Hi everyone.

I have just picked up an STI top mount intercooler for my 98 impreza. Unfortunately, upon inspection I have noted a small nic in one of the pipes and I'm concerned about leaks.

Can anyone advice of a) a diy way of checking the intercooler for leaks whilst off the car and b) a way to patch if found to be leaking.

I spoke to a guy who said that the aluminium may be a little too thin to weld!?

Thanks in advance.

 

That's gonna leak by the look of it. On the plus side you can get aluminium brazing rods which require far less heat, I've used them a few times with excellent results.

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ALUMINIUM-...item27f8fe608c

 

I've checked intercoolers in the past with a motor bike inner tube, it's obviously got to be the right size to fit over the outlet and inlet pipes. Cut through the inner tube opposite the valve then fit the two open ends over the the inlet and outlet pipes, pump up with your airline and check for leaks with soapy water