Intercooler has a leaky valve ?

[clintondane]

Our '01 Blitzen has developed a tiny oil leak from the intercooler and after getting it looked at by local subaru garage while the rocker covers gaskets were being done a week ago the mechanic reckons its a common issue that doesn't cause many if any any issues.

What id like to know is this, is it best to get it repaired by mechanic or is it a possible home fix, or just buy a second hand intercooler? If i do opt for a second hand one, are there any subi intercoolers that won't fit or are better etc ?

[marc]

Is common and doesnt seem to cause any problems from my experence. Usually its just the inlet gaskets or the bolts/clamps loosing. easy fix at home however gettin a TT intercooler back on for the 1st time can be a nightmare for some lol.

Do you know where abouts the leak is coming from to be specific?

[clintondane]

Can't really tell but all of a sudden the connection where the clamp is was covered in a really light film of oil. might just be a loose clamp? Will loosen it and give it the old African jiggle and see if that stops the oil leaking? Such a small leak i can't tell from the times I've checked the oil level in the past so like you say doesn't cause any issues to speak of.

[marc]

 clintondane said:

Can't really tell but all of a sudden the connection where the clamp is was covered in a really light film of oil. might just be a loose clamp? Will loosen it and give it the old African jiggle and see if that stops the oil leaking? Such a small leak i can't tell from the times I've checked the oil level in the past so like you say doesn't cause any issues to speak of.

Yeah could be a partialy loose clamp but yeah just do what you said. If anything it means your primary turbo may be passing a tiny bit of oil part the compressor side. A little bit of oil is normal but abit is not a good sign. A little will pool up in the low points over time and thats what you may be seeing. Would be nice to pull the IC off, look at how much oil is in it, then re tighten the clamps and bolts. If theres abit of oil in there clean it out then drive the car for a day or so the re check the intercooler. If thers abit of oil in it again you may have a turbo issue.

But as stated Id say you 95% have nothing to worry about and it IS normal to have a little weapage on them