Engine: D5: Oily deposits on a/c radiator, Intercooler?

[JezHocking]

Hi,

I have a 2003 V70 D5 with 145,000 on the clock and a couple of issues starting to appear, I have recently replaced the front and rear engine mounts after finding they were not holding a vacuum. I have also got a new intercooler to fit as I have some hesitation when accelerating and oily buildup/deposits all over the front of the a/c radiator and front grille/spoiler.



I have found an article explaining how to replace the intercooler, but am I likely to need any other bits like pipes etc before I start dismantling the front of the car?

Any advice on best way of cleaning the gunk off the a/c radiator without damaging it?

[jamena]

Mine had oil on it found big split in it had it replaced radiator only.
James

[Simon Jones]

You don't need any other parts when changing intercooler, other than some patience and a swear box! The best stuff to remove the oil is Gunk (available from Halfords and the like). Brush or spray it on, leave for a bit and then jet wash off.

[JezHocking]

great thank you I'll go get some gunk, wow that looks like fun, did you have any bits left over when it went back together :-)

[Brendan W]

....or bits missing like the odd screwdriver

Have a look at the hose clamps to make sure they will be re-usable'
Gunk is the job, just easy on the water pressure.

[Simon Jones]

Strangely enough, I found an LED torch with a magnet stuck inside the n/s wing which must have been left there from a previous owners repair. It still worked too!

[skv70d5]

I have just noticed that I have oil deposits below my radiator fan and on the radiator and/or intercooler.

I dont know which is which and the haynes manual says that I need to remove the radiator in order to remove the intercooler. I have attached a couple of pics (one from either side).

The oil build up seems to be at a slow seeping pace and not at a leaking pace, as I took off the splash guard and cleaned that up yesterday, and I dont have any oil on the floor today; whereas before oil was hitting the floor each night.

I believe that there will always be oil going to the intercooler due to the turbo's free floating seals, so this amount in its outlet hose should be ok, yes (please refer to atached pic)?

As I now have oil deposits outside of the intercooler, does this mean that I need to replace the intercooler, as it looks like a big job to remove the radiator (especially 12.5 litres of coolant)?

As I am in Germany, I would have to rent out a pit in order to prevent potential environmental damage, which is obviously cheaper than paying a high fine, but still additional costs all the same.

[Simon Jones]

You don't need to disconnect anything on the cooling or A/C system. Just unbolt the three elements of the radiator pack and withdraw the I/C which is sandwiched in the middle. I can't recall if I removed it from above or below, but I know it was the opposite way to the official Volvo method.

[skv70d5]

Hi Simon,

Thank you for the fast response.

That sounds liek a good idea. How long did it take you to remove the front of your car?

Also, is there a quick way to test the intercooler to see if it is indeed broken?

[cheshired5]

Originally Posted by skv70d5

especially 12.5 litres of coolant

Ignore Haynes.
The D5 cooling system is 8 litres as shown in the owner's manual.