6.7L Powerstroke CCV Delete: Pros, Cons & What You Need to Know

Thinking about deleting your 6.7 Powerstroke CCV system? It's one of the most debated mods on the platform.

This guide breaks it down straight — what the CCV does, why people delete it, the real benefits, the real drawbacks, and who should actually do it.

No fluff. Straight answers written for mechanics and truck owners who already know their way around a diesel.

What is the CCV System?

CCV = Crankcase Ventilation. It's the system that routes blow-by gases from the crankcase back into the intake tract to be re-burned.

On the 6.7 Powerstroke, blow-by carries oil mist, moisture, and carbon particles. The factory CCV routes all of that back into the intake tract before the turbo — the oil mist then passes through the turbo, intercooler, and charge pipes before reaching the manifold.

Over time, that oily mist coats the intercooler, charge pipes, intake manifold, and EGR cooler — reducing efficiency and contributing to carbon buildup.

A CCV delete reroutes those gases away from the intake — either venting them to atmosphere or into a catch can — so clean air is all that enters the engine.

Pros of CCV Delete

Here's what you actually gain from deleting the CCV on a 6.7 Powerstroke or Duramax.

  • ✅
    Cleaner intake tract No more oil mist coating the intercooler, charge pipes, and intake manifold. Airflow stays cleaner and more consistent over time.
  • ✅
    Reduced carbon buildup Blow-by gases are a primary source of carbon deposits on intake valves and in the manifold. Removing them from the intake loop slows that buildup significantly.
  • ✅
    Better turbo response A clean intake means the turbo is working with denser, uncontaminated air. Some owners report noticeably crisper throttle response after the delete.
  • ✅
    Intercooler stays cleaner longer Oil coating the intercooler core reduces heat transfer efficiency. Eliminating blow-by from the intake keeps the intercooler working as designed.
  • ✅
    Easier diagnosis of oil consumption Once blow-by is routed to a catch can, you can actually measure how much oil your engine is passing. Useful diagnostic tool on high-mileage engines.
  • ✅
    Slows EGR cooler contamination on trucks with EGR intact On trucks that still have the EGR in place, blow-by accelerates EGR cooler contamination. The CCV delete slows that process down.
  • ✅
    No tune required Unlike a DPF or EGR delete, the CCV delete is a purely mechanical change. The ECM doesn't monitor the CCV circuit — no fault codes, no tune needed.

Cons of CCV Delete

It's not all upside. Here's what to consider before pulling the trigger.

  • ⚠️
    Venting to atmosphere is illegal in many states Even a catch can with an open breather may still violate emissions laws — open venting is regulated regardless of filtration. A legal closed system must route filtered air back into the intake. Check your local regulations before choosing a setup.
  • ⚠️
    Catch can requires maintenance If you route to a catch can, you need to drain it regularly. Neglect it and it backs up — potentially causing crankcase pressure issues.
  • ⚠️
    Won't fix a worn engine If your engine has high blow-by because of worn rings or cylinder walls, the CCV delete won't fix the root cause. It just redirects the symptom.
  • ⚠️
    May void powertrain warranty On newer trucks under warranty, modifying the CCV system can give the dealer grounds to deny related warranty claims.
  • ⚠️
    Oil mist exits somewhere Whatever you vent to — catch can or atmosphere — there's still oil leaving the engine. It's managed better, but it doesn't disappear.
  • ⚠️
    Won't pass visual emissions inspection In states with visual checks, a modified CCV system may fail inspection even if exhaust emissions are within limits.

Who Should Delete vs Who Shouldn't

Quick decision guide. Where do you fit?

✓ Delete it if...

  • Truck is out of warranty
  • Already deleted (DPF/EGR)
  • High mileage work truck
  • Towing heavy regularly
  • You want a cleaner intake long-term
  • Off-road or track use

Bottom line: The CCV delete makes the most sense on a truck that's already been deleted or is being built for performance. On a stock daily driver under warranty in an emissions state, the risk outweighs the benefit.

Ready to clean up your intake? Shop all CCV upgrade kits and diesel accessories.

Shop CCV Kits

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a CCV delete require a tune? ▼
No. The CCV delete is a purely mechanical mod. The ECM doesn't monitor the crankcase ventilation circuit, so there are no fault codes and no tune is required. It's one of the few performance upgrades on the 6.7 that you can bolt on and drive.
What's the difference between a CCV delete and a catch can? ▼
A CCV delete reroutes blow-by gases away from the intake entirely — either venting to atmosphere or into a catch can. A catch can is the recommended setup because it captures the oil mist rather than releasing it. The upgrade kits listed above reroute the CCV to a catch can system.
Will a CCV delete fix white smoke or oil consumption? ▼
Not directly. If you have excessive blow-by causing white smoke or high oil consumption, that's a symptom of worn rings or cylinder walls — the CCV delete doesn't fix the root cause. What it does is prevent that blow-by from contaminating your intake. It's a management solution, not a repair.
How often do I need to drain the catch can? ▼
Check it every oil change — that's the easiest habit to build. On a healthy engine you'll likely see minimal accumulation. On a higher mileage engine with more blow-by, you may need to drain it more frequently. If the catch can fills quickly, that's a signal worth investigating further.
Does the CCV delete work on both Powerstroke and Duramax? ▼
Yes — the principle is the same on both platforms. We carry direct-fit kits for the 6.7L Powerstroke (2011–2025), GM Duramax L5P (2017–2024), and GM Duramax LML (2012–2016). Each kit is specific to the engine's CCV port location and hose routing.
Is the CCV delete worth it? ▼
On a deleted or high-mileage work truck — yes, it's worth it. Cleaner intake, slower carbon buildup, and a diagnostic window into engine health via the catch can. On a stock daily driver under warranty in an emissions state, the risk-reward math doesn't stack up as well. Know your use case before committing.

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