What is the best way to clean the inter-cooler? Just spray degreaser inside and run water through it after? My car has just over 50k miles and I am almost positive the previous owner never cleaned it.

Also is there any concern for the rubber couplers being fatigued/ cracked from never having been moved around? The car is my DD so I cant afford extended down time ( more than 48 hours). Any insight from the experienced minds here is much appreciated

 

once you have the intercooler removed, I took a plastic bag and taped off one side of the intercooler. Then I sprayed brake cleaner inside, spray a good bit in, I'd say about half the can. Then close off the other side, this will allow you to shake the cleaner around inside the intercooler.
Let it sit for a few minutes. remove the plastic from the first side and drain. you could repeat another round or let it dry. No water needed!! Brake cleaner dries faster then water.

as far as the couplers go, you should be ok 50K miles isnt too bad. There are a couple places that sell silicone couplers for around $35

 

You can also use Gunk foamy engine brite. But it does require rinsing down with water.

STP carb spray cleaner works better than brake cleaner. It's comprised of seven different chemicals. Go here to read more: http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov...brands&id=5030.

 

what is the best way to get the bugs out of the outside?

 

OK thanks for the reply's all I have some brake cleaner already so I will try that first and if it doesn't work too great ill go buy some of the carb cleaner I will update after I get a chance to do this.

 

I spray engine degreaser into both ends of the intercooler because it seems to mix with the oil better than carb or brake cleaner. After letting it soak for 10 for awahie, I spray out the intercooler with water. Finally, I use an air compressor to blow out the intercooler and let it air dry briefly.

I use an air compressor to blow off the bugs. Spraying air from the reverse side. Some bugs might need to be picked out.

 

Here you go.

Supercharged Mini Cooper Intercooler Cleaning

 

Best way to clean out the grill is to use an air compressor and blow gun while it is off of the car. Blow it from the backside.

 

Here's a link on removing,cleaning and reinstalling the intercooler that might help.

 

Most any degreaser that is compatible with almunum is ok...the green and purple stuff are both ok for occasional use, but should not be soaked for an extented period of time. Just be sure to rise out the intercooler, and let it throughly dry....
I would buy new oem intercooler boots... They go on and off quickly and easily (I wonder how long folks curse with the silcone ones, they look good, but they need extra effort, and can leak once streatched). The oem ones can be found for $55-65$, and work fine, and make removing an intercooler a 4 minute job max.