logical explanation!! Everyone in this community seems to be stuck arguing on the grounds of "what worked for me is best". Can't wait to see how well the millermatic works because I've been looking into buying one for my metal projects.

Worked on plenty of prime moves and mining equipment and pretty much all of them are vented to atmosphere. I have seen another video and think it’s a great idea of the international mode with a filter and then oil draining back into engine I believe .

Does anyone install oil catch cans on 2000 7.3’s

If you care about the enviroment, and your engine, put a system that uses the seperator for the oil to crankcase, like FleetGaurd and others use on industrial engines.

I've seen that oil in the intake and intercooler pipes be the thing that catches all the dirt, dust and debris. Probably helping to prevent cylinder scoring. What do you think?

I'm curious as to why there hasn't yet been the argument of routing the ccv to the spider bypassing the turbo and intercooler pipes, any scientific explanations?

It is just a mod like all the others you can choose to do or not to do. I like hearing all the sides b4 i do anything to my truck. I personally have not done this mod because of the off chance of messing something up. For now my turbo is fairly clean. Great Vid, keep up the good work. Now, do one on the 10k mod, that will get people chatting away :)

I have had the ccv on mine for a while, but instead of it venting to the atmosphere I ran it through a catch can filter then back into the turbo, kills 2 birds with one stone, gets rid of the oil from goin into the turbo and intercooler but also keeps that vacuum in the system like the facory.

What music are you using in this intro? I'm really liking it!

Nicely put . Another great video. I think your right.Bill is a smart guy, but...common sense prevails.

Just asking , to stop the issue with vent to the ground, with the breather venting to the back , how about running the hose up and looping it over the top of the master cyl.and around and hook the hose back to the intake fitting. Would that distance in the hose going up hill be enough for the oil to run back in the breather ? My 01 7.3 with 186k doesn't seem to have that much oil in the intake . I have tried the 6637 , but since it came with a AIS filter that is much quiter ,I like it . Thanks for all your advise on the old 7.3s .

Sounds good. How about running it directly into an oil-bath air cleaner/filter? Keeps the filter wet and allows the gasses to be recycled. (GO GREEN) :)

You can always get a nice looking catch can with a dip stick for like $30-40

Thumbs up on this one LOW. Best Wishes & Blessings Keith Noneya

I have a 96 with a intercooler kit and I put a oil catch can on my ccv, should I take the oil catch can off and run it to atmosphere or just keep my catch can on and run it out under my truck?

the argument about not running the CCV line to the turbo causing excessive crank pressures makes no sense. That would hold up if there was no vent at all, but rather you are preventing the turbo from causing a vaccuum in the crank case. if anything that's worse because when oil is at lower than atmospheric pressure, it lowers the boiling point and evaporation points.

I'm gonna add this to the fire... We run crank case vacuum pumps on our race cars that ups horsepower about 8%. So if there is appreciable vacuum draw, it will add some power, via reduced foaming and oil pickup turbulence. That being said, these cars run at 14000 rpm so the tax on the motors is high. I'm not sure if the gain is as appreciable on a truck running 3k. You can also put a breather on the tube terminus if you're worried about dumping oil vapor. This will control it some so it'll dissipate and drip if anything instead of blow out the tube.

I would like to just state the fact it is better to have negative Crank case pressure (CCP) which frees up horsepower. Boosted engines have higher CCP which then puts pressure on the wrong side of piston rings hence robbing horsepower and run the chance of blowing out oil seals. As said earlier by ssomeone else hi rev or boosted racing engines use vacuum pumps to solve this problem which is the best solution for this problem but COSTLY. I tried on my 7.3 the CCV from doghouse to under truck and at 28 to 30 psi of boost I blow out the o ring on my dipstick tube. Mind you NO leak before mod and I had already replaced the dipstick tube o rings. Pain in my butt but I replace o rings AGAIN and I went with a catch can in my CCV and routed it back to intake tube and the same tune. Problem solved for about 50k miles and my truck has 250k on it. I am not saying venting CCV under truck is bad but it isn't the best solution. Mind you the old 7.3's in big trucks or school busses didn't run the boost levels that these hot rod 7.3's with tunes, injectors, HPOPs.

hey thanks for the info on that ccv mod. im looking to purchase my first 7.3 here soon and will def be doing it. Glad to see you still get to turn wrenches and not let the chair get in the way thats awesome life is to short live life to the fullest. keep up the good work bud.

He is correct!! Cummins ISX and Caterpillar and many other engines are vented to the atmosphere! ISX has a new reusable replacement Crank case filter

A lot of Race cars vent their crank case into the exhaust.