Cleaning oil from a charge air cooler

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by mile marker 27, Mar 25, 2024.

  1. mile marker 27

    mile marker 27 Road Train Member

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    So, I got quite abit of oil in my charge air cooler, from the debacle of my N14. I turned it on its side and left it to drain all it could for about 2 weeks now. I know there’s more oil in it and was wondering if y’all would use dish soap and hot water to clean it? Any other methods?
     
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  3. xsetra

    xsetra Road Train Member

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    I took mine to a radiator shop to get cleaned.
     
  4. Big Road Skateboard

    Big Road Skateboard Road Train Member

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    Car wash. Degreaser, soap, rinse, and let dry
     
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  5. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

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    I would imagine they would have the necessary technology. You could mess around with a hot pressure wash with a degreaser input and connections to run it through for 30 minutes or till it runs clean, then compressed air to dry - but rad shop would probably be cheaper.
     
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  6. Last Call

    Last Call Road Train Member

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    Borax or Cascade dish washing gel pour it in the CAC and let it set 30 mins then flush it with hot water
     
  7. bad-luck

    bad-luck Road Train Member

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    Cascade and a hose
     
  8. xsetra

    xsetra Road Train Member

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    They cleaned and pressure tested. The did my radiator and cac.
    Doing my radiator at home I've used dawn, cascade and purple power. All worked.
     
  9. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    I've always sent rads, ATA's, coolers etc to the local rad shop. They can flush them out and pressure test them.
     
  10. LeeEpling

    LeeEpling Bobtail Member

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    Well, if it's only the charge air. Made of aluminum (assuming) measure the size of the bottom intake port. Find a way to plug it. I've used an old intake hose and a cap from the hardware store from the plumbing section. Then grab some good old aluminum brightener. Mix it 50/50 in a 5 gal bucket. Then let it sit for a few minutes. If you're overly concerned about the acid, you can also use vinegar. Regular distilled vinegar, old trick for engine and radiator flushes. If it's a lot of oil, throw a few scoops of cascade in a small bowl. Mix til dissolved.

    Once you flush, make sure to set it in front of a heat source to dry a bit. (Won't hurt if you don't, but I don't like water in the chamber.)
     
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