Answering the gearhead’s search for reliable engine breathers, this guide highlights five top oil catch tank options suited for pit bikes and small motors. Each pick emphasizes compact design, durability, and compatibility with common PCV setups. The best choice depends on your bike’s size, how you ride, and how much maintenance you’re willing to perform. Below you’ll find quick-reaction sections, a comparison table, and a buying guide to help you choose confidently.
Quick product snapshot:
- HDM Aluminum Go Kart Cart Racing Motor Oil Overflow Engine Breather Catch Tank Can – best for ultra-compact setups on go-karts and mini bikes.
- EVIL ENERGY Universal 300ml Catch Can Kit – best value with flexible hoses and breather options.
- DREAM MOTION Dual Tank Set – best for riders needing separate oil and gas collection on mini motos.
- TEMSONE Universal 750ml – best capacity for longer rides and heavy PCV usage.
- RYANSTAR Racing 350ml Billet Can – best for durability and traditional billet aluminum build.
HDM Aluminum Go Kart Catch Tank for Mini Bikes
Best for: Riders with very compact engine bays who still want reliable oil overflow control. This aluminum, black-finished unit is small and easily fits tight space between the carburetor and frame. Its lightweight construction helps minimize mounting stress on smaller karts and pit bikes.
Why selected: The combination of aluminum durability and a compact design makes it a practical choice for limited spaces. It provides a straightforward path for venting blow-by gas and capturing oil before it reaches the intake.
Caution: The data notes a small, basic design; if you require multiple ports for complex PCV routing, you may prefer a larger can with more connections.
EVIL ENERGY 300ml Universal Catch Can Kit
Best for: Enthusiasts seeking a versatile catch can with optional breather filter and flexible hose setup. Its universal design targets a wide range of cars and small motorcycles with moderate PCV integration.
Why selected: The kit offers a balanced capacity (300 ml), compatible hose dimensions, and the ability to add or omit a breather filter depending on the PCV configuration. This makes it adaptable to pre-PCV or newer hoses setups.
Caution: The inlet/outlet thread size is M16x1.5, which may require adapters for rare fittings on specialized pit bike airboxes.
DREAM MOTION Dual Tank Set for Mini Powersports
Best for: Mini superbikes and small off-road bikes that need two separate containers for oil and fuel. The two-tank design helps isolate fluids, reducing cross-contamination and improving airflow in restricted engine bays.
Why selected: Universal compatibility with industry-standard specs and durable construction make this kit appealing for riders upgrading stock containers on compact machines.
Caution: It uses two separate tanks, which may require extra mounting space and careful routing on tight frames.
HDM Go Kart Catch Tank Kit in Red Lines
Best for: Crew chiefs and hobbyists who favor a compact, multi-port design for go-karts or pit bikes with several vent routes. The red accent and black tank offer visual customization with practical function.
Why selected: Its small footprint and multiple ports provide flexible routing for PCV and vent hoses, which helps in tight engine compartments.
Caution: Color and finish are cosmetic; ensure mounting hardware and port alignment match your bike’s actual configuration to avoid leaks.
HDM Go Kart Catch Tank Kit Blue Lines
Best for: Riders who want a compact, modular design with a similar footprint to the red variant but in a blue finish. Suitable for small-to-mid sized pit bikes.
Why selected: The kit shares the small, multi-port configuration that makes installation straightforward in constrained spaces while still offering practical fluid capture benefits.
Caution: As with the red version, verify port positions align with your bike’s PCV routing before purchase.
TEMSONE Universal 750ml Aluminum Catch Can
Best for: Riders seeking a higher-capacity reservoir to manage oil and moisture from PCV/CCV lines over longer rides or frequent off-road sessions. The larger 750 ml capacity is advantageous for extended use between maintenance cycles.
Why selected: It combines a durable aluminum body with a sizable capacity, helping reduce frequent servicing during long trips or rallies across rough terrain.
Caution: The larger size may require more mounting space; ensure your frame can accommodate the extra volume without interfering with other components.
Universal Aluminum Racing Oil Catch Tank Can Kit – 350ml
Best for: Enthusiasts who want a robust billet aluminum option with a compact 350 ml capacity. Suitable for a wide range of cars and small motorcycles using standard mounts.
Why selected: The billet 6061 aluminum build provides a balance of strength and lightness, ideal for performance-oriented small engines aiming to minimize blow-by carbon buildup.
Caution: The 350 ml capacity is modest; plan for more frequent drain or upgrade if your riding cadence increases oil blow-by production.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Capacity: Choose a tank that matches your riding style. Short sessions may do fine with 300–350 ml, while longer rides benefit from 750 ml or more.
- Material and finish: Aluminum is common for strength and weight. Anodized finishes resist corrosion and look good on aftermarket builds.
- Ports and threading: Check inlet/outlet sizes and number of ports to fit your PCV routing. Some kits use M16x1.5 threads; others are universal and may require adapters.
- Breather options: Decide whether you want a breather filter. Pre-PCV setups can use a vent as a stand-alone seal; add a filter if you prefer enhanced ventilation.
- Compatibility: Ensure the can matches your bike’s frame clearance and engine bay layout. Universal designs are flexible but may need custom mounting.
- Maintenance: Look for can bodies that are easy to drain and clean. Anti-aging plastics or corrosion-resistant metals improve longevity in dusty environments.
FAQ
- What is an oil catch can used for on a pit bike? Answer: It collects oil and moisture from blow-by gases to prevent oil from entering the intake and decreasing performance.
- Do all pit bikes need a catch can? Answer: Not all require one, but many benefit from reduced carbon buildup and cleaner intake air, especially engines with aggressive PCV routing.
- What capacity is best for casual riding? Answer: A 300–350 ml unit is typically adequate for short sessions and smaller engines.
- Can I install a catch can myself? Answer: Yes, with basic tools. Follow the manufacturer’s routing guidance and ensure hoses are securely clamped.
- Is a breather filter necessary? Answer: It’s optional. A filter can help vent air, but some setups perform well without it in a sealed line.
- Which material is most durable? Answer: Billet aluminum units tend to offer the strongest construction for long-term use in rugged riding conditions.
Buying a catch tank should balance space, capacity, and the PCV routing needs of your pit bike. The options above cover tight space installations, larger capacity requirements, and universal fits. Use the product sections as a quick reference to identify a design that aligns with your bike’s geometry and your maintenance routine.