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1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  

Intercooler Test

Old Feb 26, 2014 | 01:59 PM
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Intercooler Test

I have a 6.0 cooler that i am planning to install. I would like to know how to pressure test for air leaks before i install it, any info on a good process for testing would be appreciated. I tried my own method of plugging the 3 in. inlet and outlet with a plumbing type plug. Well lets just say i got a little excited when one of the plugs blew off with a bang, so it didn't take me long to figure this was not a very safe way to do it
 
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Old Feb 26, 2014 | 11:11 PM
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Block one end and use one of these on the other end. Put 20 psi in there and spray with soapy water. No bubbles, no leaks.

 
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Old Feb 27, 2014 | 07:08 AM
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You've done this more than once
 
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Old Feb 27, 2014 | 09:12 AM
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Just a couple times, LOL
 
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Old Feb 27, 2014 | 09:37 AM
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What is a reasonable price for a used intercooler. I found one local to me and the guy says make an offer
 
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Old Feb 27, 2014 | 10:19 AM
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$100......
 
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Old Feb 27, 2014 | 10:30 AM
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Arrow

Originally Posted by oldbird1965
$100......
Yes and no more than $150.00.

Rich, I went to a radiator shop and let them to test my IC.


 
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Old Feb 27, 2014 | 11:16 AM
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Awesome. I'll let the guy know. It's one out of a 06 6.0. For now I don't really need one but if I come across a good deal I may scoop it up
 
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Old Mar 1, 2014 | 03:56 AM
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Originally Posted by oldbird1965
Block one end and use one of these on the other end. Put 20 psi in there and spray with soapy water. No bubbles, no leaks.

This is the plug i used, it worked just fine



This is the one i was having trouble with blowing off. It's kinda similar to yours, maybe i should get a white one. I walked away after it blew off a couple of times.
I will get back to it in a few days. sorry about the large pics
Glenn your cheating thow, i think your cooler is not a 6.0
 
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Old Mar 1, 2014 | 08:28 AM
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Mine is a SD IC, how is that cheating? LOL
 
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Old Mar 1, 2014 | 08:33 AM
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Just don't put anymore than 20psi in and make sure the clamps are tight
 
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Old Mar 2, 2014 | 12:35 PM
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just a fair warning the 6.0 coolers arent that great as everybody says they are they are fine for stock to mild 7.3s but once you go big power you would want a aluminum endtanked ones i have seen a lot of 6.0 ic failed on stock 6.0 trucks oil is a factor as well but the way they are built with the ends crimped on leave a lot to be desired
 
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Old Mar 2, 2014 | 12:36 PM
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and brad is right no more than 20 psi and stay clear of the ic s they can blow with force
 
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Old Mar 2, 2014 | 08:07 PM
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Sounds like there is a echo in here!
 
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Old Mar 3, 2014 | 01:50 AM
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Originally Posted by oldbird1965
Block one end and use one of these on the other end. Put 20 psi in there and spray with soapy water. No bubbles, no leaks.

Well that sounds easy enough.

Originally Posted by RÖENTGEEP
Yes and no more than $150.00.

Rich, I went to a radiator shop and let them to test my IC.


I think thats a good idea Jose


Originally Posted by oldbird1965
Mine is a SD IC, how is that cheating? LOL
I think mine came out of a 2005, i thought it was out of a Super Duty ?
I also thought you had some kind of after market cooler. does yours have aluminum or plastic like mine.


Originally Posted by Diesel_Brad
Just don't put anymore than 20psi in and make sure the clamps are tight
Thanks Brad, thats what i was trying to do. I think i was lucky really could have got hurt when that thing blew.


Originally Posted by rodneywar
just a fair warning the 6.0 coolers arent that great as everybody says they are they are fine for stock to mild 7.3s but once you go big power you would want a aluminum endtanked ones i have seen a lot of 6.0 ic failed on stock 6.0 trucks oil is a factor as well but the way they are built with the ends crimped on leave a lot to be desired
Ronnie, Thanks thats good info, i don't think i will build any more power after the cooler, just need to get a real chip. I'll try to make this plastic cooler work but if i have trouble with the boots blowing off i will start looking for another one. I'm not sure what you mean by "oil is a factor as well" can you or some on comment one that so i can better understand.
 
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