Intercooler Fluid Leak

[Bottoz]

Assistance needed: I may have found a leak in the Intercooler fluid system. This *could* be why we're losing fluid (or a contributing factor). Feel the plastic joints that feed the Heat Exchanger. I noticed two little wet spots on the ground directly below those plastic joints. If enough folks have this common problem, we'll need another fix.

[bolus]

Mine is fine.  Didn't you put a higher pressure cap on your system?  Perhaps it is over the pressure limits of these seals

[Bottoz]

No... the higher pressure cap didn't fit. In fact... I noticed this with Zero pressure on the system. I had the cap off while re-filling it. This has been a problem since day one.

[silver]

Mine is dry too.

[Bottoz]

Dang. 0 for 2. I think I remember Darth saying he had to add fluid to his.... maybe he has the same symptoms. If not... I guess I'll chalk this up to a fluke.

[Bottoz]

Well. I spent all after work draining the intercooler fluid and removing the heat exchanger. Let me say that who ever at Brammo that decided to use OETIKER stepless hose clamps should be shot in the face. Twice. Apparently you need a special tool to get those stupid things off. Here's an idea.... use regular hose clamps that only require a slotted screw driver! Keep it in line with the 'simpleness' of the Atom. Ugh... anyways....

Drained it... removed the Heat Exchanger. Took the plastic elbows off and coated the threads with Teflon tape. Hopefully that will solve my leaking/losing fluid problem. IMO... they should have been taped with Teflon from the Factory.[me=Bottoz]shakes head.[/me]

Now I'm running a 40/40/20 mix of Distilled Water, Anti-Freeze and Water Wetter. It's another NASA weekend... so I'll report back with IAT2 temps and if there was loss of fluid.

[Jammer]

In the famous voice of Arty Lange... WAAAAAAAAHAAAAAAAAA

[Terry Kennedy]

[quote="Bottoz"]Let me say that who ever at Brammo that decided to use OETIKER stepless hose clamps should be shot in the face. Twice. Apparently you need a special tool to get those stupid things off. Here's an idea.... use regular hose clamps that only require a slotted screw driver! Keep it in line with the 'simpleness' of the Atom. Ugh... anyways....[/quote]

Huh? Just cut across the tab with a pair of diagonal cutters and the clamp pops right off. For installing new clamps, there's an inexpensivel tool, but pliers will also work just fine.

[Bottoz]

haha.... yeah, after a couple knuckle busters, I got a little pissed. And Terry, looks like my dikes aren't sharp enough... or the metal on the clamps are too thick. They wouldn't cut. Oh well. It always takes the right tool for the right job. I just wish a simple screwdriver was the right tool (it is now!).

[Terry Kennedy]

[quote="Bottoz"]
haha.... yeah, after a couple knuckle busters, I got a little pissed. And Terry, looks like my dikes aren't sharp enough... or the metal on the clamps are too thick. They wouldn't cut.[/quote]

I've had a number of those clamps off my Atom (I could tell you what for, but then I'd have to kill you ). Using regular Home Depot house-brand cutters gave me no problems.

[Bottoz]

I don't have much grip in my Right Hand due to an Air Force injury.... So that might be part of my problem.

[DarthChicken]

My level had only dropped about 2" Bottoz, and I think it might have been an air bubble.  I haven't had to add any to my car, and I've got over 1000 miles on it at this point.