Oil in Intercooler Pipe: Possible Causes

Oil in the intercooler pipe is a frequent reason for turbo failure. Your engine's intercooler, which is attached and used to cool intake air, is equipped with either a supercharger or a turbocharger system.

It's not a good indicator when oil builds up in the intercooler, especially if it's an air-to-air intercooler. It indicates that your turbocharger has a problem that needs to be fixed right away. Your engine and intercooler performance will suffer if you ignore this.

As this could result in an emissions test failure on your subsequent MOT test, you should check MOT status of your car and have your mechanic address this issue.

Some of the causes of oil in the intercooler pipe of a diesel engine will be revealed to you.

Why does the intercooler pipe have oil in it?

Your intercooler's job is to lower the temperature of the compressed air coming from the turbocharger or supercharger. It enhances the air density supplied to your engine while cooling that air.

The air is compressed and heated to an extremely high level by the turbocharger or supercharger. The density (or oxygen content) decreases as the temperature rises.

Therefore, when the intercooler cools this air, it enables denser, more oxygen-rich air to enter the engine, allowing for increased fuel combustion.

As a result, it enhances combustion and increases engine power.

Neither the operational needs nor the architecture of the intercooler calls for the presence of any oil. Your turbocharger spins at up to 280,000 rpm and receives oil lubrication from your engine's lubrication system.

The seals may start to leak oil over time or if there is a problem, which causes the compressed air supplied by your turbocharger to build up at the bottom of the intercooler.

As the oil level rises, you could then suffer symptoms of oil in the intercooler, which are unfavourable. To avoid further damage to your engine, you should look for car garages in Reading online and book your car in with a competent mechanic to fully investigate the problem and complete any required repairs or part(s) replacement to have this problem fixed.

The typical causes of oil in your intercooler pipe are listed below:

1. Very high oil pressure

2. Blocked air filter intake

3. Fixing the wrong turbocharger

4. Wrong gaskets

5. A trapped or twisted oil return pipe

6. Clogged air filter

7. Damaged turbo parts

8. Bad core

When this happens, you must immediately stop the leak from your turbocharger. We found that most individuals mistake coolant for oil, therefore you should be certain of the origin of the leak before taking any action. For this reason, it is better to leave any investigations and repairs to the experts. Look online for garages in Reading and make an appointment with a trained mechanic.

In other circumstances, it might only be a minor leak from the core, which won't impair your car's performance. All that needs to disturb you is the oil in the intercooler that causes smoke when the engine first cranks.

Remember that a MOT emissions test failure will occur if your exhaust produces an excessive amount of smoke. To find out the problems that led to a previous MOT test failing, search "check MOT history" online.

Most Commonly Asked Question (FAQ)

Is oil typically present in the intercooler?

As your vehicle travels farther, oil may build up in the intercooler, but this is not a common occurrence. Most frequently, a restriction is brought on by an oil leak from your car's turbo seals.

Due to its location between the turbos, the intercooler is the only area for leaks from this component of your car to go when it is worn out and has holes in it.

The performance of your vehicle's intercooler will suffer when the oil collects in the bottom. Your turbocharger seals need to be replaced if the ford ranger intercooler piping leaks oil more frequently and in larger amounts.

What symptoms indicate a clogged intercooler?

Your engine's power will decrease, and fuel usage can rise. Other issues include strange smoke coming from your car's exhaust system.

Fuel economy and horsepower can suffer if your engine is not getting enough air.

The temperature of the air entering the engine will rise, which will decrease the engine's efficiency. This causes overheating after a while, which could result in your engine knocking.

Your intercooler may become clogged due to turbocharger oil in the intercooler pipes.