How to Clean an Intercooler

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An intercooler is an air cooling device often used on turbocharged or supercharged engines. It is usually located at the front of the vehicle behind the grill so air can flow into it. Over time, your intercooler may get filled with oil or get covered in debris as it cools the air. You may have an air-to-air or air-to-water intercooler, and both can be cleaned using the same basic steps. First, remove the intercooler following the instructions in your user manual. Then, use degreaser and kerosene to clean the intercooler. Since this is a complex job, seek out a mechanic in your area if you need assistance.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Removing the Intercooler

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  1. In general, you can remove the intercooler the same way for all types of cars and trucks. However, the particular instructions on how to take off your grill, bumper, and/or lights may vary from model to model. As a result, you must read over the instructions for your particular vehicle.
    • You can find these in your owner’s manual or online.
  2. If you are confused about how to remove the intercooler, search online to find a mechanic in your area or ask your friends and family for recommendations. Removing and cleaning the intercooler is a complicated process, and you don’t want to damage your vehicle if you are unsure about the steps.
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  3. Every make and model has a slightly different process to remove the bumper. In general, the bumper is fastened to your car by nuts and bolts along the hood. Pop your hood and look along the inside and along the wheel panels to find the bolts. Then, use a wrench to undo the bolts along the hood of the car and around the wheels. Once the bolts are removed, lift the bumper off of your car with moderate force. [1]
    • Depending on your make and model, you also may have to take off the grill and/or the headlights to do this. If this is the case, lift the grill straight up with the hood popped, and pull the headlights out gently. [2]
    • The total number of bolts will vary depending on the make of your car.
    • Keep the hardware in a safe place so you don’t lose it.
  4. Place an oil pan underneath the intercooler piping so you can collect any oil that may drip out. The intercooler is connected to your engine and air filter by 2-4 pipes. To unhinge the piping from the intercooler, use a flathead screwdriver to unfasten the holding bands, twist the holding bands slightly, and gently slide it off. [3]
    • The particular location of these pipes depends on your intercooler and vehicle type, but they are usually located along either side on the bottom.
    • Depending on your car and intercooler type, some of the piping may be flexible, while other parts may be hard and rigid. [4]
  5. Once you remove the piping, use a wrench to remove the bolts along the top of the intercooler. After you unfasten the intercooler, grip it from the bottom and pull it straight out. [5]
    • Be sure to keep all hardware in a safe place so you can replace it after you clean the intercooler.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Removing Oil and Debris

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  1. When cleaning an intercooler, you can get chemicals, oil, and debris on your hands. After you remove the bumper, put on rubber gloves to keep your hands clean. The chemicals you use may be hazardous to breathe in, so put on a facemask to protect yourself.
    • In addition, wearing goggles is helpful to avoid eye irritations and flyaway debris.
  2. Before you set down the intercooler, scoot the oil pan closer to you and tilt the intercooler so the oil pours out of it. The oil will come out where you disconnected the piping. Hold the intercooler upwards until no more oil drips out. [6]
    • If you do not have much oil inside the intercooler, you can skip this.
  3. Use a bucket or bin that is larger than the size of your intercooler. This way, you can easily cover the intercooler in cleaning chemicals. [7]
    • Use a container that you can throw away immediately after. Your container will be full of oil and gunk.
  4. Press down on the spray nozzle of your auto degreaser can, and slowly move the stream across the outside of your intercooler. Hold the degreaser about 3–4 in (7.6–10.2 cm) from the intercooler as you cover every spot thoroughly to get the most debris off as you can. Then, turn the intercooler over and spray the other side. [8]
    • Most of the dark-colored debris will come off of your intercooler with a simple spray of degreaser.
  5. Hold the intercooler on its side and spray the degreaser into the opening for the pipe. Be generous with your application to get all of the oil and debris out of the intercooler. [9]
    • This way, you remove the oil and debris from the inside of the intercooler. This makes it easier for the air to travel through the intercooler and your engine.
  6. The degreaser removes most of the oil and debris from your intercooler. After you finish spraying the inside, lift up the intercooler to let the residue run out of the pipe opening. Hold the intercooler in the air for 30-60 seconds or so until most of the debris is gone. [10]
  7. Kerosene helps provide a deep, thorough clean to your intercooler. Place the intercooler horizontally in the bin, fill the bin halfway with kerosene, and pour kerosene inside the pipe opening to fill the inside. [11]
    • Filling the inside of the intercooler with kerosene helps remove stubborn oil or debris build-up. Once the inside is clean, your engine should run more smoothly.
  8. Give the kerosene a few minutes to do its work. Then, lift the intercooler out of the bin and pour the kerosene from the inside into the container. [12]
    • Depending on how dirty your intercooler is, the liquid you pour out may look dark or black.
  9. By now, most of the dirt and debris should be gone from the outside of your intercooler. The inside may still look dark in some spots, depending on how dirty your intercooler is. If this is the case, pour the dirty kerosene into an empty plastic container (like an empty kerosene bottle), and fill the bin halfway with fresh kerosene. Then, fill the inside of the intercooler with kerosene again. [13]
    • Let the kerosene sit for 15 minutes and then pour it into the bin.
    • Use a funnel to help you pour the dirty kerosene into the bottle.
    • Do as many kerosene soaks as you need to until your intercooler is clean. Your intercooler is clean when the used kerosene is no longer dark or black.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Replacing the Intercooler

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  1. After your intercooler is clean, set it on your driveway or a woodblock in a sunny spot. Leave the intercooler in the sun for 2-5 hours until there are no more wet spots. Your intercooler is ready to go back in your car when the kerosene has completely evaporated. [14]
    • If you set the intercooler on the grass, your grass may die due to the kerosene.
  2. Pop your hood, lift up your intercooler, and put it back into your car's front end. Since you already installed the intercooler, the metal unit should easily fit back into place. Then, simply line the pipes up with the correct openings, and fasten the coupling back into place. [15]
    • The coupling secures the pipes to the intercooler.
    • If you need help putting the intercooler back into place, search online to find instructions based on your particular vehicle model and intercooler type.
  3. After the intercooler is back inside your car, take your bumper and line it up with the front end of your car. Push the bumper into place 1 side at a time. Then, pop your hood so you can replace the nuts and bolts. Tighten the bolts in place using your fingers or a wrench, and make sure they are tightened all the way so they stay in place. [16]
    • Double-check along the wheels and hood of your car to ensure you replaced each of the bolts.
    • If you are confused about how to properly replace the bumper, search online to find tutorials for your particular car. You can also ask a mechanic for assistance if necessary.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    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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      Things You’ll Need

      • Intercooler
      • Screwdriver
      • Wrench
      • Bucket or bin
      • Auto degreaser
      • Kerosene
      • Gloves
      • Goggles
      • Facemask

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      Warnings

      • Clean the intercooler in a well-ventilated area, such as your driveway rather than a closed garage. This lessens the harmful fumes you may inhale.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/YL9SMYxWJqc?t=59s
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/IHVCN0b9XZY?t=1m53s
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/YL9SMYxWJqc?t=2m18s
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/IHVCN0b9XZY?t=4m53s
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/YL9SMYxWJqc?t=2m43s
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/YL9SMYxWJqc?t=2m50s
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/IHVCN0b9XZY?t=7m40s
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/IHVCN0b9XZY?t=8m57s
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/IHVCN0b9XZY?t=9m54s
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/IHVCN0b9XZY?t=10m40s
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/IHVCN0b9XZY?t=10m53s
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/IHVCN0b9XZY?t=11m16s
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/IHVCN0b9XZY?t=12m6s
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/IHVCN0b9XZY?t=13m39s
      6. ↑ http://www.dieseltechmag.com/2018/04/dt-install-hypermax-turbo-and
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/PGSWrNdF7sY?t=3m28s

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Cleaning an intercooler is a relatively straightforward process if you have a few hours and a basic tool kit. You’ll also need an oil pan, degreaser, and a bucket of kerosene. You’ll need to take off your car’s bumper and intercooler piping to get to the intercooler. Once you’ve removed the piping and bolts that hold the intercooler in place, it should come off with a little steady force. You’ll then want to pour any oil out into the pan, spray the intercooler inside and out with degreaser, then soak it in kerosene for 15 minutes. After it’s soaked, you’ll need to let it dry for at least 2 hours until there are no wet spots left. For more tips, including how to replace your intercooler after cleaning it, read on!

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