thanks to bahamabart, I now have a GTT Intercooler, just looking for the best way to shine it up as I'm putting in on today? Should I use an aluminum polish?

 

Get some foaming condenser coil cleaner from a heating/air conditioning supply house. My trusted mechanic told me about it and he uses it for cleaning radiators and intercoolers when they are off the car. It will get into all the nooks and crannies and pull the dirt and gunk out from between the fins. He uses it to maximize the efficiency of an old radiator, but says it makes them look really nice too!

As far as polishing for looks, I don't know what to tell you.

 

How shiny do you want it?
If you mean just remove the oxidization then yes a polish will work.
If you want a mirror finish then that's a lot more work. Especially if you're doing it by hand.

 

If you spend any time polishing the exterior you will find that it simply oxidizes again in time depending on conditions. anything polished that stays that way is going to have to be clear coated to prevent oxidization. That may have some negative effect on cooling efficiency as well.

 

A little off topic, and I don't mean to hijcak the thread, but along with polishing/cleaning the IC, what's the best way to clean the inside of the IC?

-Cody

 

if you read yucca patrols post i think it outlines that pretty well

 

Yea, but is that for inside too? I've heard you can use brake cleaner too?

-Cody

 

polizei,

You can use any clean organic solvent to clean the inside of the intercooler. Brake cleaner works great and is easy to use from the spray can. You could also use denatured alcohol, acetone, etc if you already have it in your garage.

 

Sweet, thanks! As soon as my M7 OCC arrives I'll clean out my IC for a fresh start.

-Cody

 

I'd be careful here - the IC is aluminum not polished or buffed like the DFIC. You could use an aluminum polish to keep it "clean" but would not seek to "shine it up".

 

I'm in the process of adding insulation to my stock intercooler (https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=80549) and I was going to clean the intercooler while it's off... I went down to Advance Auto Parts and purchased some Valvoline "Carb, Choke, and Throttle Body Cleaner" in lieu of not finding anything more application specific. Would this solvent work, or is it much too harsh?

 

Carb cleaner will work fine, just don't burn down the garage, as the stuff is flammable.

Use outdoors with a good breeze, and no nearby sources of ignition...

 

I have also heard of people using gasoline or karosine for cleaning the intercooler (someone please chime in if this is a bad idea). Basically you want something that will break the oil free and wash out with it. Carb cleaner is also a good choice just spray a bunch in there and work it around and then let it dry. When you do clean the intercooler just make sure to clean the IC boots (or bellows) very good to, if there is any oil on them they may slip off the intercooler. Or you can replace them with new ones (thats what I am doing with my DFIC and OCC install).

BEATNUT

 

auto zone sells big gallon cans of carb cleaner with the basket already in it . just buy a few of these (expensive ) get a container u can close. and you can submerge the i/c ant time you want. when done just close up and store . woks great on aluminum. ah but the plastic is another thing . try spray carb cleaner on the plastic to see if anything bad happens . if not this is in the long run economical.

 

I would not put any plastic or rubber parts in the carb cleaner, I have a feeling it would dry it out or crack it, possibly eat away at it but thats just a gut feeling, no facts to back up my suspiscion.

BEATNUT

 

Awesome! Thanks a lot for the quick responses, guys. I really appeciate it. First thing tomorrow morning the real work begins!

 

if you had a container to accept it side ways that'd be how i would do it . it'd take maybe 5 minutes. the plastic could stay out .

 

Good feeling. Carb cleaner will ruin seals and many plastics.