Is a 6.7 Cummins CCV Delete Worth It? Pros & Cons Guide

The 6.7L Cummins diesel engine has a large rectangular filter called the CCV Filter located on top of the valve cover. This Cummins 6.7 CCV filter collects any oil mist, blow-by, or gases created during combustion.

Oil builds up fast in your 6.7 Cummins intake. It creates sludge that hurts parts and adds work. Many owners ask if a CCV delete or reroute can stop the mess for good.

A CCV delete or reroute stops oil mist from going back into the turbo and intake on your 6.7 Cummins. It gives a cleaner engine bay and cuts filter costs but brings legal risks, oil smells, and possible drips.

• 6.7 Cummins CCV Delete: This entails removing or altering the inside of the CCV filter by removing the filter element and using a block-off plate instead. The gases are routed straight out into the open air.
• 6.7 Cummins CCV Reroute: Uses a hose to move vapors away from the intake and instead vents them to the atmosphere to a catch can near the rear of the truck.

We see this mod on many diesel trucks every day. It changes how the engine handles crankcase vapors. In this article, we'll break down the 6.7 Cummins CCV delete real pros and cons, and whether deleting crankcase filter makes sense for your 6.7 Cummins.

Why Owners Consider a 6.7 Cummins CCV Delete/Reroute

The stock CCV filter often needs replacement. This takes time and money. Owners look for a delete or reroute to make their trucks run cleaner with less hassle.

Owners consider a CCV delete or reroute to keep oil vapor out of the intake, improving reliability and avoiding filter changes. It comes from diesel forums, and the delete culture for off-road and performance builds.

Why do so many truck owners want to pull their CCV filters? We talk to owners all the time about their 6.7 Cummins trucks. There are four main reasons.

Intake Cleanliness

Many tell us the factory system routes filtered vapors back into the turbo inlet. This keeps negative crankcase pressure and meets emissions rules. But the filter sits on top of the valve cover and traps oil mist.

We have seen this, when oil enters the turbo and intercooler piping, it creates a layer of film on high-mileage trucks due to the oil. When this is mixed with soot from the EGR system, it forms a very thick, dirty sludge that inhibits airflow into the engine.

Owners want intake cleanliness, so they remove or gut the filter and vent gases straight to the atmosphere in a full delete. Others choose a reroute and send vapors to a catch can or a tube out the back of the truck instead of back to the turbo. This cuts the recurring cost and labor of CCV filter swaps every 50k to 67k miles.

Reliability/Performance

Removal of the 6.7 Cummins CCV filters keeps charge air completely dry, which helps prevent gumming on the grid heater and intake valves.

We remember one owner with a tuned truck who got tired of pulling the filter and dealing with the mess. He switched to a reroute and said the engine bay looked better right away. The community pushes these mods because they promise better reliability and performance by keeping oil mist out of the charge-air system.

Maintenance Ease

The CCV filter is considered a high-maintenance and costly item for many owners. Depending on how it's used, CCV Filters may have to be replaced every 50,000 to 67,000 miles.

Community Influence

Popularity in diesel forums, such as discussions on Reddit, has fueled the "delete culture" for performance builds. The "delete culture" is strong in the diesel world.

Many owners of the 2016 or 2018 Ram 2500 CCV filter see a delete as a rite of passage for an off-road or performance-built truck.

No one wants to gum up components that can hurt driveability. We see this choice most on off-road rigs and performance builds where owners already modify other systems. The stock setup works fine for some, but many want the freedom of a simpler system without the factory routing.

Pros of a CCV Delete or Reroute for 6.7 Cummins

Oil sludge builds up and clogs your intake fast. This hurts efficiency and adds maintenance. A delete or reroute can stop the problem and keep things running smoothly. Is a 6.7 Cummins CCV delete good or bad?

A CCV delete or reroute gives a cleaner intake tract and longer life for the turbo and intercooler. It cuts maintenance and removes clutter in the engine bay without big tune-level power gains.

We test these mods on 6.7 Cummins trucks in our shop. We have pulled intakes apart and seen the difference.

From a purely mechanical standpoint, there are several pros:

• Cleaner intake tract: Removal of the oil source will reduce the formation of the commonly seen "intake sludge", which is the biggest benefit to filtering.
• Improved Component Durability: By keeping your turbo compressor wheel and internal intercooler fins free of debris, you're improving your engine's capability of efficiently transferring heat.
• Easier Access to Engine Bay: Removing these parts will enable you to have better access to the engine top for maintenance with fewer "Perform Service" messages.
• Increased efficiency: While the gains will not be huge, a cleaner route for air will allow the engine to produce consistent power.

We notice fewer issues with sticking parts. Owners also report modest efficiency gains. We had a customer with a 2018 Ram who did the reroute before a big trip. He said the truck pulled stronger and stayed cleaner during heavy towing.

Overall, these pros make the mod popular for owners who want reliability without constant filter changes. The system no longer pushes vapors back into the intake, so the whole charge-air side stays free of oil. We always note that gains stay modest, but the cleanliness pays off over the years of driving.

Cons and Risks of Deleting/Rerouting the CCV on 6.7 Cummins

Before you buy a delete kit, you must understand the 6.7 Cummins CCV delete problems. Emissions rules can get you in trouble if you modify the system. Legal risks worry many owners. We see real downsides that make some stick with the stock.

A CCV delete or reroute violates EPA law and can fail inspections. It may void your warranty, create oil smells and drips, and cause crankcase pressure problems if the hose is wrong.

Legal and Emissions Risks

If you tamper with the crankcase breather filter in the Cummins system, you will be breaking a federal law from the EPA.

If you have emissions testing where you live, your deleted 2017 Ram 2500 CCV filter setup will fail the test immediately. Any modification to emissions hardware is intended for off-road use only and will fail state inspections.

Warranty and Resale

When you modify your 6.7 Cummins CCV filter system, you can void your powertrain warranty. In addition, dealerships are also becoming less likely to take a crankcase filter ram 2500 on a trade-in if the emissions systems have been modified.

We warn owners about the downsides before they start. We tell everyone this mod is for off-road or competition use only. Warranty impact hits hard, too.

Environmental Impact

Deleting the system vents raw hydrocarbons and oil mist directly into the atmosphere, which the factory system is specifically designed to recapture and burn.

Oil Smells and Vapors

Atmospheric vents (full deletes) often produce a noticeable "diesel smell", oily haze around the truck, or "blue smoke" haze at idle, especially when idling or at a stoplight.

Ground Stains and Oil Drips

You will smell raw diesel oil when you vent to the atmosphere at stoplights. Furthermore, if you have a 6.7 Cummins CCV delete kit, you're typically going to find oil drips on your driveway as the mist that was burned through the engine.

We see oil smells and vapors as a daily complaint. Full deletes create a diesel smell, oily haze, or blue smoke at idle. Ground staining and oil drips follow. Oil mist condenses in the vent tube and leaves spots on driveways, garages, and the undercarriage.

Pressure Problems

If you do a DIY CCV delete Cummins 6.7 and use a hose that is too small, or you kink that hose, you will create excessive crankcase pressure, which can result in catastrophic failures.

Critical CCV Reroute Issues

If a reroute is performed incorrectly, it can destroy your engine:

• Crankcase Pressure Issues: Rerouting a crankcase vent hose that has become too small/or frozen in cold weather creates a back pressure situation leading to blown rear main seals, oil pan leaks, and/or large amounts of oil being forced out through the dipstick tube.
• Maintenance of Catch Cans: If you are using a 6.7 Cummins CV delete catch can, you have to make sure to drain it regularly, or if the reservoir gets full, it will back up into the intake.

A hose that is too small, kinked, or frozen in cold weather builds pressure. This can blow rear main seals, push oil out the dipstick, or cause oil pan leaks. If you add a catch can you must drain it often. Overfill lets oil back up into bad places.

We had one truck come in with a kinked hose after winter. The owner lost oil pressure and needed seal repairs. These risks add up so we always check the full picture before we recommend any change.

6.7 Cummins CCV Delete vs. CCV Reroute vs. Stock Maintenance

You want to know the best option for your truck. Stock keeps things legal, but costs add up. We compare all three, so you can pick the right path.

Stock maintenance keeps emissions legal and keeps the warranty, but it needs regular filter changes. A reroute gives a cleaner intake with some upkeep. A full delete offers max simplicity but more risks.

We put the options side by side for 6.7 Cummins owners. The table below shows the main benefits and drawbacks we see in real trucks.

Feature	Stock Maintenance	CCV Reroute (Catch Can)	Full CCV Delete (Open Vent)
Legality	100% Legal	Questionable / Off-road	Off-road only
Intake Health	Oil film buildup	Very clean	Maximum cleanliness
Cost	~$100 every 50k miles	$150–$300 (kit cost)	$50–$150 (kit cost)
Maintenance	Replace CCV filter (e.g., 6.7 Cummins)	Must drain the catch can periodically	No maintenance required

We use this table every time we talk to customers. Stock means you change the CCV filter every 50k to 67k miles. It costs money and labor but keeps everything factory and legal. We see many daily drivers stay with this and run hundreds of thousands of miles with no major issues.

The reroute with a catch can gives a cleaner intake and traps oil before it reaches the turbo. It works well on tuned builds, but you drain the can often, and legality stays gray.

We like it for balance. The full delete vents open and give the simplest setup with no filter costs ever. Intake stays the cleanest, but you deal with smells, drips, and bigger legal risks. We compare costs too. Stock filters run high each time.

Reroute kits cost more upfront but save later. Delete kits are the cheapest long-term, yet bring other expenses like possible repairs. We had a fleet owner run stock for years, then switch to rerouting on his high-mileage trucks.

He said the cleaner intake was worth the switch, but he still drains the can every oil change. Choose based on your use. Daily street trucks often stay stocked. Off-road or tuned trucks lean toward rerouting or delete.

How 6.7 Cummins CCV Delete/Reroute Interacts with EGR/DPF/DEF Deletes

Many owners combine a 6.7 Cummins CCV reroute with other performance mods. Full deletes change the whole engine setup. We explain the synergy so you know what to expect. Removing the EGR (soot) and the CCV (oil) effectively stops the formation of carbon sludge.

Many owners add a CCV reroute to a full delete package. It stops oil and soot from making sludge in the intake manifold. A CCV mod alone does not give big power or MPG gains as EGR DPF deletes.

Most 2019 Ram 3500 owners and those with 2021 Ram 2500 do not simply stop with the CCV filter. A lot of owners also seek out a complete 6.7 Cummins delete kit (EGR and DPF).

By deleting the EGR and DPF on 6.7 Cummins, you will have removed the soot from the engine. The combination of these modifications will keep the intake manifold looking like it did when it was new.

A CCV delete or reroute by itself does not deliver the massive power or MPG gains you get from EGR DPF deletes and tuning. We tell owners the CCV part is more about cleanliness and maintenance than huge performance jumps.

We worked on a 2020 Ram with all deletes and a CCV reroute. The owner towed heavy loads weekly. He said the combo kept the charge pipes spotless and the turbo responsive.

Without the CCV reroute, the oil would still gum things up even after the EGR delete. The interaction helps tuned builds the most. We always check the whole setup together.

If you already have EGR DPF deletes, then adding CCV reroute makes sense for long-term reliability. It completes the clean-air picture. We do not push full deletes on street trucks, but for off-road or competition rigs, the combo is common and effective.

Is a 6.7 Cummins CCV Delete or Reroute Really Necessary?

The answer depends on your usage. We weigh both sides so you can decide on your truck.

The no camp says daily drivers do fine with regular filter changes for hundreds of thousands of miles. The yes camp says high-horsepower heavy-towing or high-mileage trucks need a reroute to stop oil pooling in the intercooler.

• The "No" Camp: The best option for daily drivers is to simply learn how to maintain the CCV filter 6.7 Cummins to keep it in good shape for years.
• The "Yes" Camp: Built for high horsepower or towing heavy, with high volume of blowby, a CCV filter delete on the Cummins prevents pooled oil from being trapped in the intercooler.

We hear both sides in our shop every week. The no camp makes good points for most owners. We had a towing rig with 250k miles that showed oil in the intercooler boots. The owner added a reroute, and the problem stopped.

We use critical thinking here. Not every truck needs the mod. Check your use first. If you drive mostly city and highway with light loads stock works fine. But if you tow too heavy or run big power, a reroute helps stop the buildup before it starts.

We do not consider it necessary for everyone. It becomes a smart choice when maintenance costs rise, or sludge shows up early. We always suggest diagnosis first. Sometimes a new filter fixes symptoms without any delete.

Think about your truck, your location, and your goals. We help owners match the mod to real needs instead of trends.

Common Symptoms of Ram 6.7 Cummins CCV Filter Issues

Before deciding if putting in a CCV delete on your 6.7 Cummins is beneficial, the following are examples of symptoms indicating whether your CCV Filter has failed or not. Your truck starts acting odd. You see oil or smoke.

Common symptoms include oil in the charge pipes, dashboard alerts, visible blue smoke, turbo lag, and vapors from the oil fill cap. Diagnosis first can save you from bigger repairs.

We list the signs so you catch problems early before they grow.

• Oil in Charge Pipes: After taking off the intercooler boot, there is oil in the intercooler.
• Dashboard Alerts: The "Perform Service" Message (typically a ram 6.7 CCV filter issue).
• Visible Smoke: Blue haze or smoke coming out of the exhaust; condensation evaporating from the oil fill cap upon opening.
• Turbo Lag: The VGT vanes may build up with oil and soot, which can lead to increased turbo lag.

If you experience any of the above symptoms, either replace the CCV Filter or modify the CCV System.

We check these signs before any mod. One truck came in with blue smoke at idle. We found the CCV filter clogged and replaced it. The smoke stopped, and no delete was needed.

We tell owners diagnosis comes first. A bad or clogged filter can cause oil in the intake, restricted airflow, and even oil leaks if pressure builds. We pull the filter, inspect the system, and test the pressure.

Sometimes, a simple filter swap or hose check solves it. We use this step to avoid unnecessary deletes. If symptoms point to a failing CCV, we discuss options.

But we never jump to delete without confirming the root cause. This saves time and money. Watch for these signs on your Ram. Catch them early, and your 6.7 Cummins stays reliable longer.

6.7 Cummins CCV Delete/Reroute Installation Overview and Difficulty

To install a 6.7 CCV delete kit, you will need basic tools and a moderate skill level. We walk through the steps so you know what to expect and avoid mistakes.

Installation is a moderate DIY task. Remove the factory filter, install a bypass plate, or gut the filter and route a one-inch hose. Use quality kits to stop oil leaks.

1. Access: Remove the plastic engine cover.
2. Removal: Remove the factory 6.7 Cummins CCV filter housing by using a wrench to remove the bolts.
3. Gutting/Bypass: You can either "gut" (remove the insides of) the factory ccv filter housing or install a bypass plate.
4. Routing: Connecting a 1" hose to the vent port of the CCV filter and routing it down the frame rail, making sure the hose does not kink, creating pressure buildup.

We guide many owners through this install. The job rates moderate for DIY. You need basic tools and a few hours.

Using a quality 6.7 Cummins crankcase filter delete kit from a reputable manufacturer is recommended rather than buying the same product. Cheap parts cause oil sweating around connections. We had a customer use a budget kit and saw leaks after a week. A good kit fixed it fast.

Pro tip: check hose routing to avoid kinks. Secure everything and test for pressure.

We do this in our shop, and it takes about two hours. For rerouting, add the catch can and plan a drain spot. Full delete needs a vent tube routed away from the cab. We always check seals after installation.

A clean job means no oil drips later. We recommend watching a good video and having the right parts ready. Most owners finish it without issues if they follow the steps.

We like that it simplifies the bay and ends filter changes. Just remember safety, and work on a cool engine. The install pays off with cleaner operation if done right.

FAQs

What does a CCV delete do on a 6.7 Cummins?

When you install the CCV Delete System, it allows you to vent all the crankcase vapors and oil mist outside instead of running it through the turbocharger and back into the intake manifold.

Is installing a CCV Delete System on a 6.7 Cummins worth it?

If you drive an off-road truck or have made extreme modifications, installing a CCV Delete System would definitely be beneficial.

Will installing a CCV Delete System help me increase my horsepower or improve my fuel mileage?

No, the delete system will improve your engine's efficiency slightly; however, the gain will typically not be measurable on a vehicle dynamometer and will not result in noticeable improvement in your fuel economy at the pump.

Could I create leaks using the CCV Delete System?

Yes, if the vent line is pinched or clogged, you could create additional pressure inside your crankcase, which can potentially leak out the rear/main/front crank seals.

What is the average interval to change the CCV filter while keeping it stock?

The standard change interval is roughly 67,500 miles, although many owners replace the CCV filter every 50,000 miles for peace of mind.

Is a CCV delete better than a reroute?

A reroute with a catch can is usually better because it still allows the engine to be protected but prevents the oil mess.

Is a CCV delete necessary if my 6.7 Cummins already has EGR/DPF deletes and tuning?

Not required; however, you should perform a CCV reroute to help prevent oil from building up in the turbo and intercooler.

What negative effects could a blocked CCV cause?

High crankcase pressure, leaking oil, "Service CCV" warning lights on the dash, and possible turbo seal failure.

Can an improper CCV setup cause harm to the engine?

Yes. Poor venting will result in excessive backpressure, which can lead to leaking oil and damaging seals.

What's the difference between a cheap DIY CCV delete and a quality kit on a 6.7 Cummins?

Good quality kits will be designed to fit properly, have good quality (durable) hoses, and be designed with some type of baffle to eliminate common leaks and kinks found with homemade setups.

Final Verdict: Who Should Delete?

Whether or not you choose to perform a 6.7 Cummins delete really depends on your preference for risk-taking.

It is great for people with greater than 150,000 miles on an out-of-spec, higher-mileage truck that has experienced sludge build-up in the intake system, but don't mind if they smell like oil.

For people who drive in California or for people who have purchased a new vehicle and intend to use it under the terms of an existing factory warranty, it may not be feasible.

In most cases, for street vehicles, replacing a quality filter every 50,000 miles is the best way to protect warranties and stay in compliance with emissions standards.

In contrast, CCV reroutes that include a catch can are the best option for performance or off-road builds, offering a way to keep your intake clean and free of the mess that comes with using an open air vent.

A CCV reroute keeps your 6.7 Cummins intake clean and cuts maintenance. We recommend EGR Performance kits as the best choice to solve your problem for good.

We use EGR Performance on many trucks and see fewer issues and better long-term results. Their support and quality stand out. If you go the mod route, choose EGR Performance to solve the intake problem the right way.

More Reading

• What's a CCV Filter
• Crankcase ventilation system
• Crankcase Ventilation Systems