Has anyone cleaned their intercooler?

[TDi_B5]

Just wondered if anyone has cleaned their intercooler? When I changed my radiator last year I remember looking at it (and its easy access when the bumper is out of the way) and thinking it looked a bit grubby. I've read some intercooler cleaning threads on other forums, like the Landrover ones and it seem quite straight forward. Would I notice any performance gains when it is cleaned? I would use carb cleaner or paraffin and run the hose pipe though it after. Is it easy to remove on the Passat? (1997 110 AFN)

[hongkongstuey]

i reckon it would be quite easy to remove on yours, mine is same set up and looks pretty easy to remove. seen how to's about cleaning and they all look pretty much the same, paraffin to dislodge/thin down oil, then some say detergent based flush through, if it was me i'd probably used some washing up liquid then just wash through with hose pipe, there is still the chabce that stubborn larger pieces of crud may not get dislodged but i recko most 97-99 year passat have probably never had theirs cleaned. i might do it as i have no job at the moment and have lots of time on my hands

[TDi_B5]

Yeah sounds good to me and even if it doesn't improve the performance in any way, atleast you know its as clean as it can be! All the 'how to' guides I have seen have used washing up liquid at some stage and a good flush with the hose ought to do the trick. The trickiest bit is carefully removing the bumper and not loosing any screws! No job and lots of time eh....? The possibilities are endless!!

[martin1810]

Traffic film remover TFR is like super strength detergent so will probably do a better job than washing up liquid.

[cazyp]

PITA to remove neatly for cleaning as they are riveted on. I wouold drill out rivets and bolt back on.