How to clean the intercooler

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Disclaimer

Please note that I am not a mechanic by trade and that I nor Turbocelica.nl can be held responsible for any damage, injuries or death caused by work you perform using this website as a guideline.

Parts and tools needed

Jerry can of petrol
Plastic to close off the intercooler in- or outlet

Basic socket set
Spanners

Do not smoke/make a camp fire or something when doing this job!




Remove the intercooler

The top mounted intercooler (TMIC) is bolted to brackets on the engine. When standing in front of the car, there are two bolts on the right side of the TMIC and one on the left. Remove them. Remove the hose clamps on the throttle body rubber and hose between turbo and intercooler. Pull the front of the TMIC up so it pops out of the hose on the turbo.

In case of a CS/GrpA Rallye/RC, drain the TMIC by removing the drain plug from the heat exchanger radiator behind the bumper. It's on the right hand side when standing in front of the car. Close off the water in- and outlet.

Close off the TMIC in- or outlet with a plastic glove/bag/etc. Pour some petrol in via the other end, close off with your hand and shake the core for a minute or so. Pour the petrol out and check its colour - repeat until clear petrol comes out again:



As you can see my intercooler was quite oily inside, hence I installed an oil catch tank. Let the petrol vapours exit the TMIC before you reinstall it. Make sure all hose clamps are tightened to prevent air leaks.

Job done!

Related links

CUSCO Oil catch tank
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