Oil Catch Can - '03 3.4

Hello Gentlemen,
You ever started a simple project that turned into a much bigger project??? A couple of weeks ago I replaced the spark plugs in my '03 Tacoma 3.4. I went for the drivers side first because I knew it would be the most difficult. I highly recommend ordering the Lexivon 5/8 swivel magnetic spark plug thin wall socket, 3/8" Drive, 10" Length (link below). The magnetic socket is a must! Drivers side went well, feeling pumped. Moved to the passengers side, and the air was let out of my sail when I removed the middle coil.....oil dripping from the end. So, I knew if one was bad on the passenger side, the ones on the drivers side were not far behind.
I have no one to blame but myself. I replaced the valve cover/cam seals about 4 yrs ago, and like a idiot, I didn't replace the spark plug tube seals.
So when I removed the throttle body, and upper plenum 4 years ago, there was oil in the back of the throttle body and about a teaspoon in each plenum on the bottom portion where it curves and meets the bottom 1/2 of the upper plenum.
Same thing this go around.
@Timmah! While waiting on parts I watched Timmy the Toolman (link below) where he and Sean installed a very nice Moroso catch can. I agree with Tim in that this mod is probably not needed if you don't have a supercharger, but for me it's more about not wanting the nasty blow by going back into the plenum and making a mess.

The Moroso catch can Sean installed is extremely nice and I have no doubt it's better made than the one I purchased off of Amazon, but it's also pricy ($161.00).
I went with a $35 dollar kit off of Amazon. I also ordered the Nylon Braided 3/8 Fuel Line, and the 8 AN hose separator clips for 3/8 Fuel Line.
I try to always maintain a factory look and this turned out great. I used an existing 10mm hole on the passenger side engine bay and put a thin piece of rubber behind the mount so it wouldn't rub. The catch can is not 100% level, but it works. The pictures make it appear more slanted than it really is.

Just wanted to post this in case it will help someone in the future.

$15 LEXIVON 5/8" Swivel Magnetic Spark Plug Socket, 3/8" Drive x 10" Total Length | Enhanced Magnetic Design with Thin Wall Socket, Cr-v Steel (LX-122)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MH5ZDMD?ie=UTF8

$31 ESPEEDER Universal Oil Catch Can Kit Baffled Reservoir Tank Aluminum Black 300ml with 5ft NBR Hose Kit

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09B1RTG97?ie=UTF8

$22 10FT 6AN Braided Fuel Line Hose -6AN Nylon Braided for 3/8" Tube Size

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08GCVLD66?ie=UTF8

8 AN Hose Separator Clamp,3/8 Fuel Line Mounting Clamp,Fuel Hose Divider for Oil Gas Water Brake Line,4Pcs Aluminum Black

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09P662S31?ie=UTF8



Timmy the Toolman - Oil Catch Can Install
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rh7DCfkfrxc

 

thats a nice looking engine bay

 

I like you style. I'm going to do the same. I appreciate the links, made buying everything easy, thank you

 

I started reading this thread without noticing the OP. When I looked at the pics I thought “man, that engine bay would give Jammer a run for his money”. Then I scrolled and what do you know. I still say that truck should be up on ramps with mirrors on the floor at SEMA.

 

Is the plenum polished or painted?

 

Nice work! You definitely won the engine bay contest.

 

His whole truck is that clean and I mean it is seriously squared away.

@jammer please post up a few pics of the undercarriage.

 

Lol…Thank you Kevin. Appreciate it!

 

I just keep it polished. Man that’s why I can’t ever buy a newer Tacoma. I can’t polish a plastic intake!
I do feel for the guys up North that have to deal with salt in the winter. A friend of mine purchased an ‘04 Tacoma 3.4 that spent time in Maine. Holy cow did the corrosion do a number on the intake and everything else.

 

Kevin I’ll try and post some pics tomorrow. I’ll show just how ocd I am!

 

What is the process for polishing an intake?

 

The Link for the AN hose clamp separator is incorrect. The link provided is for 8AN when 6AN should be used. The correct link to the Amazon item is below

$9 6AN Hose Separator Clamp Aluminum Fuel Line Mounting Clamp Divider Hose Fitting Adapter Fit for 3/8 Fuel Line, Oil Line, Brake Line, Water Pipe and Gas Line,Black,4pcs

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07YY8S7HQ?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

For me it’s pretty simple. I use Mothers Mag and Aluminum Polish. I’m sure any metal cleaner/polish would work.

 

@Kevins60
Kevin, again Thank you for the kind compliments!
Okay, here are some pics from today.
Before the bashing begins, Kevin said this is a safe place!
I’m already aware of the following:

• It’s a truck…it’s meant to get dirty
• Why keep it that clean when it’s going to get dirty again?
• It’s a garage Queen

I know, I know, I know. Well aware, but cleaning for me is my stress relief.

 

Just remarkable. I never get tired of seeing your pics and imagining how much time and effort you’ve invested. I keep my truck clean but this is a whole other level. Have you had it since it was new?

 

Hey Kevin. Yes, since new.

 

Practically museum quality. The side of the transmission looks like it could be part of a terminator.

I channel Arnold every time I put my water bottle behind my driver’s seat; just like he put the shotgun behind him in the exhaust of the Harley. Terminator 2 is a fantastic movie and you know it.

*and, I installed a catch can on my 3.4 about two years ago. I empty it about every 4-6 months or so but it never has more than about 1/10 capacity of blow by crap.

 

FYI there's a 2nd valve cover oil vent on the other side

 

A clean machine, is a mean machine!

Nice job!