What a CCV delete kit removes from your 6.7 Powerstroke
A CCV delete kit removes the crankcase ventilation system from a 6.7-liter Powerstroke diesel engine — the Ford engine found in Super Duty trucks from 2011 to 2019. The factory system routes gases that build up inside the engine block back into the intake manifold. A delete kit replaces those factory lines with a catch can or direct-to-atmosphere venting, so those gases exit the engine without re-entering the combustion chamber.
The factory CCV system on the 6.7 Powerstroke is known for clogging with soot and oil residue, which can restrict airflow and reduce engine performance. Owners who delete it report cleaner engine internals, easier cold starts, and slightly better fuel economy — though the trade-off is that the engine will vent oily vapors into the atmosphere or into a catch can that requires regular emptying.
This is a modification, not a repair. Ford's system is legal for on-road use, and removing it may void your warranty or trigger emissions-related issues depending on your state and how the kit is installed.
Key Takeaways
- A CCV delete kit removes factory crankcase ventilation lines and replaces them with a catch can or open venting to prevent soot buildup in the intake manifold.
- The 6.7 Powerstroke's factory CCV system is prone to clogging, which can reduce cold-start performance and engine efficiency over time.
- Most kits cost between $200 and $600 and take two to four hours to install, though complexity varies by kit design and your mechanical skill level.
- Deleting the CCV system may void your truck's warranty and could trigger emissions warnings or inspection failures in states with strict emissions testing.
- A catch can requires draining every 1,000 to 2,000 miles of driving, while open-atmosphere venting requires no maintenance but vents oily mist into the air.
How the factory CCV system fails on the 6.7 Powerstroke
The 6.7 Powerstroke's crankcase ventilation system pulls gases from inside the engine block and routes them back into the intake manifold, where they mix with incoming air and fuel. This is standard on most engines and helps prevent pressure buildup. However, on the 6.7, this system carries a high volume of soot and oil mist because diesel engines produce more blowby — unburned fuel and combustion byproducts that escape past the piston rings.
Over time, soot accumulates in the CCV lines, the intake manifold, and the EGR cooler. This buildup restricts airflow, forces the engine to work harder to pull air in, and can cause rough idle, hard starting in cold weather, and reduced power. Many owners report that their 6.7 Powerstroke becomes noticeably harder to start once the CCV system begins to clog — sometimes requiring multiple cranks before the engine fires.
The factory system also allows oil mist to enter the intake, which can foul the air filter faster and contribute to carbon deposits on intake valves. Deleting the CCV system prevents this recirculation entirely, keeping the intake manifold and combustion chamber cleaner.
What's included in a typical CCV delete kit
Most 6.7 Powerstroke CCV delete kits include new hoses, fittings, and either a catch can or a breather filter. The exact contents depend on the manufacturer and the venting method you choose.
Catch can kits include a sealed container that collects oil and moisture before they exit the engine. The can has two ports — one that connects to the crankcase vent line and one that vents to atmosphere. As gases pass through, heavier oil droplets settle in the bottom of the can while cleaner air exits through the top. Popular catch can kits for the 6.7 include models from Sinister Diesel, Mishimoto, and Diesel Power Plus, priced between $250 and $500. These require regular draining — typically every 1,000 to 2,000 miles depending on driving conditions.
Open-vent kits replace the factory lines with a straightforward breather filter or open tube that vents directly to the atmosphere. These kits cost $150 to $300 and require no maintenance, but they vent oily mist into the air around your truck. Some owners prefer this method because there's nothing to empty, though it's messier and may leave oily residue on the engine bay or undercarriage.
Most kits also include new hose clamps, gaskets, and a mounting bracket for the catch can if one is included. Some kits require you to source your own hoses or adapters depending on your engine's configuration.
Installation difficulty and time required
A CCV delete on the 6.7 Powerstroke is a moderate DIY job if you have basic mechanical skills and the right tools. The factory CCV lines run from the valve cover area down to the intake manifold, so you'll need to remove the intake manifold cover and disconnect several hose clamps and fittings. Most of the work is access — getting to the lines without removing major components.
Installation typically takes two to four hours for someone familiar with engine work. If you're working on a 6.7 for the first time, budget four to six hours. You'll need basic hand tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers), hose clamps, and possibly a hose cutter if you're shortening factory lines. Some kits come with detailed instructions; others require you to reference forum posts or YouTube videos to understand the routing.
If you're not comfortable working on your engine, a diesel shop can install a CCV delete kit for $300 to $600 in labor, depending on the shop's hourly rate and how straightforward the kit installation is. Some shops charge a flat rate for the job; others bill by the hour.
Warranty and emissions concerns
Installing a CCV delete kit will likely void your Powerstroke's factory warranty if the truck is still under coverage. Ford considers this a modification to the emissions system, and any engine damage that occurs after the delete is installed may not be covered. If your truck is out of warranty, this is not a concern.
In states with emissions testing, a CCV delete can trigger a check engine light or cause your truck to fail inspection. The factory CCV system is part of the emissions control strategy, and removing it changes how the engine vents gases. Some states test for this directly; others flag any modification to the CCV or EGR system. Before installing a delete kit, check your state's emissions testing rules or contact your local inspection station.
On-road use of a CCV delete is legal in most states, but off-road or competition use may be restricted depending on local regulations. If you plan to tow or drive your truck commercially, verify that a CCV delete won't affect your insurance or liability coverage.
Maintenance and catch can draining
If you choose a catch can kit, draining it is straightforward but necessary. Most catch cans have a drain plug at the bottom — you straightforward unscrew it, let the oil and moisture drain into a container, and reinstall the plug. The frequency depends on your driving: highway driving produces less blowby than city driving or towing, so you may drain every 1,000 miles in heavy use or every 2,000 miles in light use.
Neglecting to drain a catch can will eventually cause it to overflow, which defeats the purpose of the system. Overfilled cans can also allow oil to be drawn back into the engine or escape into the atmosphere. Set a reminder on your phone or mark it on your maintenance schedule so you don't forget.
Open-vent kits require no draining, but they do produce visible oily mist, especially in cold weather. Some owners place a rag or towel under the vent to catch excess oil and prevent it from coating the undercarriage.
Performance and fuel economy gains
Most owners report modest improvements after installing a CCV delete kit. The most noticeable change is easier cold starting — the engine typically fires on the first or second crank instead of requiring multiple attempts. This is because the cleaner intake manifold allows air to flow more freely into the cylinders.
Some owners report a slight improvement in fuel economy, usually in the range of 1 to 3 miles per gallon, though this varies based on driving habits and how clogged the factory system was before deletion. Power gains are minimal — a CCV delete is not a performance modification in the traditional sense, but rather a fix for a system that degrades over time.
The real benefit is preventing the gradual performance loss that occurs as the factory CCV system clogs. Without a delete, a 6.7 Powerstroke's cold-start performance and fuel economy will continue to decline as soot accumulates. A delete kit stops this decline and restores the engine to its original state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a CCV delete damage my engine?
No, a properly installed CCV delete will not damage your engine. The system is designed to vent crankcase gases safely, and a catch can or breather filter accomplishes this just as effectively as the factory system. The main risk is if the delete is installed incorrectly — for example, if a hose is left disconnected or a fitting is loose, which could allow oil to leak or air to enter where it shouldn't.
Can I install a CCV delete myself if I've never worked on an engine?
It's possible but challenging. The job requires disconnecting and reconnecting hoses, understanding how they route through the engine bay, and ensuring all connections are tight. If you're not comfortable with basic engine work, having a shop do it is worth the cost to avoid mistakes. A poorly installed delete can cause oil leaks or performance issues.
How often do I need to drain a catch can?
Most owners drain every 1,000 to 2,000 miles, depending on driving conditions. Towing and city driving produce more blowby, so you may need to drain more often. Check your catch can monthly to see how much oil has accumulated, then adjust your draining schedule accordingly.
What's the difference between a catch can and an open vent?
A catch can collects oil and moisture before they exit, so you have to drain it regularly but the engine bay stays cleaner. An open vent lets gases exit directly to the atmosphere with no maintenance, but oily mist will coat the engine and undercarriage over time. Catch cans are more popular because they're cleaner and easier to manage long-term.
Will a CCV delete cause my truck to fail emissions testing?
It may, depending on your state's testing procedures. Some states test specifically for CCV system modifications; others may flag a check engine light if the delete is not done carefully. Before installing a kit, contact your local inspection station or check your state's emissions rules to understand the risk in your area.