How do you clean intercooler/rad/oil cooler fins, etc.?

I

Inzane

New member
I have the front fascia (bumper cover) off the Z right now and that gives me unusual access to all the heat exchangers at the front of the car. I usually can't get to these adequately during normal car washings and detailing during the summer. I was quite shocked to see the amount of dead bug splats I had in there, particularly on my oil cooler (I have the Stillen oil cooler upgrade which has more numerous smaller fins than stock) which sits dead center behind the main grill area, but also my side-mount intercoolers got it good as well.



:eek:



What products and or tools do you guys use to clean the fins without damaging them?



Thanks!
 
No more than first wiping down with a soapy rag (low nap-i.e old T-shirt) from the wash water I used for the rims. Almost like a presoak. The pressure washer will dislodge the rest.

Be very careful when using a pressure washer if the radiator is painted. Too much pressure can knock off paint especially near a existing chip.

The pressure hoses at a drive-up wash facility will also do the job and their pressure isn't very high.

Hope this helps. :wavey
 
Grainger has a cooling fin comb that is used on home central-air units. I have one on these and it works great. It cleans the soilids out of the fins without bending them.
 
There is a concentrate cleaner sold just for this purpose. We usually pick it up at the local AC/Heating Supply store. Mix it and spray it onto the coils, let it dwell for a bit then flush with clean stream of water.

Caution is required when pressure washers are used as they can actually bend the fins quite easily.
 
Also take off the intercoolers and pour a little gasoline, cap off the ends and shake it around for a minute. It will remove any oil from the inside of the IC and clean it up. :)
 
I usually clean such things with various brushes. If you can get to the back side of it you might try spraying it from *that* direction with the hose/pressure washer.
 
Here's a few pics to supplement this post, so you can see what I have (LOL):



You can see the oil cooler in the background here (at the bottom):

Car Stuff 013.jpg




Side-mount Intercoolers (nasty):

Car Stuff 009.jpg


Car Stuff 020.jpg




As you can see, I've got some work there to do. Obviously the big stuff will come off right away, probably just by brushing it off. But I've also got some bent fins to deal with too in some places.
 
I would soak them with an APC then try to rinse/spray them from the back to blow everything out the way it came in...that's how I do my engine radiator anyway.
 
Bring the car over here .. I'll tell my dog the bugs are edible .. she will eat anything and will have that cleaned up in no time.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top