Cleaning intercooler? WHAT TO USE?

[BLACKHAWK38]

NEW to GN, I am going to have intercooler taken off tomorrow and cleaned and inllet neck lined up better with turbo outlet and a new thicker hose. PLUS i am going to port the inlet neck just a little with a die grinder, i would like to have PTE's new stock location IC> but tommorow is an intermediate step.


I got a can of GUNK engine degreaser that is aluminum safe.

WIll also flush with water and then air dry with vaccum cleaner .

REGARDS<> Blackhawk38

 

[buickboy]

Sounds like a good plan to me (done a bunch). Only thing I would suggest is go to the carwash and use the high pressure spray on the fins and inside flush. Vacuum cleaner works great. good luck
Mitch

 

[Cheeseburger]

Use gas to clean the inside out........does a good job!

 

[2FAST4U]

I normally use gas or mineral spirits. The vaccuum works great to dry it out.

 

[scottyb]

Originally posted by 2FAST4U
I normally use gas or mineral spirits. The vaccuum works great to dry it out.

Gas here, too.
Almost 1 gallon, shake, and dump.
Another gallon, shake and save for lawn mower use.
Attach thin rag as a "filter" one one inlet/outlet, stuff shopvac with a rag as a gasket on the other, let vac for 5 minutes.

 

[strikeeagle]

Use race gas. C16 cleans MUCH BETTER and dries MUCH MORE QUICKLY (i.e. more volatile) than greasy, filthy pump gas. Sure, it's $8 a gallon, but you'll only use a gallon, and we're talking about an expensive intercooler here.

Do not use a pressure wash or compressed air. The fin to tube joints on the OEM intercoolers were very delicate when manufactured, and 17 yeasr of heat cycling hasn't helped. Treat the intercooler as gently as possible - breaking the fin to tube joints seriously compromises thermal performance. It ain't about PRETTY!

 

[turbodave231]

I use mineral spirits (solvent tank) and then I blow it out. I then use Simple Green (about a quart and a half) with Hot water from the garden hose hooked to my laundry sink. I let the water run for a good long time.

An old inner tube and a couple of clamps and you can pressure test it for leaks.

Inspect for damaged/corroded tubes. Pin holes due to corrosion are common in the "rust belt" cars I see. I fix the leaks with a dab of JB Weld or similar epoxy.

DR