Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) removal of intercooler, ideas....

[johncameron]

I was talking to a local diesel mechanic this weekend and he told me I should remove my intercooler and pressure wash it to remove all the paint on the cooling fins. He claimed that the paint actually acts as an insulator and doesn't let the heat transfer as efficiently as it could. Has anyone ever tried this and noticed an improvment? It sounds logical but is it worth the time??



Thanks in advance,



John

 

[2-ND TIME]

intercooler

One the paint may have properties that allow for better heat transfer then straight bare metal. Two for bare metal or aluminum will rust or oxodize. What is really more important is to wash out all the oil ,bugs, and dirt in the fins. If you keep it clean this way it will work better. There was a Kent product that worked very well to clean the rad much better then the Mr Clean that I used at first.

 

[BigEasy]

NEVER use a pressure washer! It will bend the fins over. Just use a garden hose, or better yet, find a tub or tray big enough to lay the cooler flat, and let it sit in soapy water to soften up the bugs and dirt. Simply wash the gunk out, you can use compressed air, but be careful. When you're all done, use a screen in front of the cooler on the truck to catch all the garbage.