Installing a J&L Oil Separator: Why It’s the Smartest 15-Minute Mod This Black Friday
Posted by JLOSC on 2025 Nov 7th
This Black Friday, make a 15-minute upgrade your engine will actually benefit from. Install a J&L oil separator to capture oil mist from the PCV system before it coats your intake and valves. In one short session, you can help protect your vehicle's engine fuel economy and long-term reliability on your car, truck, or performance vehicle.
What is an oil separator, and why are they important?
Modern engines generate blow-by, the combustion gases that slip past the rings and enter the crankcase. The PCV system routes those vapors back through the intake to be burned. The problem is that vapor carries a fine mist of oil and moisture. Over time, residue coats intake runners, intercoolers, and the backs of intake valves (especially on direct-injection engines where fuel no longer "rinses" the valves). Layer by layer, it turns into deposits that dull throttle response, sap efficiency, and can trigger knock.
A J&L oil separator intercepts that vapor stream and traps the oil before it reaches the intake path. The result is a cleaner tract, steadier performance, and a healthier engine, all without compromising drivability or emissions equipment.
15-Minute Engine Upgrade: Installing the J&L Oil Separator This Black Friday
A quick install with real payoff: cleaner intake, steadier performance.
How to install a J&L Oil Separator in 15 minutes:
All J&L Oil Separators come with either an installation video to follow along with or written directions.
1. Locate the Factory PCV line
Pop the engine cover if equipped. Identify the factory PCV hose that runs from the PCV Valve port to the intake manifold.
2. Place the bracket
J&L's vehicle-specific bracket uses factory points. Mount the separator can where it's easily accessible for future drains.
3. Attach the J&L lines to the engine
Attach the pre-cut hoses with OEM-style quick-connects in most applications: "in" from the PCV side and "out" to the intake side. Route away from heat and moving parts.
4. Check fit, start, and inspect
Make sure lines are fully seated and clear of belts and fans. Start the engine and verify that there are no leaks or rubbing points.
5. Set a first drain reminder
Crack the can and inspect the contents after your first 1,000 miles, then align the drains with the oil-change intervals.
That's J&L catch can installation in a nutshell—no permanent changes, and fully reversible.
Why installing an oil separator pays off
- Cleaner intake path
Reduced oil film on the intake runners and intake valves helps preserve the crisp throttle response, factory feel.
- Fewer "mystery" drivability dips
Deposits can prompt ignition knock resulting in lost performance or uneven idle. Keeping oil out helps engines behave consistently.
- Protects intercooler efficiency on boosted setups
Oil film acts like insulation. A separator helps keep charge-air coolers functioning properly.
- Long-game reliability
Reducing deposit formation is a preservation measure, especially when it comes to oil separator benefits for a high-performance engine that is run hard or modified.
Why J&L over a generic catch can?
Built for specific engines, not "one size fits all." Pre-cut hoses and factory-style hardware make it look stock. The internal filter grabs the oil mist and leaves airflow alone. Kits cover most late-model cars and trucks.
Read on How to Know You're Buying a Quality Oil Separator
Black Friday buyer's checklist
- Watch for deals
J&L Oil Separators don’t go on sale often. Black Friday is a great time to look for a deal.
- Pick by engine/platform
Choose the exact kit for your vehicle's engine and year. That is how you get the 15-minute install.
- Check out the installation instructions
All J&L Oil Separator kits include directions; these directions are available on our website and can be reviewed even before your purchase.
- Gather items needed for an easy installation
Basic hand tools, a light, and 15 to 20 minutes of garage time. That's it for most applications.
- Plan your first drain
Put a reminder in your phone or use the J&L Supplied stickers for your windshield to remind you to check the oil separator. Cold or wet climates may collect more moisture, so check a bit sooner.
Your Black Friday next step
If you've been meaning to do it, installing an oil separator is the rare upgrade that can fit within a lunch break and continues to pay off time after time. This Black Friday, grab the right kit for your engine, set aside 20 minutes, and make a difference that helps ensure long-term engine performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How do I know if my stock engine needs an oil separator?
Almost all modern engines produce blow-by. Tell-tale signs include an oily film on the throttle body, residue inside the factory PCV hose, or a gradual decline in MPG and responsiveness over time. A separator is a preventive measure that's useful for daily driver and performance setups alike.
2) Which vehicles are compatible?
We offer kits for most late-model platforms. Whether you need an oil separator for a car, an oil separator for a truck, or an oil separator for vehicles used daily or built for boost, pick the part number matched to your engine family and year.
3) Will a separator void my warranty?
A maintenance-minded add-on like this should not void coverage. Generally, a manufacturer must demonstrate that the part caused the problem. Keep your OEM hose to return to stock for dealer visits if you prefer.
4) How often do I drain the can?
Check at about 1,000 miles the first time. After that, many owners align drains with oil changes, typically 2,000 to 5,000 miles. Cold or humid climates can fill faster, so check it more often in winter.
5) Will I feel a power increase?
Think of an oil catch can as a preservation mod. The payoff is a cleaner operation and more consistent performance over time. If deposits have already formed, cleaning the intake and valves, plus a separator, may restore lost engine efficiency and responsiveness.
6) Can I DIY, or should a shop install it?
DIY is common. Most of the J&L oil catch cans are fully assembled and very easy to install; they have installation videos available to follow along with. Not very mechanically inclined? Most reputable shops can install it quickly.
Bottom line
As far as quick, high-return upgrades go, J&L catch can installation is tough to beat, especially with Black Friday pricing. It is a 15-minute step that helps keep your engine in tip-top shape. When you are ready, choose the kit matched to your engine and make this year's best garage-time bargain count.
