Is there a nice safe way of cleaning the dirt and debris from the top mount intercooler?

I have had good success with engine degreaser around various other parts and was about to spray the same onto the intercooler fins (when I say spray, I of course do NOT mean with a pressure washer!!).

Is it safe to use any cleaner fluids on the intercooler, or am I at risk of introducing them down the piping and into the turbo/engine etc? :eek:

What do ya's reckon?

Hi, the intercooler is a sealed unit so there is no chance of getting cleaning flied down any pipes. As long as the fluid is safe with metal then you will be ok.

Hi, the intercooler is a sealed unit so there is no chance of getting cleaning flied down any pipes. As long as the fluid is safe with metal then you will be ok.

nice one! :thumb: I reckon I'll go give it a careful scrubbing now then. On this note though, has anyone ever had the intercooler 're-fined' as in, the fin's replaced?

Be interested in a ball park figure for getting that done.

Cheers again Hamyam!

i'd go for p21s total auto wash and a very gentle brush. don't use a pressure washer to rinse off, just the gentle flow of water from the hose pipe. take any end attachment off. reason for this is the pressure can bend the fins. be very carful when using the brush too. something like a pure hair decorators brush with long bristles and a gentle touch should do the trick. if you give it a scrub you'll risk bending the fins. so be gentle! ;)

I gave it as good as I think I could without applying too much pressure, and it hasn't made enough of a difference really.

I think I might just go and see about getting the core replaced entirely. Wouldn't hurt the bank too much I reckon! ;)

Depends on what model intercooler you have, might be a good time to change it for a more efficient one.

how long did you leave it to soak for?

i agree with hamyam. could be a good time to swap out for a bigger more efficient top mount or even down down the fmic route. factor in some money for remap though. i can't see the recoring being that cheap compared to a new unit.

or what about taking the old unit off and giving it a coat of paint now that it's clean?