406 INTERCOOLER OIL LEAK

[marco2002]

Hi

I noticed i've got a little bit of oil around the bottom of the intercooler. Car doesn't lose any oil, i did read somewhere that it can be a build up which takes years. So i'm going to have a go at cleaning it off tommorow and checking the hoses while i'm there and see if this is a blip or a major problem sommewhere.

How easy is it to get the intercooler out? haynes manual doesn't give much away.

Looks like just undoing the the 2 hoses and undoing the clip with the sensor on top is there anything else to lookout for? I'm thinking the intercooler could come out through the top of the car rather than having to jack it up and put it on the axle stands and take the splash guard off underneath?

I've got some gunk degreaser which i'll use to get the oil off the outside of the intercooler. What could you use to clean the inside of the intercooler? Would a bit of petrol do the trick maybe?

Any help or advice appreciated as i've not had to tackle this before.

Thanks

[grasmere59]

When i bought my hdi the intercooler had an oil leak,it's a bit of a faf getting it out as i reckon they want you to take the cooling rad and intercooler as a unit.I did manage it but had to trim a bit of the plastic housing by it to give clearance.I changed it 6-7k miles ago and touch wood it's been fine with no oil leaks since.I think although i could'nt see for the old oil the original intercooler had corroded enough for a pin hole to leak.

[Doggy]

The bottom of mine's plastered in oil too - I think it's just the lowest point where any oil gathers / oil mist condenses, then seeps out round the hose joints.

[grasmere59]

I must admit though since i've changed mine it's been as dry as the proverbeable bone

[panadero]

Recently after doing away with the under engine tray/shield, I noticed spots of oil on the ground. Probably been
leaking for considerable time but was being absorbed by the tray/shield. My garage thought it
was coming from "the pipe that runs between the intercooler and the turbo". Nothing too serious seemingly.
Does the above diagnosis sound plausible to the readership please and can I sort it myself?