New Intercooler?

Metallo · Post by **Metallo** » 02 Sep 2023, 14:36

Hi folks,

My car is an XC 70 AWD of 2006. 300000 Km

Today, I removed the condenser because it needs to be replaced.
When I removed it, I found out that the radiator has a very small leak, so I simply decided to continue and remove it too.

It took some time, but it is now ready for disposal.

Now my question:
the intercooler seems to be fine, but it has never been replaced, like the radiator, 17 years old.

I always go for Nissens when it comes to aftermarket radiators/condensers etc. and of course, the intercooler is also made by them.

The reason why I am asking this question is because I do not know how frequently they fail.

The risk is clearly that when it fails, I will have to re-do the disassembling of today from scratch.

The car is in good shape, it is used by my wife, home to school and back, 15 Km/day.
Sometimes we do long trips, like 5000 Km, all highway.

I really would appreciate your advice on this one.

Thank you!
Alex

Post by **volvolugnut** » 02 Sep 2023, 14:45

I did a search for "intercooler leak" for all forums and found many threads. However, from my feeble memory, I do not think they occur often.
Let others comment.
volvolugnut

Post by **BlackBart** » 02 Sep 2023, 15:19

The only time I’ve seen one leak is when we physically hit something on a dark highway with our 850. Cracked the case. They’re pretty tough, and the only thing in them is air and some oil film - they shouldn’t corrode.

Post by **Krons** » 02 Sep 2023, 16:20

If it was less than $200 I’d replace it to simply have peace of mind to not do the job again. Like doing cam seals when doing a timing belt job.

Metallo · Post by **Metallo** » 02 Sep 2023, 16:40

The cost would be roughly that, but my major concern is to replace a Valeo vs a Nissens.
Unfortunately a Valeo can only be purchased in Europe, for the same price delivered in NA, but it takes 2-3 weeks before you receive it.

I mean, 17 years and no issues, considering the winters here in Canada, there is no doubt that the quality is there.

Nissens is good too, but I do not expect to be the same level, that is my only concern.

Post by **Blacklab467** » 02 Sep 2023, 17:12

Don't replace good parts because they might fail in the future unless they are wear items, rubber or plastic things that fail due to age or exposure, or parts that the manufacturer has upgraded or recalled, further to that thought, do not replace good parts with aftermarket parts. You're right about being hesitant to replace your serviceable Valeo with a Nissens.

Post by **Krons** » 02 Sep 2023, 19:06

Metallo wrote: ↑02 Sep 2023, 16:40 The cost would be roughly that, but my major concern is to replace a Valeo vs a Nissens.
Unfortunately a Valeo can only be purchased in Europe, for the same price delivered in NA, but it takes 2-3 weeks before you receive it.

I mean, 17 years and no issues, considering the winters here in Canada, there is no doubt that the quality is there.

Nissens is good too, but I do not expect to be the same level, that is my only concern.

That being the case I would run what you have. While it is out there is some YouTube videos on flushing an intercooler. Would probably be worth putting new hoses on it.

yanga001 · Post by **yanga001** » 06 Sep 2023, 08:09

Given its just air in the intercooler i would not replace it unless you are having issue with air leaks.

The volvo intercoolers are fairly well protected from my memory compared to other makes.

Post by **abscate** » 07 Sep 2023, 03:23

I think every case of intercooler failure here has been either accident damage, vast majority, or the rare frozen and burst intercooler in wintry climates