Leaking intercooler

[opeltwinturbo]

After making a killer pass at ATCO (7.82 @ 182.50) a few weeks ago the Opel began running like it had a V8 ($hitty). It began missing, sputtering, and wouldn't boost. I made two passes with the car after the problems started then loaded it up. Today I discovered the problem. My custom made CAS liquid to air intercooler was full of water on the air side. Under boost it was pumping H20 into the intake. Plugs look bad, haven't had the heads off yet. Fortunately, I was pulling the motor for its winter freshening up.

My question is this. If this had been slowly leaking throughout the summer, what types of indications would I have noticed in FAST? Duty cycle, AF, etc. Opinions welcome.

 

[EightSecV6]

I dont know how much h2o you got out of it but mine usually spills 8-10oz when removing it after a race due to condensation. I rigged up a fixture to pressurize the water side and then dunk it in a tub of water and look for bubbles!

 

[strikeeagle]

Ah, unintended water injection. Hey, maybe you're speeding up, not slowing down???

 

[opeltwinturbo]

When I pulled off the 3" left side turbo HP air to the intercooler, I got about one gallon of water. For the car to just go from kill pass to POS pass tells me it is leaking. The intercooler is out and will be cut open like a converter to check for leaks. I'll probably go with the PTE 1800 if I switch. I am relocating the IC to the passenger seat area. Bracket weight alone is a 15# weight savings. Also switching to 16V electrical system. Alternator weight savings of another 15#. The fat Opel (#2700 with driver) is going on a diet. Now, what about the driver.

 

[EightSecV6]

Cut it open!!!! Good luck on your quest to make the Opel lighter, My GN just seems to keep getting heavier! (the driver diet thing aint happening!!!) Looking forward to your Riv project.

 

[The Radius Kid]

Originally posted by opeltwinturbo
After making a killer pass at ATCO (7.82 @ 182.50) a few weeks ago the Opel began running like it had a V8 ($hitty). It began missing, sputtering, and wouldn't boost. I made two passes with the car after the problems started then loaded it up. Today I discovered the problem. My custom made CAS liquid to air intercooler was full of water on the air side. Under boost it was pumping H20 into the intake. Plugs look bad, haven't had the heads off yet. Fortunately, I was pulling the motor for its winter freshening up.

My question is this. If this had been slowly leaking throughout the summer, what types of indications would I have noticed in FAST? Duty cycle, AF, etc. Opinions welcome.

Thinking about water injection ?