If you're tired of seeing oil residue caked all over your turbo compressor, it might be time to look into a ccv filter delete cummins kit for your truck. Most guys running a 6.7 Cummins eventually get fed up with the stock crankcase ventilation system because, let's be honest, it's a bit of a mess. The factory setup is designed to take oily mist from the crankcase and dump it right back into the turbo inlet. While that makes the EPA happy, it doesn't do much for the long-term cleanliness or efficiency of your engine.
Why the Factory CCV Setup Is Such a Headache
When you first get your truck, everything feels tight and clean, but after a few thousand miles, that stock CCV filter starts to show its age. The whole point of the Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) system is to manage the pressure that builds up inside the engine block. As the pistons move, a bit of combustion gas leaks past the rings—that's called blow-by. This gas is mixed with oil mist, and it has to go somewhere.
On a stock Cummins, that "somewhere" is right back into your intake. Over time, that oily film coats the inside of your turbo, your intercooler, and all your charge pipes. If you've ever pulled an intercooler boot and had a tablespoon of black oil drip out on your driveway, you know exactly what I'm talking about. It ruins the rubber boots, makes everything greasy, and can even lead to carbon buildup on the valves.
What a CCV Filter Delete Actually Does
Doing a ccv filter delete cummins basically reroutes those gases so they aren't choking your turbo. Instead of feeding that oily air back into the intake, a delete kit usually replaces the restrictive factory filter with a high-flow internal piece and redirects the vent hose.
Most kits come with a "re-route" hose that vents the gases down toward the ground or into a catch can. This means your turbo only breathes fresh, clean air. It's a simple mechanical change, but it makes a massive difference in how clean the "cold side" of your engine stays. Plus, you won't have to keep buying those expensive replacement CCV filters every 60,000 miles or whenever the overhead console starts nagging you with a "Service CCV Filter" message.
The Big Benefits of Making the Switch
The most immediate thing you'll notice is that your turbo stays spotless. When the compressor wheel isn't constantly getting hit with oil mist, it stays balanced and efficient. Beyond that, there are a few other reasons why people swear by this mod:
- Saving Money on Maintenance: Those OEM filters aren't cheap. By deleting the filter, you're removing a recurring maintenance item from your list forever.
- Lowering Crankcase Pressure: A clogged CCV filter can cause pressure to build up in the crankcase, which can eventually lead to oil leaks at the rear main seal or the oil pan gasket. Removing the restriction helps the engine "breathe" better.
- Cleaner Intercooler: Your intercooler is designed to cool down air, not store oil. Keeping oil out of the intercooler ensures you're getting the best heat exchange possible, which helps keep EGTs (Exhaust Gas Temperatures) in check.
- Longevity of Silicone Boots: Oil is the enemy of rubber and silicone. By stopping the oil flow through the intake, your boots will last much longer without getting soft and blowing off under boost.
Understanding the "Open" vs. "Closed" Systems
When you look into a ccv filter delete cummins setup, you'll usually see two options. An "open" system is the most common for guys looking for simplicity. It involves a hose that runs from the top of the valve cover down past the transmission, venting straight to the atmosphere. It's old-school, effective, and there are no moving parts to worry about.
The downside to an open system is that you might smell a bit of that oily "diesel scent" when you're sitting at a red light with the windows down. It's not overwhelming, but it's there. Some people actually like the smell—it's part of the diesel experience—but others find it annoying.
A "closed" system usually involves a catch can. The gases go into a canister that filters out the oil, and then the "clean" air is sent back into the intake. This is a bit more complex and requires you to drain the catch can every once in a while, but it's a good middle ground if you want to keep the intake clean without the smell or the occasional drip on the driveway.
Is It Hard to Install?
Honestly, this is one of the easier mods you can do on a Cummins. If you can use a screwdriver and a socket set, you can probably handle this in an hour or two in your driveway. Most kits are bolt-on. You usually have to remove the plastic beauty cover on top of the engine, unbolt the factory CCV filter housing, and swap in the delete plate or the high-flow internal piece.
The trickiest part is usually routing the hose. You want to make sure it doesn't have any "dips" where oil or condensation can pool up and freeze in the winter. You want a nice, steady downward slope so everything can drain out naturally. Also, make sure you don't zip-tie the hose to anything that gets too hot, like the exhaust manifold.
The Legal Side of Things
It wouldn't be right to talk about a ccv filter delete cummins without mentioning the legalities. Technically, any time you're messing with emissions equipment, you're walking into a gray area—or a very black-and-white area depending on where you live. In states with strict emissions testing like California, this mod will likely cause you to fail a visual inspection.
Since the CCV system is part of the engine's emissions controls, removing it or venting it to the atmosphere is technically for "off-road use only." If you live in a place that does annual smog checks, you might want to hang onto your factory parts just in case you need to swap them back on for a day.
Dealing With the "Drip"
If you go with an open vent (the "puke tube" style), you're going to notice a couple of drops of oil on the ground where you park. It's usually not much—just a tiny bit of residue that collects in the hose—but if you're a stickler for a clean driveway, it's something to keep in mind.
Some guys solve this by putting a small breather filter on the end of the hose, while others just park on the street. It's a small price to pay for a clean turbo, but it's worth mentioning so you aren't surprised the first time you see a dark spot on your concrete.
Final Thoughts on the CCV Delete
At the end of the day, a ccv filter delete cummins is all about peace of mind and engine longevity. It's one of those "set it and forget it" mods that actually helps the engine run cleaner in the long run. You're getting rid of a restrictive filter, keeping your intake system free of sludge, and potentially saving yourself some headache with oil leaks down the road.
If you can live with the slight smell of oil and the fact that you're technically modifying an emissions component, it's one of the best bang-for-your-buck upgrades for a 6.7 Cummins. Your turbo will definitely thank you for the fresh air, and your wallet will thank you next time you don't have to shell out $100+ for a new paper filter that's just going to get clogged again anyway. Just take your time with the hose routing, make sure everything is sealed up tight, and enjoy a much cleaner engine bay.