Skip to content
The CCV System on the 6.7L Powerstroke and How to Rethink It ?

The CCV System on the 6.7L Powerstroke and How to Rethink It ?

🔑 Key Takeaways
  • The factory 6.7L Powerstroke CCV system routes oily crankcase vapors through the turbo and intercooler—gradually coating and degrading both
  • A CCV reroute with oil-air separator captures oil mist while venting clean crankcase pressure, keeping the intake tract pristine
  • Full CCV delete removes the entire factory filter assembly for maximum clearance, ideal for high-performance builds
  • Unlike EGR/DPF modifications, CCV mods are generally reversible and have fewer regulatory concerns

If you own a 6.7L Powerstroke, you already know it's a beast of an engine—but even beasts have their weak points. One of the most overlooked yet troublesome areas is the factory Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) system. On paper, it handles blow-by gases, traps oil mist, and keeps crankcase pressure in check. In reality, it often becomes a headache: clogged filters, oil soaking your intercooler and turbo, and mounting maintenance bills. That's why a growing number of owners are ditching the stock setup in favor of a CCV delete or reroute.

But which route is right for you—full removal or a separator-based reroute? And how do these mods actually affect performance, emissions, and long-term reliability? In this guide, we'll break down exactly how the factory CCV works, where it fails, and how the right aftermarket kit can save your turbo—and your sanity.

The Three Core Jobs of the CCV System

On the 6.7L Powerstroke diesel, the crankcase ventilation (CCV) system isn't just a minor player. It handles three critical tasks:

Blow-by Recycling 

 Combustion gases that leak past the piston rings into the crankcase are pulled out and fed back into the intake, where they mix with fresh air and get burned again. In theory, this offers a small fuel economy benefit.

Contaminant Trapping

Oil mist, soot particles, and unburned hydrocarbons get captured here, preventing them from depositing inside the combustion chamber. That means less carbon buildup from the start.

Maintaining Negative Pressure 

The system constantly draws vapor out, keeping the crankcase under a slight vacuum. That lowers the risk of oil seeping past seals and gaskets.

The Original Design's Achilles' Heel

But over the long haul, the factory design starts showing its weak spots:

  • Clogging filters – Oil mist and gunk gradually plug up the filter media, killing efficiency. Once the filter gets near saturation, crankcase pressure balance goes out the window.

  • Pressure backfire – When crankcase pressure climbs too high, oily vapor gets forced back into the intake, eventually forming stubborn deposits inside the intercooler and turbocharger.

  • Shorter service intervals – The filter needs frequent swapping. Under heavy loads, change intervals get noticeably shorter.

To keep oily vapor from invading the intake and intercooler, the factory setup has two possible paths:

  • CCV reroute – Divert the vapor away from the intake tract.

  • Full CCV delete – Rip out the entire system (less common).

Part III: Two Different Roads – Delete vs. Reroute

Plenty of owners choose to modify the system to get around its factory flaws. Today, the market offers two main approaches – CCV delete and CCV reroute. People often confuse them, but they work very differently.

Path A: CCV Delete – Outright Elimination

A true CCV delete means removing the entire factory crankcase ventilation setup and venting crankcase gases straight to the atmosphere. The logic here is simple: if the factory system causes so many problems, just get rid of it entirely.

For 11-23 Ford 6.7L Powerstroke CCV/PCV Reroute/Delete Engine Ventilation Kit

This CCV delete kit uses quality aluminum and reinforced rubber. The black anodized finish adds durability and looks good under the hood. It vents crankcase gases cleanly while also freeing up engine bay space for other mods.

The 11-23 Ford 6.7L CCV/PCV Delete Engine Kit vents crankcase gases cleanly.

Big Upsides of a CCV Delete

  • Intake system stays completely free of oil contamination – intake manifold, turbo, and intercooler stay clean.

  • Less carbon buildup, which noticeably slows down EGR valve clogging.

  • Turbo blades don't get coated with oil, so they last longer.

  • No more recurring costs and downtime for CCV filter changes.

  • Air-fuel ratio stays consistent, giving sharper throttle response.

Path B: CCV Reroute – Gentler but Effective

A CCV reroute keeps the ventilation function working but changes where the gases end up. The most common method is adding an oil-air separator can in the system.

2011-2023 6.7L Ford Powerstroke CCV PCV Reroute Engine Ventilation Kit

This advanced CCV kit comes with a well-designed oil-air separator can that minimizes pressure loss between baffles, keeps airflow smooth, and efficiently filters engine oil out of the crankcase vapor.

2011-2023 6.7L Ford CCV Reroute Kit can minimize the pressure loss between the partitions to ensure smooth airflow

Big Upsides of a CCV Reroute

  • Drastically cuts the amount of oil reaching the intake (though it can't eliminate it 100%).

  • Keeps the original emissions-control idea alive – cleaner than a full delete.

  • Intake system cleanliness improves dramatically, without the legal risks of a full delete.

  • In areas that require vehicle inspections, this mod usually passes a visual check much more easily.

Installation & Maintenance

Installation Process

  • Locate the CCV assembly on the driver-side valve cover.
  • Remove the factory piping and fittings.
  • Install the delete or reroute kit.
  • Make sure the new plumbing stays away from hot components.
  • Check for a good seal and any leaks.
    Most kits take 1–2 hours with basic tools – some mechanical experience helps.

Is the Delete Worth It?

For most owners, a CCV reroute kit delivers more upside than downside. It's a proactive mod that protects your expensive turbo and intercooler, keeps engine efficiency up, and cuts long-term maintenance costs. Given what it prevents, it's a pretty smart upgrade for the money.

Post-Mod Maintenance

  • Periodically check that all connections stay tight.

  • Keep an eye out for any signs of leakage.

  • Then just enjoy a cleaner, happier engine.

Conclsion

The factory CCV system on the 6.7L Powerstroke serves three main purposes—recycling blow-by gases, controlling oil mist and contaminants, and maintaining crankcase negative pressure. But over time, filter clogging, pressure imbalances, and oil buildup in the turbo and intercooler become all too common. That's why many owners turn to one of two proven modifications: a full CCV delete for those who want a completely clean intake tract, or a CCV reroute with an oil-air separator for a more emissions-friendly, inspection-passing solution.

At www.seguler.com , we've helped thousands of Powerstroke owners make the right call for their trucks—whether it's a heavy-duty CCV delete kit or a high-efficiency reroute setup. No recurring filter changes. No oil-coated intercoolers. Just cleaner, sharper, more reliable performance mile after mile.

FAQs About 6.7 Powerstroke CCV Delete

Q1: Can I delete both the CCV and the EGR at the same time?

A1: Yes, you can. In fact, a lot of diesel enthusiasts do exactly that to squeeze out maximum power, cut down on carbon buildup, and reduce long-term maintenance headaches. But here's the catch: messing with any emissions-related parts can run you afoul of regulations and void your factory warranty. 

Q2: My truck is mostly a daily driver, which mod makes more sense?

A2: If your pickup spends the vast majority of its time on paved roads, installing a CCV reroute kit with an oil-air separator is the smarter play—not a full delete. Outright CCV removal is really only at home on track-only rigs or hardcore off-road toys. 

Q3: How often does a CCV delete system need maintenance?

A3: That depends on which kit you go with. A basic reroute setup is pretty much set-it-and-forget-it. But if you're running a system with an oil-air separator can, check the can's fluid level every time you change your oil, and drain it as needed—especially if you tow heavy or put a lot of highway miles on the truck. 

Q4: Will deleting the CCV mess up my turbo?

A4: It can—but it mostly comes down to how well the crankcase gases are routed. If the plumbing isn't designed right, it can put extra pressure on the turbo's oil seals, which leads to leaks and eventually damage. 

Q5: Will the dealer be able to tell I deleted the CCV?

A5: Almost certainly. Dealer techs typically figure it out two ways: first, by scanning the OBD system for specific trouble codes (like flow or pressure abnormalities), and second—by just popping the hood and looking. 

Previous article Should You Upgrade the EGR on Your 6.7L Powerstroke? Here's the Truth
Next article The Complete Guide to LML Duramax EGR: From Principles to Three-Stage Upgrade

Leave a comment

* Required fields