Do I need to change my intercooler hose?

[young_fogey]

My intercooler hose currently looks like this.


Covered in an oily grime and flecks of stuff. I believe its original to the car. Do I need to change it? What happens if I don't? Is it likely to split or something? I've seen some threads mention a bottom hose as well, is this likely to need doing too, somewhere?

TIA

[grivas]

Originally Posted by young_fogey

My intercooler hose currently looks like this.


Covered in an oily grime and flecks of stuff. I believe its original to the car. Do I need to change it? What happens if I don't? Is it likely to split or something? I've seen some threads mention a bottom hose as well, is this likely to need doing too, somewhere?

TIA

Wipe it down with a soft cloth and a little white spirit then warm soapy water and dry, then you will be able to assess its condition, if it is soft and sticky or has deep cuts or bulges on wall then change it, also unclip the EGR end and check the inside of the hose as well as the EGR, which may very well need a clean, your temperature sensor in middle of hose will also need a clean, be gentle.

[T-Cut]

Have you checked the lower end where the plastic elbow enters the intercooler? This is best seen with the bumper off (dead easy). This push-in joint is sealed by o-rings that typically disintegrate and cause oily leaks. The grott gets blown onto the outside of intercooler hose and makes a general mess as well as affecting the engine. If so, replace the orings with new ones from traders, eBay, etc. Easy to do and there's loads of info on doing it.

TC

[COLVERT]

Depends where the oil is coming from. It might just need new O ring seals.

[young_fogey]

Thanks all. I'll give them a clean and see where I am. I don't think its got noticeably worse since owning the car, nor is there an obvious oily mess on that side of the engine bay. Hence the mess is just on the pipe as far as I can see.