I have a leaking intercooler (big surprise) and would like to find a better solution that simply slapping in another stock unit that will begin to leak at some point in the future.

I am sure I am missing something but why can't I just cut open the IC pull out the leaking core, install a new core of the same size, and then weld everything back together?

 

jeremy i think the main issue is finding the proper core to replace it. it is a garret core maybe that could help.
i have seen i/c cut open modded and rewelded so i say it could be done. cheaper than buying a used or new? not sure. i have a list of slk32 engines for salvage maybe the boneyards have a i/c they will part with let me know if you want the list

 

Thanks Steve.

Already been down the used path. Tested perfectly but now several months later it is beginning to leak. I can get a new one for ~$1k but am worried about it over the long run. Hoping that going with a different core will net me better results.

Guess I just need to cut the B*tch open and take some measurements to see if I can locate a replacement core.

 

you got skills just do a top mount and be done with it!!

 

Thought about it in the past but at the time decided it was more $$$$$ and time than I was willing to put in. Still think it falls into that category.

 

Have you seperated your cooling systems to prevent stressing the IC?

 

just in case you want it i have a brand new stock IC,,, i did put water in it to see how much it holds but it has never been on a car. 125. + shipping just in case. not the hoses just the intercooler. jim

 

Your picture is of a heat exchanger. My issue is with the Intercooler. Now if you have an intercooler for $125 I will take it.

 

Good question. Yes, I am separated which leads to part of my surprise that my second IC is leaking.

 

sorry your right i though i was in my other car,,,I think Rob Needswings Repairs and thermocoats them check with him. jim

 

I spoke with Rob a bit ago. He is working with a place that says they can repair them but he has not received a proven product (at least not as of a week or two ago).

I like to know my options. Since I have an extra IC I can "play" with it for a bit. I am thinking it my be worth cutting open just for sh*ts and grins and to see what a replacement core would run.

 

If you cut it , please photo it so that we can see it. Iam interested in the interior and the level of deposits on the surfaces that might be blocking the heat transfer, thanks woody

 

If I do cut into it I will take pictures and measurements and post all the info.

I do not have pictures but when before I installed the current IC (used) it was nasty - filled with oil/crap. I pressure tested at a radiator shop and had them clean it up before install. To the eye it looked like new but I can not tell you what it looked like down in the middle of the core.

 

There is a new intercooler listed on Ebay, not my listing.

eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices

 

Thanks for posting the link. I am going to keep an eye on it. My shop can get the IC for $1k so if I can get this for close to its current price it might be worth getting.

 

this place close to you? they have a intercooler for 50$ used
Weaver Auto Atlanta - Used Car Parts Charlotte

 

Thanks Steve. They are not close but for $50 it is worth a call. I was not able to find it on their site.

 

found it on car-parts.com theres prolly 20 i/c on there all over the country. that was the cheapest

 

Last time I looked on car-parts there were not a huge number out there. I got the best setup I could find but it was a good bit more than $50. This is the one that started leaking before too long. It tested fine so I am not blaming the place I got it from but it kind of sucks to spend the money to thermal coat it, the time to wrap and swap it, only to have it begin leaking. Which is why I keep thinking that maybe swapping cores is the best choice.

 

if your going to ruin the thermal coat and wrap by cutting it open the build a top mount. well build 2 so i can have 1!