Intercooler connections: malfunctions and their elimination

In any engine equipped with a turbo system, there is an intercooler. It is connected to the turbine by means of a special branch pipe, which is of particular importance in the system, despite its small size.

Description

The intercooler is located between the intake manifold and the turbine and is a heat exchange device that transfers compressed air through the nozzle. The dimensions of the device can be different, depending on the type of motor. The dimensions do not affect the quality of the engine. Here the intercooler pipes have a greater importance: their resistance to wear, the quality of the joint, the thickness and the materials used. Most often there are silicone products that have become widespread due to their characteristics.

Malfunctions

If the connection to the radiator is improperly connected to the radiator, there is a high likelihood of fluid leakage and entry to the bottom of the crankcase protection. It is also worth noting the tubes used to transfer the air flow. Their breakdown and violation of integrity leads to a failure in the entire system and disruption of the sensors.

A very common problem is the oil marks on the ring. If there are not many of them, you should not attach importance to this, but in the event that the intercooler pipes in the oil are partially or completely, it is necessary to look for a malfunction. Replacement of these elements should be regular, regardless of wear, about once every three years. This will prevent the rupture of parts and the repair of major systems. If the replacement is not timely, the radiator suffers. Particular attention should be given to the tube through which the liquid with high temperature moves. That is why the liquid on the surface of the tubes should become the reason for the acquisition of new elements. It is visually difficult to determine the degree of wear, as outwardly the parts may look spoiled, but at the same time it can function perfectly. Conversely, the outer surface can be as new, but inside there are damages.

When to repair

When the lower tubes break and damage, the amount of air supplied by the intercooler decreases. As a result, the operation of the system is disrupted. This is caused by the loss of some air and oil. Because of this, the pressure decreases and the functioning of the motor becomes more difficult. The car requires maintenance when the slightest malfunction occurs in the engine. It is necessary to check the entire system, including the intercooler pipes, since they often fail. Mandatory replacement is not required for all elements, some can be sealed or treated with a sealant.

As noted earlier, the oil on the surface of the ring does not always indicate the need for repair, since in some cases small droplets may form as a result of the engine and turbine operation. When the nozzle breaks, a large amount of liquid appears. In this case, it is necessary to replace the sealing ring or the device itself. In the turbo system, there are many vulnerabilities. These include not only the intercooler pipes, but also the intake manifold, compressor, throttle assembly and filter. When deforming and breaking the tightness of any part, the power of the entire system is significantly reduced.

What you need to know

The intercooler sockets silicone and made of plastic with time are damaged due to the influence of high temperatures and strong pressure. Most often, the joints suffer, despite the fact that they use wear resistant materials.

The quality of the intercooler depends on many factors, the main of which is the length of the tube, which is fed to the intake manifold. With a decrease in its size, there is an improvement in the functioning of the system. Also, the correspondence between the flow velocity and the diameter of the part is important.

That is why, in the absence of experience and relevant knowledge, it is necessary to consult specialists for installing tubes, the length and diameter of which are selected after certain calculations.

How to check and replace the intercooler nipples yourself

Checking the functioning of the elements is within the power of any car owner and can significantly save money. The engine requires a thorough inspection, as the untimely elimination of breakage can lead to serious costs in the future. When choosing new intercooler connections to replace worn out ones, it is worthwhile to dwell on the variant having the minimum number of solder points, in order to reduce the likelihood of fluid leakage. The optimal solution will be silicone products, characterized by a long period of operation, resistance to high temperatures and reliability. It is quite easy to replace the branch pipe. It is necessary to unscrew the sealing rings on both sides of the tube, install a new part and fix it. If necessary, you can replace the rings themselves.