[PmP]

Did a wee search, to no avail, just wondering what everyone else has done. Was going to put this in maintenance and care, but thought its more relevant here.

What product should I use to safely clean the inside of my GRS Intercooler? Theres a little oil in the intercooler. Just lighter fluid or white spirits?

[k-huevo]

Regardless of the manufacturer the procedure is the same Lone Star Mini Club Forums - Intercooler Wash

[Richard Crofts]

Well I'll be shot for it I'm sure but I have always just sloshed some fuel through it when I have done it and then left it in the sun to dry/evaporate off before refitting. The only issue I have ever had is one time when there was still fuel left unevaporated (I refitted immediatly) and so it struggled to fire for 2 turns of the key as was too rich. Once she had pushed the excess through she was fine.

I'm sure thats not the right thing to do but its been done 6 or 7 times since i had the car 35k agao (nearly 2 years)

[PmP]

Quote: Originally Posted by k-huevo (original)

Regardless of the manufacturer the procedure is the same Lone Star Mini Club Forums - Intercooler Wash

Mucho Gracias, looks simple enough and ive acetone sitting out in the garage from the chemists. I knew that £40 air compressor from B&Q would be handy.

What do you use on the exterior of the cooler then? My Standard one could do with a wee clean up.

[MINI-Morgan]

You'll laugh at mine..... fairy liquid and hot water did excellient in mine Just all ran out and left on its end to drain in the sun while I was doing the rest of the work.

[PmP]

Quote: Originally Posted by Mini-Morgan (original)

You'll laugh at mine..... fairy liquid and hot water did excellient in mine Just all ran out and left on its end to drain in the sun while I was doing the rest of the work.

Didnt even think of fairy liquid...

Guess it would cut through the grease.

[MINI-Morgan]

Quote: Originally Posted by PmP (original)

Didnt even think of fairy liquid...

Guess it would cut through the grease.

Works on the dishes I also use it on the windows(avoid paintwork though) as it really does cut through road grime/greese.

[Aberdeen Al]

Quote: Originally Posted by Mini-Morgan (original)

Works on the dishes I also use it on the windows(avoid paintwork though) as it really does cut through road grime/greese.

It also keeps your hands soft.............................................. ...............................................I'l l get me coat !

[Richard Crofts]

Boom Boom! LOL

[roland2003]

..Parafin & a GTT Oil Catch Can to stop in happening again

[Richard Crofts]

Or even both GTT OCCs eh Roland LOL

[PmP]

Quote: Originally Posted by roland2003 (original)

..Parafin & a GTT Oil Catch Can to stop in happening again

Surely the amount of oil getting to the cooler on a standard S wouldnt be as much as on a works car?

[roland2003]

Hi ,Would be the same.
Tbh the more gently you drive the more oil comes through the pcv circuit. This is the one the GTT OCC collects oil from ,preventing re-etntering the inlet tract and getting stuck in the intercooler.
Whereas the GTT 'Race' OCC collects oil from WOT +high rpm + lots of right hand bends. (eg most UK race circuits)
Best Regards Roland GTT

[PmP]

How does this be plumbed in then?

Cars only seen the track once and isnt likely to again.

[Aberdeen Al]

I was told on "New Mini Scotland" that having a little bit of oil in the intercooler wasn't such a bad thing............................................. .....but if you don't agree - don't shoot the messenger!!





p.s - I have the GTT OCC fitted so I'm not a non believer!!

[k-huevo]

PmP, you asked about cleaning the exterior, I don’t have to do much but I use a right angled pick for small pebbles and ants take care of the bugs for me. I had an intercooler off a wrecked MCS that spent time in a muddy ditch and was caked with silt; to clean I plugged the end tank openings and submerged the IC horizontally in warm water, moving it up and down, until the dirt was flushed out.

One of the reasons I use Acetone to rinse the inside of the IC is because it evaporates completely leaving no residue. Petroleum distillates like Kerosene will leave a coating behind and the whole reason for rinsing is to remove anything interfering with the transference of heat. Of course cleaning with soap & water, paraffin, or petrol is better than doing nothing.

[roland2003]

Hi Al, no totally clean inside is best. It allows the intercooler to cool the charge better, also any oil that goes beyond the intercooler and into the combustion chambers reduces octane resulting in earlier onset of pinking/detonation.
Best Regards Roland GTT

[Aberdeen Al]

Quote: Originally Posted by roland2003 (original)

Hi Al, no totally clean inside is best. It allows the intercooler to cool the charge better, also any oil that goes beyond the intercooler and into the combustion chambers reduces octane resulting in earlier onset of pinking/detonation.
Best Regards Roland GTT

That's what I thought - but the guy on NMS said that a little bit of oil helps the supercharger................ I didn't reply 'cos I didn't want to be embroiled in an argument!

[Richard Crofts]

Urrr... No

Simple and true .... He's wrong. The intercooler is there to do one job (cool air) which oil interferes with ....Plus the charger has its own oil for the moving parts ?!

[PmP]

About exterior cleaning I didnt mean the fins that kinda obvious, I meant the surfaces between the fins that arent smooth aluminium. Tried a little WD40 on a rag.

If im right in thinking the cooler is aluminium, aluminium oxidises a little doesnt it?