Tips / fluids for cleaning an intercooler

[TERRA Operative]

The $2 cans was what I used.

Interesting. I've run wax and grease remover, as well as the cheap degreaser through my stock 4AGZE intercooler with no drama whatsoever...

[Z2TT]

How do you find out whether they are Caustic or not the $2 ones, as there are so many brands.

- 5 Star
- Australian Export

list goes on.

When I used them for cleaning an alloy rim they left blemishes when i let it drip along the rim

[TERRA Operative]

Use Australian Export, that stuff is definitely petroleum based. I've also used basic wax and grease remover to good effect. It's good for getting out all the oil my stuffed supercharger leaks into the intercooler. I've never had a problem with it on my stock GZE intercooler in the 5 or so times I've cleaned it out.
You will find the car will run a little rough for a bit until all the vapors are cleared out. Leave the cooler in the sun for a while to help lessen the effects.

If you get a whiff of the vapors and they smell like Kerosene/diesel/etc, it's petroleum based.
If it makes your sinuses feel like they're burning, then it's caustic.

The caustic stuff will have some pretty heavy warnings about not letting it touch your skin, paint, lungs, or aluminium on the can.

[X kyle X]

Yeh I used austrLian export degreaser in mine. With no I'll effects

[HAVABEER]

pretty sure i just used metho when i cleaned my stock soarer front mount.

poured a heap in, swished and shook it around for a bit, poured out.

[feral4mr2]

general purpose thinners is best. rids the gunk easily and evaporates fast. no residues or waiting for water based shite to dry.