Just read about an oil film building up in your intercooler. Curious how many people actually clean their intercoolers, how often, and with what?

 

Unless you have your breather going to the intake on your turbo or you compressor's oil seal has gone bad you shouldn't have any oil build up. On a stock turbo car you could expect oil in the intercooler. You can take your intercooler off and swish gas around in it until the gas comes out clear. I did this with my elcipse when I had it.

 

Oil build-up in the core and charge pipes is usually from a closed breather before the core or oil leakage at the turbo compressor.
I usually check the charge pipes for any residue. If needed (which is rare in my case) I remove the core and flush with water and a degreaser (dish detergent has worked in a pinch). Let the core dry completly before re-installing.

You should see what happens when a turbo diesel intercooler fills with oil.....it is not fun, I deal with those every once in a while.


[Modified by SLPR, 8:45 AM 12/18/2002]