Quality intercooler repair when you need it

Equipped with a turbo or supercharger, your car is built for power and efficiency. However, things can quickly go south if the intercooler fails, leading to a hot mess under the bonnet.

At mycar, we take the guesswork out of troubleshooting turbocharged problems. Our experienced mechanics can quickly investigate, diagnose and repair intercooler faults, so you can get back out on the open road and humming along smoothly.

Book a intercooler repair

What is an intercooler?

To get an idea of what an intercooler is and why it’s important, it helps to know something about what a turbo or supercharger does. While they work a little differently, both the supercharger and the turbocharger perform the same basic function: squeezing compressed air into the engine. By forcing more air into the cylinder space, more fuel can be burned at once, creating a more forceful explosion and generating more power.

The intercooler helps to cool the compressed air, which can otherwise become very hot. Cooling further helps to compress the air, making the turbo or supercharger more effective, and help to prevent engine overheating.

Most turbo or supercharged cars will feature a front mount intercooler, located behind the grill, where they can get maximum air flow. A top mount intercooler is situated above the engine for cars that have a design that doesn’t allow this placement. As heat from the engine can interfere with the intercooler’s functioning, the car may have additional scoops or air ducts in the bonnet to assist with air flow.

How does an intercooler work?

Intercoolers work similarly to a radiator: the compressed air is pumped through a structure of small tubes and cooling fins. Generally speaking, the intercooler works by cooling its metal parts with outside air rushing over the device, before pushing the compressed air through to the engine. However, in a small number of vehicles, water may be used to conduct heat away from the compressed air within.

How do I know if my intercooler is working?

Noticed your engine performance suffering? Suspect your intercooler has developed a leak or become clogged up? The best way to check for intercooler problems is to book in a service with mycar. Our helpful mechanics have the tools and the know-how to inspect and test your car’s intercooler. If a problem is found, we’ll repair or replace it with a quality new part.

There are a few symptoms that could indicate intercooler failure that you should watch out for. Book a check-up if you notice any of the following:

Poor fuel economy
Black smoke from the tailpipe
Smell of fuel burning “rich” (not enough oxygen)
Engine misfire
Car loses power, limited RPM
Engine overheating
Knocking noise from the engine

Oil in intercooler symptoms

A damaged turbocharger can leak oil into the intercooler. If this happens, it’s important to get both parts repaired as quickly as possible to restore engine performance and avoid further damage to the engine systems. If the intercooler becomes clogged up with oil, it can restrict or completely block airflow to the engine, which will cause the car to stop running. Symptoms of intercooler problems are similar to leaks and other issues, and will typically include poor fuel economy, a car that is running ‘rich’ or ‘lean’, poor engine performance and black, smelly smoke from the tailpipe.

Intercooler repair that will really rev your engine

If you suspect your car is suffering from intercooler failure, give your local mycar a call. We’ll talk through what symptoms you’ve been noticing, then book you in for a day and time that works for you.

Bring your car in and our experienced mechanics will get to work investigating the cause of the problem. From there, we can work out the best way to solve the issue, either through intercooler repair or cleaning, or with a full replacement of the unit. Either way, we’ll let you know ahead of time what the go is and how much you can expect it to cost.

What will an intercooler hose replacement cost?

Generally, intercooler hoses can cost anywhere from $150-$500. At mycar, we can organise replacement intercooler hoses, as well as repair or replace the intercooler itself. Prices vary based on the make and model of your car, what issues are involved and the time it takes to complete the repairs. You can ask your mechanic for an upfront quote.

Prefer to pay off your bills over time? With Zip and Afterpay now available at mycar, you’re in the driver’s seat when it comes to managing your money. Ask about our buy now, pay later options when you book in your next service or repair.

Why would I need a replacement hose?

The pipes that feed compressed air into the intercooler and carry it across to the engine can become worn over time, leading to cracks and splits. They can also become disconnected. A damaged hose will prevent the intercooler working properly, and you will notice some of the symptoms listed above. A new intercooler hose can fix a lot of these issues.

Talk to us today!

Call 13 13 28

FAQ

Why do diesels need intercoolers?

Diesel cars make a popular option for adding a turbo or supercharger. If you have a boosted diesel engine, you will need an intercooler to assist with optimal engine performance and reduce engine overheating.

What causes intercooler failure?

Intercooler failure usually happens because of a leak or a clog. If the unit or the surrounding pipes develop a hole or crack, the compressed air will escape into the surrounding atmosphere, reducing the amount of air injected into the engine cylinders. An oil clog slows the flow of air and can even stop it reaching the engine at all.

What happens if the intercooler is damaged?

A damaged and ineffective intercooler won’t be able to help cool the compressed air, reducing engine performance and causing problems with how the car manages the rate of fuel injection. It can also lead to engine overheating. It is important to get on top of intercooler problems before they cause damage to surrounding parts.