An intercooler is an addition to a vehicle that can help the engine reach its maximum potential. But how does this device increase the engine’s performance?
The turbocharger sends air particles to the engine to perform better. However, the temperature inside the engine may rise, causing air particles to lose their density. If the air is not dense enough, then it won’t reach the engine properly. This is where the intercooler plays its role. It helps in increasing the density of air by cooling it down.
So, we can see how crucial an intercooler is. The intercooler may face damage because of debris intrusion, leaky connections or oil clogging. A failing intercooler will eventually cause damage to the car’s engine. So either repair or replacement is necessary. But how do you find out when an intercooler has any issues?
To find the answer, keep on reading.
5 Signs of a Damaged Intercooler
- Reduction in engine performance
Is your car facing a drop in power, or has it become sluggish? These problems could probably be caused by a failing intercooler. As the intercooler is unable to provide optimum air pressure to the engine, the vehicle will surely slow down.
2. Unusual noises
Does your vehicle make strange noises while operating? Then, it could possibly be because of a faulty intercooler. The noise may occur because the air is escaping from the intercooler instead of reaching the engine.
3. Low boost pressure
A faulty intercooler can lead to low boost pressure. The air particles may escape from a leaky intercooler before they reach the engine. This will lead to an improper combustion process. If the combustion is not optimum, then it will result in low acceleration and performance of the vehicle.
4. Overheating of engine
The vehicle’s engine can overheat due to many reasons, such as:
- Broken radiator fan
- Thermostat failure
- Damaged water pump
In some cases, the engine’s temperature can increase due to a damaged intercooler too. When the intercooler is unable to cool the air particles, then it will lead to elevated intake temperature.
5. Visible signs
There are certain visible signs that indicate a faulty intercooler. Corrosion, dents in metal parts, damaged plates or oil leaks show that your intercooler needs fixing or replacement.
A damaged intercooler can cause many problems to your vehicle. Low boost pressure, decrease in fuel efficiency, and engine failure can happen due to a faulty intercooler. If your Toyota’s intercooler needs fixing, then here are some pointers that can guide you on what to do next:
How To Fix The Problem Of A Damaged Intercooler?
- Fixing small cracks
Do you notice any minor cracks or holes in the metal part of an intercooler? Then, you can easily fix them with patching or welding. An expert can perform this job for a reasonable cost.
2. Replacement of damaged parts
If a particular part of an intercooler has broken such a connectors or hoses, then there is no need to replace the whole device. You only need to get the faulty component replaced, which you can get done with help of a technician.
3. Purchasing a new intercooler
If the intercooler still shows any performance problems despite maintenance and repair, then you need to get a new one. The latest intercooler will cost you some money, but it will be worth it. This is because the engine won’t deteriorate, and its performance will be at maximum.
Conclusion
An intercooler makes the air dense so that the engine can carry out the combustion process required to provide power to the vehicle. The inability of an intercooler to function optimally due to any damage in it is something you should not ignore. A reliable mechanic can check the working of the intercooler and tell whether it needs repair or replacement. If you need a new intercooler for your Toyota 200 SERIES LANDCRUISER, HP Diesel can help you. They provide quality parts that boost the engine’s performance. So visit their website for more information.
