How to clean an intercooler?
 

I couldn't find any threads and you guys are who I trust the most. Fall back is utube etc.

I just got a used intercooler for a Jeep Liberty. They are notorious for oiling up the intercooler from the EGR. Before I install this (on the Liberty not my 1st Gen) I'd like to clean the internals but not sure of the proper method. Any links or ideas?

Many thanks,

ive had diesel particulate filters very plugged with soot, and powerstroke ic's filthy from oil and out door storage contamination, my kerosene hot/high pressure washer does a great job, after draining and blowing it out, I hooked up a vacuum to run for a long while to completely dry it out, the rest of the way.

Do you reverse flush it?
Do you use dish washing or any industrial detergent or just the hot water?

You could force air dry it using a good leaf blower or shop vac.

Hooking up the shop-vac to dry it out is a good idea. I was wondering if I used a solution to clean it how I'd ever get it dried out.

I would think most of the liquid would just pour out. Then to get rid of any moisture left I leave it in the sun for a while.
Or if it is winter I rest it on my radiant heat floor of my shop…or any other mild heat source, like blocked up on the wood stove, or on top of the oven.
A little residual moisture should dry out quickly when you drive it, from all the hot air running through it. Just think red neck water injection….[laugh]

I use water to check for leaks in my intercoolers when they are out. Just fill it up, lay it down and look for puddles. So I have dealt with this problem before.

Ive used brake cleaner to clean intercoolers and fuel tanks before welding before. Dries clean with no residue. I lay it flat with the tubes up, fill it full, let it sit, drain and repeat until it it comes out clean. Leaf blower to dry it out faster(also works good to find leaks).

Be careful using brake cleaner on stuff you are going to weld as if there is any left it off gasses VERY toxic gasses.

Detergent + hot water + forced air dry.

Or, imbibe 'shine in generous quantities, and el mundo es tu bano, then air dry.

hot water near steam temps strips very well, ill powerblast from both directions till clear, another 13hp gas powered pressure washer I have siphons sand for exterior stripping at 3800 psi, it will do a whole car in about a hour with 3-4 bags of sand

Fleetgaurd has a cleaning product meant specificly for intercoolers. I don't remember it's name but I am sure you can find it on the web.

The non chlorinated stuff is OK BUT don't EVER use carb cleaner though

where your at, use your local car wash sprayer, probably better when not many are around, pre-spray and soak with engine cleaner or strong detergent, set it on end spraying down into it. just know, some of it ends back on you, I wear a face shield, and front side spark type apron.

I cleaned a intake be sealing one end with silicone coated card board. Filled with kerosene let soak, then car wash to blow out the stuff. Purple cleaner and water seems to be a good cleaner. Might work really well.

I've used Berryman's Chemtool on all metal ones. Never did a half plastic one. To clean the outside, I've pushed a tywrap through the fins to get the mud out.

I'd be careful with the purple stuff. I believe it is a caustic (sodium hydroxide). NaOH does bad things to aluminum.