I am about to install a boost gauge and want to clean the intercooler while it is off for that job. A search seemed to indicate that brake cleaner is good for this job. Any other suggestions, tips, do's and don'ts?

 

if you're talking about cleaning out the fins, i just use duct tape and make
the bugs and cotton seeds attach to it.

but yah, since brake cleaner leaves little to no residue, i would use that
if i was going to clean the fittings. that or RC car motor spray.

 

My solution to the bugs in the intercooler was to simply cut a piece of gray fiberglass window screen and slip it between the intercooler and the black cover. The screen blends right in and the bugs and other debris stay out. The only downside is that the airflow over the intercooler might be slightly reduced because of the screen.
Total cost of materials is $.50 and a trip to the hardware store Please stay away from the Big Box, Support your local Hardware Store. Time for cutting and installation ia about 5-10 minutes. Make sure you use the fiberglass, as the aluminum will probably abrade the fins. I have not had any problems with heat from the intercooler melting the screen.

 

lol, cotton seed?

 

Assuming that you are talking about cleaning the inside of the IC, not the outside, just about any solvent should do - all you are trying to do is wash out the oil that got into it - there should be little dirt.

If the outside is the issue, a some Simple Green and a garden hose should do the job...

 

Brake clean or lacquer thinner work fine. I prefer brake clean becaure you can spray it in, slosh the IC from side to side and dump. Repeat several times.
I blow out with air. If you don't have a compresser, be sure to allow some time for the inside to dry out before re-installing.