I have been looking through several posts, as well as the service manual, and I still have a plethora of questions regarding the intercooler.
First from what I have been able to glean from the post is that the intercooler has a propensity to leak.
It appears that by removing the intake covers one can inspect the condition of the intercooler. However one question I was unable to answer is whether breaching the gasket upon removal requires the gasket to be replaced, or is the gasket reusable?
Also I am still unclear exactly where the intercooler sits in the pile of parts we call the supercharger. Anyone with insight on this would be appreciated. (page number in the manual of illustrations would be awesome)
Finally what is the best choice in the way of replacing the intercooler? I have read some the info saying the stock cooler is questionable at best.
Thanks in advance.

 

intercooler is located directly underneath (bolted to) the supercharger in the valley of the engine block.
IC20Clarification_zps91cff858.jpg




replacement should be with Rudy's sourced cooler that is a custom built with quality parts IMO. The OEM and Rudy's replacement are very close in price so it's a no brainer.

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...-got-real.html

Rudy's intercooler next to OEM

photo11eq_zps0d55c5d7.jpg




OEM gaskets are thin metal and you could probably re-use them, just pick up some copper head gasket spray and give them a coat before re-installing them. I have tried both the cork aftermarkets and OEM metal and I have better luck with the OEM metal ones and copper spray sealing the first time. Or just to be sure pick up a set at t mercedes dealer for the 2004 slk32 amg, they're cheap.

IMG_2590_zps00824cbf.jpg

 

TYVM that was perfect. I think you cleared everything up for me. The pics were awesome.
now to inspect my intake....

 

The intercooler leak ..... what to say? I had a leaking intercooler, small leak, and replaced it. My opinion is ... if you find the trail of goo, quantify it. My leak was slight and didn't affect performance. Leaks do tend to get worse over time however. You can do it yourself. I freaked and payed the first time. The work was, ahem, not lasting. (poor gasket seal) I did it myself the second time around. It was fun except for the hoses that run under the supercharger/intercooler assembly. Buggers caused me headaches! Don't bother with thermal coating or any heat wrapping of the intercooler. You'll run hotter in day to day driving.

After you remove one manifold and go to re install it, be sure to put locktite blue or equivalent on the threads. Don't over torque or the torx head will strip. Been there, done that. No thread locker and the bolts will loosen and the manifold seal will leak. Here's hoping you have a perfect intercooler.

Les

 

Im not afraid to do things myself. I just replaced the water pump and it was a breeze. I invested in all the correct tools and a torque wrench. So I am hip to the preventing breakage.
I dont believe the intercooler is leaking however it seemed like the coolant level dropped the tiniest bit and just to be sure im going to do the inspection.
I appreciate everyone here and all the great advice they give, it will save many headaches.

 

Thanks for the diagram for the coolant path. Now it looks like the coolant for the IC is an isolated circuit, but I think it is connected with the engine cooling system also, correct??

 

Yes it recirculates into the overflow tank. Needswings has a set of hoses to isolate the 2 systems. After the new hoses are inserted and the system run till purged. You use the attached valves to create a closed loop.

 

Hey, in the picture below from Jessejames what is the Mercedes part number for those gaskets? (gold colored in the photo) I am in need of replacing them but need a number.
As well in the picture the red painted valve cover inspection cover? does it have a oem gasket or the sealant bead? If a gasket what is its part number?


Thanks

 

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...ld-gasket.html


OEM metal gaskets painted with copper spray (not necessary) don't remember the exact part #.


The valve cover breathers are high temp RTV.