BadCompany

I already know that lots of members are running Weistec's oil/air separator. However, that one functions just like a catch can (i.e., it requires servicing and draining). Has anyone fitted or considered fitting a return-style AOS? It may be a bit more involved setting up since you have to run coolant to it and run a return line to a port on the engine, but the idea of not having to worry about it is nice too (and a well designed universal AOS is half the cost of Weistec's catch can). Just curious. I run a regular old returnless-style AOS on my Lotus, but that's because I hadn't see a return-style and it was only $160.

deadlyvt

What's the coolant line for? Any air oil separators I've installed or seen just require a drain line back to the oil pan... which is why most people wouldn't run one on this car would require drilling and taping a hookup for the drain on the pan easier to just empty your catch can every few thousand miles

Nando_514

The coolant line is there to reduce any condensation the may build up in the catch can itself from colder temps. The idea is, by evening out the temperatures, you're less likely to encounter any condensation build up in the system. For obvious reasons this can be bad... Oil + Water = No no lol!

It'd be interesting to see if you have something mocked up and installed. Keep this thread alive with updates on your research

BadCompany

Will do. What would be helpful would be a copy of the Weistec install instructions to figure out whether routing it in a similar fashion would be possible.

Of course, taping the pan and plumbing in the coolant might be more hassle than it is worth, but I figure it doesn't hurt to explore. Especially given the lack of options.

Jasonoff

http://weistec.com/media/productfile.../m156oas_5.pdf

BadCompany

Thanks Jasonoff. I don't know how I missed that. To be fair I was looking at the site on my phone at like midnight last night.

GRP

The Wesitec is popular because they have produced the custom connection fittings we require. I assume your return style AOS will run into exactly the same issue as everyone else has that does not want to pay the Weistec price - no neat and clean way of fitting the intercept. From memory someone here was looking at getting a spare oem hose and cutting it up to fit a generic catch can - a search may prove of assistance.

BadCompany

Thanks. I will read some of the universal AOS threads too. It isn't really a problem paying what Weistec wants (especially knowing that there are custom fittings), but I like having options. Especially options that require less maintenance and perform well. I appreciate all the input. Honestly, I spend way too much money doing r&d on my Lotus. I don't know if I'm ready to take on another project that goes that route before the Lotus is "done."

m a x i m u s

Kudos, OP, for trying to fab a custom piece. Emptying the Weistec isn't such a pain, btw. It's a pretty infrequent practice.