Need advice cleaning out intercooler.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,375
Likes: 97
From: Somewhere in the Mid 9's TX
Need advice cleaning out intercooler.
I wanted how you guys would go about cleaning out an intercooler. I had a impeller on my my blower go bad during my motor break in. Car wasn't under any boost and just cruising at 65 mph. Intake, motor is fine, but tomorrow I'm taking it apart and installing the new head unit. I want to insure I get any metal out that might be in there.
I was going to seal a leaf blower to the outlet side of the intercooler and blow it out that way. I guess pressurized water would work also. Any suggestions are welcome.
I was going to seal a leaf blower to the outlet side of the intercooler and blow it out that way. I guess pressurized water would work also. Any suggestions are welcome.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,755
Likes: 88
From: Pearland Texas
Yeah mark I used all the above before. And like Unreal said I used lacquer thinner that I had laying around to pour down it to remove any oily residue then flushed with a mild mix of soapy water. Not much soap either just a little shot of Dawn and then just flushed with the water hose for a bit. I know it was over kill but none of it takes long when its out of the car etc... Then just blew it out again.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,375
Likes: 97
From: Somewhere in the Mid 9's TX
Yeah mark I used all the above before. And like Unreal said I used lacquer thinner that I had laying around to pour down it to remove any oily residue then flushed with a mild mix of soapy water. Not much soap either just a little shot of Dawn and then just flushed with the water hose for a bit. I know it was over kill but none of it takes long when its out of the car etc... Then just blew it out again.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,375
Likes: 97
From: Somewhere in the Mid 9's TX
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,755
Likes: 88
From: Pearland Texas
I was at the last Quick 30, but today I'm working days I've watched most of it on HTC as he's streaming it live etc...
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 245
Likes: 16
From: nj
Wash it out with something that will break down oil first. I wouldnt use something flammable if your going to use a leaf blower or let it air out first
. Do all rinsing from the outlet side. While using the leaf blower take a small hammer and tap on the cooler to help dislodge anything. Blow gun isnt enough air.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,844
Likes: 144
From: Northern Ireland
Brake cleaner or petrol etc is always good for cleaning. Just fill it up, give it a good slosh about for a while and then allow it to drain via the dirty/intake side to hopefully flush anything out.
Although mechanical debris from a blower failure...chances of any of that debris making it all the way through the core to put an engine at risk is almost zero.
Although mechanical debris from a blower failure...chances of any of that debris making it all the way through the core to put an engine at risk is almost zero.
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