Aftercooler Diagnostic

[Jonathan Taylor]

Is it possible to determine if a 5 yr old aftercooler has leaked raw water into the combustion side? 

Topic

[Rob Schepis]

Pressure test it like this before you pull it apart if you are concerned with it’s current state.  And then when you pull it apart look for salt deposits on the air side and a localized heavy corrosion area on the housing inner wall.  Here’s pics of a neglected intercooler from a 6LP.

[Steve Lewis]

Have the aftercooler serviced off engine.  If you are handy with tools you can do this yourself(check out Tony’s Tips) or you can have it done by a mechanic that is trustworthy.  As part of that service make sure the core is removed, cleaned and pressure tested.  If the core passes the pressure test, then that is a good thing.  Reassemble and pressure test the entire rig.  Make sure that passes.  Have them pressure test the rig before it is serviced to know if it is currently leaking.

I am guessing that you are in Salt Water so you should be servicing these aftercoolers on a two year interval unless you fresh water flush after each use.  then you can extend a bit.  Plenty of write ups on the forum about this topic.

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