ipman

Yes, silly question I know, but I was at a DIY car wash recently using the power hose. With the vents, how do you wash up in there? I didn't shoot water down the vent, just came at it from the side, but is it possible to aim the hose in the tube without having the water sucked into the engine? I am guessing there a drain on it somewhere and, when it rains it has to get sucked in and go somewhere.

Dock

What vents? Are you referring to the side intercooler intakes or the air intake above the engine?

ipman

Yes, the side intercooler intakes.

Dock

If you are referring to the side intakes, the water can't be sucked into the engine. The water will simply flow through the intercooler, just like the airflow does.

kmagnuss

It's a closed system... water can get in there just fine. It's what happens when it rains.

ipman

OK, humor me here (or educate)... air goes through the intakes, into the IC, which goes into the plenum and into the engine. How can water not get in there? Air in, air out is the basic principle. I am really glad to hear that it cannot get in there but I am wondering how so.

T Kono

Those are not air intakes for engine breathing. Air enters, cools the intercoolers, then exits the slats behind the rear tires. The engine air is inside the intercoolers and is sealed from the air flow passing through your "intakes". The engine air enters through the "slats" in front of the rear spoiler, on the decklid.

ipman

Boom! Thank you!, that is what I was needing to know!

T Kono

I always liked this picture.....quite the machine actually

ipman

That helps, I am a visual person. So it appears that if you needed to replace the ICs, it's not an engine out job but you do need to remove the wheel, plastic wheel covering and rear bumper at least.

T Kono

The more you remove, the easier the job. Here is mine with the IC housing removed.... sorry about the image size

FRUNKenstein

Think of the air that goes to the intercoolers working similar to the air that passes through a radiator to cool the liquid inside the radiator. It flows through the intercooler fins, but does not mix with the air contained within the intercooler.

ipman

thanks, this thread was helpful, washed the car yesterday and did not have any concerns

Kevinmacd

Hence the reason larger intercoolers with bigger runners and larger radiator area provide more power, allowing the charge air to be cooled more!