Q&A for How to Clean an Intercooler

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Are there any other ways to clean an intercooler?

Charley Helvy
Automotive Expert
Charley Helvy is an Automotive & Diesel Expert based in Avondale, Arizona. He is the founder of Charley’s Garage, an educational YouTube channel focusing on simple videos for automotive and truck enthusiasts. He has over 31 years of experience in the automotive world. He is a Diesel Instructor at the Universal Technical Institute and is a certified ASE Master Heavy Truck Technician. He offers training on gas and diesel engines on his YouTube channel, along with other DIY and explanation videos for beginners and enthusiasts alike. In 2024, he published a complete guide on Emissions Systems in Automotive and Diesel Vehicles.

Charley Helvy

Automotive Expert

Expert Answer

You could also consider flushing your intercooler with water. Avoid high-pressure sources like those at car washes, as excessive pressure may damage the intercooler. Instead, use a regular water hose at the inlet, allowing water to flow through the cooler. Ensure sufficient time for drainage before reinstallation. This process helps dislodge and remove contaminants from the intercooler, maintaining optimal performance.

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Question

Can my diesel turbo be fixed when it is broken?

Npytlowany

Community Answer

Depending on what the make and model of the vehicle is, and to what extent the turbo is "broken," it may be able to be rebuilt. Most turbos can be rebuilt on diesel engines if they are leaking oil and have minimal fore and aft (back and forth) play along with up and down play. To go along with this, if it appears that the compressor or turbine wheel has made contact with the housing of the turbo, then it will need to be replaced. If this turbo is a variable geometry turbocharger, then it is possible that there is a problem with the veins sticking due to carbine buildup in the turbine housing ,which can be cleaned. But if there is rust and pitting inside, then the turbo will need to be replaced.

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Question

Can I use gasoline instead of kerosene? Gasoline evaporates quickly and dries immediately.

Larry Simon

Community Answer

Instead of gasoline or kerosene to clean an intercooler, use de-natured alcohol. The alcohol will not evaporate as quickly and will leave no residue.

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Question

My diesel engine has two turbochargers, and rags pass through them, disintegrating and entering the intercooler, getting stuck inside. How can I best remove this?

Walcott Automotive

Community Answer

If there is debris inside the intercooler, the best solution is to replace the intercooler. Debris entering the engine could be more costly to fix than replacing the intercooler itself.

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Question

What are the potential effects on engine performance if oil or debris remains in the intercooler?

Dominic Donabedian

Community Answer

If your intercooler contains oil and debris, it's advisable to clean it or replace it. Engine performance could be significantly reduced due to air restriction in the intake system. Debris might be sucked through the pipes, causing internal damage to the turbo and engine. Unburned oil will slowly coat components over time, causing the engine to run sluggishly.

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