Oil In Intercooler

[c4coupe1]

Is it normal to have oil getting into the intercooler? (1.6HDi engine)

 

I have a fair bit of oil in the ducts leading to/from the intercooler. Surely if the intercooler is contaminated with warm oil, it defeats the object of it? Similarly, won't the oil mist leaving the intercooler cause a sludge in the pipes where the air intake is joined by the EGR..thus leading to a sticking EGR valve and the resultant loss of immediate acceleration?

 

Any help appreciated!

[Guest GarthyB]

Is it normal to have oil getting into the intercooler? (1.6HDi engine)

 

I have a fair bit of oil in the ducts leading to/from the intercooler. Surely if the intercooler is contaminated with warm oil, it defeats the object of it? Similarly, won't the oil mist leaving the intercooler cause a sludge in the pipes where the air intake is joined by the EGR..thus leading to a sticking EGR valve and the resultant loss of immediate acceleration?

 

Any help appreciated!

 

Oil in the intercooler and connecting pipes, go together like strawberries and cream. My old ZX gathered so much oil in the pipes that I could use it to 'top up' between oil changes. :lol:

 

In a strange way it shows that the intercooler is doing its job! Oil vapour is being forced to condense in the coldest part of the intake system, the intercooler. Ergo its doing its job. The induction airflow then drags that condensed oil into the intake pipework.

You may find that it will be necessary to periodically wash out your intercooler. Some manufactures call for it in servicings......my diesel Range Rover does! Citroen may well do as well, although I've not seen it on any maintenance sheets.

You can clean the pipes out with a rag, but being rubber avoid harsh cleaning products!

The oil in the intake will take some time to sludge sufficiently to effect the EGR valve, however you are correct........it will eventually!

 

Although not vehicle specific, this site details an intercooler clean.

 

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/stage1v8/Tech...Intercooler.htm

 

Ignore the bit about the EGR valve there's no need to do that on the citroen.

[c4coupe1]

Thanks for that...most useful!

 

I have had an EGR valve replaced due to it being sludged up. The symptoms were frequent hesitation when asking the car to accelerate quickly from a standstill.

 

I have looked at taking the intercooler out for a wash (previously did this on my old C5..it was easy to get at) but on the C4 there are two rigid metal pipes preventing removal. The pipes are attached to the radiator, and I think they belong to the aircon system?

 

This brings me to my next question.....How do you remove the intercooler without undoing the metal pipes?