Intercooler: common defects and their signs

1. Cracking of the body.
   • Engine power lowers.
   • Consumption of motor oil and fuel increases.
2. Corrosion and soiling.
   • The engine overheats.
   • Fuel consumption increases.
   • Thick black or greyish smoke comes from the exhaust pipe.

How to repair or replace intercooler?

Repair of the intercooler includes its cleaning with special compounds in case of soiling or oiling. If the component has serious damages of the body, it should be replaced.

In order to clean or replace the intercooler it should be demounted. The procedure differs for cars of various models and depends on component type and its mounting location. The most common is an air-type intercooler, which can be mounted in the central part behind the front bumper, over the engine, or on the both sides of the front fenders (at the left or right). The components of water-type differ by more complicated construction, but smaller sizes, that is why they can be mounted at any free area of the under-bonnet space.

In order to demount the air intercooler of the car, you need to unscrew its fastening elements and remove clamps. Then cleaning or part replacement is performed, according to the defect kind. Removal of the water-type component presupposes the more complicated procedure and requires special equipment and skills.

It is recommended to perform servicing of the intercooler at a service station, regardless to its type.