Just wanted to know if anyone has cleaned their intercooler, I’m aware that oil is deposited in there and sets on the surfaces thus creates a thermal barrier so making it inefficient, resulting in higher charge temperatures etc etc,we know the results...
Can anyone recommend what to flush it out with?? De-greaser, hot water, any ideas??

 

I used Alcohol in my old IC. Filled it up, swilled it round, and emptied it out.
Flushed it through again, then left to dry. The Alcohol will evaporate eventually.

Easy for me, as I had access to the neat Alcohol through work!

 

As above alchohol or most cleaning solvents will do the job, not sure how it will effect the seals on the end tanks though..

I wouldnt use a degreaser as they tend to leave a manky residue, a basic detergent like washing up liquid should do the job to.

 

Did mine with petrol, 1/3 fill slosh about and drain. Used the petrol in the lawn mower afterwards....still runs!

Surprising amount of rubbish comes out.

Graham.

 

i used petrol on mine after the piston rings went. Seemed to take all the oil out of there fine and works fine now!

 

well, unfortunalty I dont access to alcohol at work...

So i'll be opting for the petrol solution. Will be interesting to see what comes out..
Its just one of those little jobs, when there all done, combined they make a difference..

Thanks guys

 

meguiars hot rims, works a treat and shines it up also, leave to sit and the crap pours oout and runs off, i used a whole bottle on mine and give it a good rinse, left it to dry a day or so then fitted!

 

Rice makes a good point.
The exterior of an IC needs a good clean even though we have all been gassing on about the interior!
Graham

 

whats the benifit of polishing the outside?? Will that help the convection of any heat away from the intercooler??

Also, what do you do about bent fins from stones hitting it at speed??