6.7 PowerStroke CCV Delete Guide

First released in 2011, Ford’s 6.7 PowerStroke has remained one of the best turbo-diesel engines on the market. Featuring the best in class horsepower and torque, the PowerStroke combines outstanding performance with solid reliability. However, PowerStroke owners are almost never content leaving their vehicle completely stock. One of the most popular mods is the 6.7 PowerStroke CCV Delete. The CCV stands for “crankcase ventilation,” and it is an emissions-based component for the engine. For those considering a 6.7 PowerStroke CCV delete, read on to find out the pros and cons, benefits, and best CCV delete kits on the market.

Make sure to check out our other 6.7 PowerStroke content, including our 6.7 PowerStroke engine guide, 6.7 PowerStroke intake guide, 6.7 PowerStroke top performance mods guide, and our 6.7 PowerStroke turbo upgrade guide. 

What is a 6.7 PowerStroke CCV System?

Before we get into deleting and rerouting the PowerStroke’s CCV system, first let’s talk about what the CCV system is, what it does, and why Ford bothered including it in the first place. As mentioned, CCV stands for “crankcase ventilation.” The crankcase is the part of the engine block that houses and encloses the crankshaft. 

In terms of importance, the crankshaft is probably the most significant part of the engine. The crankshaft is spun by the pistons and connecting rods, and it transfers energy from the engine to the transmission. Since the crankcase surrounds the crankshaft, it sits just below the combustion chambers, and it contains the majority of the engine’s oil. 

The crankcase is separated from the combustion chamber by compression and oil rings on the sides of pistons. Ideally, you want there to be total separation between the combustion chamber and crankcase. However, in real world practice, a small amount of air and fuel almost always manages to escape from the combustion chamber into the crankcase by seeping past the rings. 

This is a phenomenon known as “blow-by”, and OEMs plan for it — this is where the CCV system comes into play. As the fuel and air mixture seeps into the crankcase it starts to build pressure. Unless that pressure is released the engine is liable to explode. The CCV system is essentially a tube and filter that vents air from the crankcase to release the pressure. Without the CCV, the engine will not last for very long due to a build-up of pressure. 

What Do Modern CCV Systems Do?

On early engines, the CCV system used to vent to the atmosphere. However, with modern emissions restrictions, turbo-diesel CCV systems now vent the blow-by back into the intake tract of the turbocharger. Venting to the atmosphere essentially releases raw emissions into the air stream, which is terrible for pollution. By rerouting the blow-by back into the intake system, the engine has a chance to reabsorb and reburn the air/fuel instead of just releasing it. 

From an emissions standpoint, this is great and helps curb pollution and reduce emissions. However, you can probably see the potential problems. Not only does injecting hot gasses into the intake raise intake temperatures, but CCV systems often have a tendency to be contaminated with oil.

That means instead of just blow-by going into the intake, small droplets of oil also make their way through, too. This is where the big problem lies. Oil deposits can form inside the intake and turbo, leading to premature turbo failure. Additionally, some of the oil inevitably gets sucked back into the combustion chamber, harming performance.

Are CCV Systems Really That Bad?

To be fair, the potential problems from blow-by and CCV systems are pretty greatly exaggerated on forums and by “influencers.” There is a reason that CCV (or PCV “positive crankcase ventilation” systems on non-direct injected engines) systems have been in place in all vehicles since the early-1960s: they work. The introduction of turbochargers did complicate things, but the OEM systems are generally not harmful for the engine.

For completely stock PowerStrokes, the CCV provides virtually no negative impact on the engine’s performance. However, on heavily modified trucks it can be different. The CCV system can become overwhelmed and start to push more oil and blow-by back into the turbocharger and engine. This can lead to failed turbos, loss of compression, and detonation. The more boost and power the engine makes usually the more blow-by will become a problem. 

What is a 6.7 PowerStroke CCV Delete?

So what exactly is a 6.7 PowerStroke CCV delete? It’s exactly what it sounds like: The removal or deletion of the OEM CCV system from the engine. A CCV delete involves getting rid of the CCV box and filter and replacing it with a single hose that vents to the atmosphere. With a 6.7 PowerStroke CCV delete you are still venting blow-by from the crankcase, but you are venting it into the atmosphere instead of the intake tract of the turbocharger. 

Most kits completely remove the CCV box instead of just bypassing it. Sometimes, these are known as CCV reroute kits, but they are the same thing as a CCV delete. As we mentioned, there is no way to have a functioning engine without a CCV vent. So call it a reroute or delete, it’s the same exact thing. 

6.7 Powerstroke CCV Delete Pros

There are a few pros to a 6.7 PowerStroke CCV delete.

• Stops blow-by and oil from reentering intake system
• Reduces buildup from blow-by and oil in turbocharger and engine
• Eliminates CCV box on top of engine (frees up space)
• Reduces intake temperatures
• Prevents CCV clogging
• No tuning required

As you can see, there are several benefits to deleting the CCV in the PowerStroke engine. Most importantly, deleting the CCV system stops blow-by from entering the turbocharger. This reduces oil buildup inside the turbocharger and engine. If enough oil gets into the combustion chamber, it can start to reduce compression and hurt performance. 

On stock vehicles, it’s generally not a problem, but on heavily modified vehicles it becomes more of an issue. The more you modify your truck and produce more horsepower and torque, the more blow-by inevitably makes its way into the crankcase and CCV system. 

In addition, a CCV delete removes the CCV box from on top of the engine. This is a nice way to free up some space under the hood which can make some areas easier to access. A CCV delete will also reduce intake temperatures, as the hot exhaust gasses will not be entering the turbo and making everything hotter and hurting performance.

Finally, a CCV delete will prevent the CCV system from failing or clogging, and it does not require tuning. It does not happen very often, but CCV systems can fail just like anything else. Removing the CCV eliminates a potential fail point from the engine. A CCV delete also does not require tuning, since it is not changing anything with the intake or exhaust. 

CCV Delete Con’s

There are also several cons to a 6.7 PowerStroke CCV delete.

• Removes required emissions equipment
• Potential check engine light
• Warranty concerns
• Turbo seal failure

By far, the biggest con to a 6.7 PowerStroke CCV delete is that it is illegal. The CCV is a required emissions system on the Ford PowerStroke engines. Removing the CCV is a violation of the EPA’s Clean Air Act. Technically, a CCV delete is only an option for pure race trucks that do not see the street, but many street enthusiasts use them.

A CCV delete is no different than deleting the DPF or any other emissions-based system. This can result in fines and tickets from authorities. You will also likely fail any visual inspections at emissions testing locations. Additionally, a frequent complaint from those who have deleted the CCV is check engine lights. Many people run into CELs related to the CCV system after deleting it. In some cases they are extremely frustrating to track down and eliminate. 

There have also been complaints about premature wearing of turbo seals if the CCV is deleted. Considering that protecting the turbo is one of the benefits of a CCV delete, this is important to keep in mind. 

Finally, removing such a crucial piece of your engine is a great way to have your engine’s warranty voided. Chances are, if you have a CCV delete and experience catastrophic failure, the dealership will point to the delete as a reason to deny coverage.

Should You Delete the 6.7 Powerstroke CCV System?

All of this begs the question: Should I delete my 6.7 PowerStroke CCV system? For most people, the answer is probably no. If your engine is stock or mostly stock, there is virtually no benefit from a CCV delete. Chances are you will hurt your warranty and run into emissions inspections problems.

However, if you have a heavily modified 6.7 PowerStroke, like with a turbo swap, a CCV delete may prove beneficial. Keep in mind, if you drive your truck on the street a CCV delete is illegal, but for race trucks it can be helpful when running extreme amounts of boost. 

How to Delete the 6.7 Powerstroke CCV System

A 6.7 PowerStroke CCV delete is relatively straightforward, but also can be very tedious. Basically, you unplug the OEM CCV system, remove the box and all components, plug the oil-drain return feed from the missing box, and install a new hose. The hose connects to the CCV vent from the crankcase on one side, and remains open on the other, allowing the blow-by to vent to the atmosphere. You can also reroute the hose into the exhaust system, but this is a much more involved process. 

CCV systems contain a baffle to stop oil from just flowing out of the system, and also to stop contaminates from getting in. The two most popular CCV delete kits are the SPE CCV reroute kit and the Dirty Diesel Customs CCV delete kit. Despite having different names, both kits accomplish the same exact purpose of removing the OEM CCV system and replacing it with a single hose that vents to the atmosphere. 

6.7 Powerstroke CCV Delete FAQ