Intercooler leak? Replacement options?

[mike_b_svt]

Ok, I'm pretty sure I have an intercooler leak. I have been losing intercooler coolant slowly for a while now. Had to pull the unit to replace the EGR hose due to lean codes, and this is what it looks like inside....

Does this look like a leaking intercooler to you? (it sure does to me)
What are my best replacement options? (this is my factory stock daily driver)

 

[03cobra#694]

Actually no, but I'm on my phone. They do get nasty. Any water in the manifold itself?

 

[mike_b_svt]

I figured the obvious "clean" spot was from the coolant vaporization.
The car is at the dealer, so I haven't seen it in person. Going off of what the dealer says he found.

These are the other pics I have...

 

[01yellercobra]

Can you get it to a radiator shop to have it pressure tested?

 

[Black Gold 380R]

I figured the obvious "clean" spot was from the coolant vaporization.

Yep, that's what it looks like to me. Clean spot is indicative of a coolant leak, but it's not definitive. I would do as Slo98 mentioned and see if you can have it pressure tested.

 

[mike_b_svt]

Stopped at the dealer this morning. Yeah, it was definitely leaking and probably has been for quite some time ~ oil and coolant are cooked in the intake there like chocolate pudding, the way mama used to make it on the stove top! Yum?

Put a new intercooler on order this morning with LFP ~ 3 day build time, then overnight shipping. If all goes smoothly I should have my car back next friday (not sure why I believe it will suddenly go smoothly now when it hasn't so far).

Pondered having my SC ported while it is out, but I don't think I could have it turned around in time to stay on schedule.

 

[03cobra#694]

Stopped at the dealer this morning. Yeah, it was definitely leaking and probably has been for quite some time ~ oil and coolant are cooked in the intake there like chocolate pudding, the way mama used to make it on the stove top! Yum?

Put a new intercooler on order this morning with LFP ~ 3 day build time, then overnight shipping. If all goes smoothly I should have my car back next friday (not sure why I believe it will suddenly go smoothly now when it hasn't so far).

Pondered having my SC ported while it is out, but I don't think I could have it turned around in time to stay on schedule.

LFP? Interested to see how this works out. No offense, but that's a bad name around here.

 

[TRBO VNM]

I hope they have gotten better. The 2 I have seen looked like crap and mounting surfaces bent.

 

[03sonicblu]

Which one is advised to install if replacing/upgrading?

 

[Black Gold 380R]

I have ordered a few items from LFP and have not had any issues. I was not aware of issues forum members had until after I ordered from them, but I have not personally had any problems with LFP.

My suggestion is see if you can get yours repaired or go on eBay and buy a good used one. Only other one I have seen was from LFP. Looks like a good unit, but it's expensive. And someone else mentioned their LFP cooler arrived in a deformed condition.

Guess it's a crap shoot either way.......

 

[D-MANN]

Stopped at the dealer this morning. Yeah, it was definitely leaking and probably has been for quite some time ~ oil and coolant are cooked in the intake there like chocolate pudding, the way mama used to make it on the stove top! Yum?

Put a new intercooler on order this morning with LFP ~ 3 day build time, then overnight shipping. If all goes smoothly I should have my car back next friday (not sure why I believe it will suddenly go smoothly now when it hasn't so far).

Pondered having my SC ported while it is out, but I don't think I could have it turned around in time to stay on schedule.

Im curious if you checked the website and it said in stock and placed your order only to find out you have to wait?They have a terrible rep.


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[WHITESTRIPES]

Did you check the o rings on the tubes coming from the intercooler adapter going into the intercooler? Mine were bad/old causing a coolant leak and looked exactly like yours, maybe worse. I'd replace those before shelling out big money for an intercooler.

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[MG0h3]

I've never had my blower off but the welds on the end tank don't look factory. Looks like the thing was capped or something


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[mike_b_svt]

Well, it doesn't seem that there are any other aftermarket vendors for the intercooler, so LFP it is. I was a bit suprised that they didn't have one in stock, but they quoted me a 3 day build and $40 for overnight shipping. It arrived at the dealer this morning, right on time. Haven't seen it, but I hope it is straight and new!

No, did not end up having it pressure tested, or check the o-rings. The leak was actually visible ~ dripping coolant.

I've never had my blower off but the welds on the end tank don't look factory. Looks like the thing was capped or something

Factory welds. I'm the original owner and this is the first time the SC / IC have been pulled.

 

[PWORLDSTANG]

How many miles on the car?

 

[sicfast]

I will also be purchasing the lfp intercooler for my w245hpr install. As well as every single cooling mod possible.

 

[mike_b_svt]

How many miles on the car?

About 65k miles. Daily driven, but my commute is only about 10 minutes each way. Not ideal for the car, but it is what it is.

Got my car back Monday night, and today the roads are finally dry enough to...umm... "properly test for full functionality, post-repair". >.>

I have to say, my car has not felt this great in a long time! Money well spent. I just wish that somehow I had been able to work in a rebuild and port job on the SC!

BTW, here is a pic of the EGR hose, which started me down this whole path to begin with (P0174 lean bank codes).

 

[94 Cobra R]

About 65k miles. Daily driven, but my commute is only about 10 minutes each way. Not ideal for the car, but it is what it is.

Got my car back Monday night, and today the roads are finally dry enough to...umm... "properly test for full functionality, post-repair". >.>

I have to say, my car has not felt this great in a long time! Money well spent. I just wish that somehow I had been able to work in a rebuild and port job on the SC!

BTW, here is a pic of the EGR hose, which started me down this whole path to begin with (P0174 lean bank codes).
View attachment 85955

Hey Mike,

Do you have an update on your intercooler? Still doing good?