Cleaning intercooler?

Schnitzel · 11-28-2012, 02:37 PM

Hi guys,

I just wonder if anybody of you has ever cleaned his intercooler. I installed my Spearco Code 3 FMIC about 3 1/2 years ago and at least the inlet seems to be very oily. Do you recommend a cleaning? If yes, how to proceed best?

Thanks in advance

e90328i · 11-28-2012, 02:39 PM

clean it then install occ to prevent any more oil build up in intake tract

Schnitzel · 11-28-2012, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e90328i

clean it then install occ to prevent any more oil build up in intake tract

Just installed the BMS OCC

Tiago@VRSF · 11-28-2012, 02:47 PM

Best way to clean the intercooler would be to remove it, pour in gasoline and shake it around a bit. Gasoline does a great job at cutting through the oil and evaporates really well.

Schnitzel · 11-28-2012, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tiago@VRSF

Best way to clean the intercooler would be to remove it, pour in gasoline and shake it around a bit. Gasoline does a great job at cutting through the oil and evaporates really well.

Tiago, thanks for your advice. Will install the 1M front bumper in two weeks and in this regard I'll clean the intercooler, too.

Tiago@VRSF · 11-28-2012, 02:54 PM

No problem! You'll be amazed to see how much oil can gather up in there.

J Boy · 11-28-2012, 06:47 PM

Yeah! And if you happen to find any shrapnel then you know your turbo is blown!

benzy89 · 11-28-2012, 07:13 PM

Use mineral spirits & keep running it through until the liquid comes out clear. Then just let it air dry (can use an air pump to speed up the process) before reinstalling

Beemw335 · 11-28-2012, 07:35 PM

Yup like tiago said gasoline, make sure its dry before reinstalling!

Presidio335xi · 05-26-2013, 03:10 PM

How much gasoline are we talking about here?

seal the ends and shake, or just pour some in, let it sit, and then pour out?

enrita · 05-26-2013, 05:51 PM

I would pour like 2dl block end tanks with tape, shake it and pour out.

11-28-2012, 02:37 PM	#1
Schnitzel Private First Class 10 Rep 147 Posts Drives: E92 335i MT Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Bavaria iTrader: (0)	Cleaning intercooler? Hi guys, I just wonder if anybody of you has ever cleaned his intercooler. I installed my Spearco Code 3 FMIC about 3 1/2 years ago and at least the inlet seems to be very oily. Do you recommend a cleaning? If yes, how to proceed best? Thanks in advance __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
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11-28-2012, 02:39 PM	#2
e90328i Banned 25 Rep 386 Posts Drives: 07 E90 335i Join Date: May 2011 Location: socal iTrader: (4)	clean it then install occ to prevent any more oil build up in intake tract
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11-28-2012, 02:47 PM	#4
Tiago@VRSF 2108 Rep 43,350 Posts Drives: F90 M5 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Doral, FL iTrader: (99) Garage List 2014 F30 328xi [0.00] 2015 F82 BMW M4 [0.00] 2013 Ducati 1199 Pa ... [0.00] 2008 BMW 335i [0.00]	Best way to clean the intercooler would be to remove it, pour in gasoline and shake it around a bit. Gasoline does a great job at cutting through the oil and evaporates really well.
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11-28-2012, 02:54 PM	#6
Tiago@VRSF 2108 Rep 43,350 Posts Drives: F90 M5 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Doral, FL iTrader: (99) Garage List 2014 F30 328xi [0.00] 2015 F82 BMW M4 [0.00] 2013 Ducati 1199 Pa ... [0.00] 2008 BMW 335i [0.00]	No problem! You'll be amazed to see how much oil can gather up in there.
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11-28-2012, 06:47 PM	#7
J Boy Private 0 Rep 68 Posts Drives: B6 A4 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: West Covina iTrader: (0)	Yeah! And if you happen to find any shrapnel then you know your turbo is blown! __________________ B6 A4 REVO Stage 2
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11-28-2012, 07:13 PM	#8
benzy89 Banned 83 Rep 2,396 Posts Drives: '08 E90 335i Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Northern NJ iTrader: (3) Garage List 2008 BMW 335i [7.50]	Use mineral spirits & keep running it through until the liquid comes out clear. Then just let it air dry (can use an air pump to speed up the process) before reinstalling
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11-28-2012, 07:35 PM	#9
Beemw335 Colonel 62 Rep 2,013 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: My car is my home iTrader: (2)	Yup like tiago said gasoline, make sure its dry before reinstalling!
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05-26-2013, 03:10 PM	#10
Presidio335xi Lieutenant 22 Rep 414 Posts Drives: 335xi coupe Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (0)	How much gasoline are we talking about here? seal the ends and shake, or just pour some in, let it sit, and then pour out? __________________ 2017 F82
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05-26-2013, 05:51 PM	#11
enrita Major General 161 Rep 7,377 Posts Drives: 335i - Big turbos Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Italian in Sweden iTrader: (0)	I would pour like 2dl block end tanks with tape, shake it and pour out. __________________ 07 335i AT - MOTIV 750 - MHD E85 BMS flash - BMS PI - JB4G5 - Okada Coils - NGK 5992 Plugs - Helix IC - Snow Stg. 3 - Stett CP - Custom midpipes with 100 HJS Cats - Bastuck Quad - PSS10 - QUAIFE LSD - BMS OCC - Forge DVs - AR OC - ALCON BBK - M3 Chassi - Dinan CP - Velocity M rear Toe arms - Advan RZ-DF - LUX H8 - Level 10 AT upgrade
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