Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) What exactly is in the 'intercooler'

[onestackdram]

I was just wondering what exactly is IN the intercooler? Is it just air cooling air, or water cooling air? I am sure this can go in the LONG list of stupid questions I have asked on here but what the hay just add it on my tab.



This just kinda popped in my head and I was wondering.



Russell

 

[wsmalley]

It is simply air-cooled. Air pulled by the fan same as the other two or three radiators you have up there



Will

 

[Jim Fulmer]

I would like to see one opened up so I could look at the tubes, I believe there are fins inside to actually slow the air down so it cools it better, I do know that straight through tube coolers will not cool better(actually worse) but move more air through it and usually have bigger tubes. Our coolers do a pretty good job, I have an Autometer dual probe air temp guage with a memory recall, (recalls the highest temp) and with one probe in the hat and one right after the Twins I was seeing a 280 degree temp drop after the cooler, to me that pretty good but the cooler is not even perfect for my application.



Jim

 

[illflem]

The inter cooler is as efficient as it is because air is easy to cool compared to a liquid.

I have the same setup as Jim with temp gauges, my post cooler temp is almost always just 20° higher than the outside temp no matter what the precooler temp is. Our coolers are air to air but I've seen larger diesel engines that have the cooler submerged in circulating water.

Here's a short article that explains how a intercooler works. Some of you guys won't like the source though - http://www.freeautoadvice.com/diesel/psdintcool.html

 

[onestackdram]

illflem,



as usual you are always on the ball in this forum. Some how I kind of figured you might be able to send me in the right direction.



i know that this was really a stupid question, but sometimes i just come up with these things and figure its probably better to ask than make an a$$ of myself not knowing.



Thanks



Russell

 

[LandShark]

onestackdram: This is in no way directed at you. Just a slogan I saw years ago that I liked:



There are no stupid questions... ... ..... Just stupid people.



BTW: The responses to your question are quite informative.

 

[Forrest]

In Don M's case, there was engine oil in there. :-laf