Intercooler

An intercooler is any mechanical device used to cool a fluid, including liquids or gases, between stages of a multi-stage compression process, typically a heat exchanger that removes waste heat in a gas compressor.[1] They are used in many applications, including air compressors, air conditioners, refrigerators, and gas turbines, and are widely known in automotive use as an air-to-air or air-to-liquid cooler for forced induction (turbocharged or supercharged) internal combustion engines to improve their volumetric efficiency by increasing intake air charge density through nearly isobaric (constant pressure) cooling.

• Noticeable drop in the engine power
• Increased fuel consumption
• Unnatural smoke from the exhaust system
• Coil failure.

Generally, the connecting lines/hoses between the intercooler and the engine may leak, causing a drop in the pressure of the compressed air. Any extraneous substances in the air from the turbo can also damage the intercooler parts.

• A defective intercooler should be checked right away and replaced, if needed.
• Changing the intercooler hoses is easier than replacing the entire cooler itself.