Gramma_Benz

Crap, my Intercooler is officially leaking! And to make things even worse, I ordered one from Parts.com and I just got an email saying this part is on Worldwide backorder, so it might take a few weeks to get it.

Any ideas?

ALSO debating whether or not I should go back to an OEM Bosch unit as Needswings say that the higher pressure from a Johnson unit is what causes the intercooler to leak. And they say the OEM unit flows sufficiently enough.

Thoughts?

TIA!

loungn14

High suck factor!

The johnson pump doesn't flow enough to cause those types of issues. If you were going mez or something then maybe. Just a crap part! I replaced mine with the code3 at 30-40k, added more mods and sold the car with over 90k on it. If it were the pump, I would have seen the other one go out too no?

Another thought would be to go to your mercedes dealer, tell them you own a shop and want to sign up for a dealer account. It doesn't require any paperwork etc, and you get a pretty hefty discount! (didn't hear it from me lol)

02C32guy

I agree. I don't see how the pump would cause them to leak. Although fluid is flowing faster, is there really that much more pressure in the intercooler? I don't really see how. Plus, plenty of people with stock pumps have had them fail. Not to mention, if you have the intercooler isolated the system isn't even under any pressure. I can run mine with the lid of my intercooler reservoir completely off.

loudandheard

There were a few people on the e55 forum making their own. I bet you could probably have someone fab you up a better one by taking apart the one that doesn't work and combining it with a few other pieces.

Check this thread out. https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...ler-setup.html

Gramma_Benz

Thanks Jake,

Actually, my mechanic already has a dealer account, but he said they still wanna charge him $1250 or something like that. And he doesn't mark it up, he just charges me labor.

So I talked to the Parts.com guy and he said once he places the order, he can push Mercedes to get a real ETA of arrival. If it's too long, he will cancel the order and give me a refund. It was $920 plus shipping on parts.com.

Gramma_Benz

Thanks for the link. I'd LOVE to go the custom route, but I think they're still in early R&D and this is kind of my daily driver, so I can't be waiting for too long. i was hoping to get this taken care of within 2 weeks or 3 at the longest.

320 dreamer

try oediscountparts.com they have free shipping over 50$ and are as cheap as parts.com. its skyland mercedes in ashville nc
i would also be intested in your leaking unit if you want to get rid of it

alkrstev

I have been running the johnson cm 30 pump for about three and a half years and no problems. My car is stock with k&ns and NGK plugs.

gt4awd

I've never pulled my mani's to see if the intercooler is leaking. Definitely something to do...

Gramma_Benz

Thanks, I already placed the order and they're supposed to be able to give me a firm ETA, but if it's longer than 2 weeks I can get a refund and cancel. Shipping was only $37.

And I'll inbox you once all is said and done. Depends if they get anywhere with these new prototype IC's.

Gramma_Benz

Well, I first noticed it when my coolant got low. One of the biggest risks is the coolant getting in your cylinders and eating away at your cylinder walls.

jturkel

damn sorry to hear this. how many miles you at now? i'm at about a 100k and had a random low coolant warning couple months ago. i fortunately don't drive more than 3-4 miles a day IF i drive it all so i haven't had anything happen yet (and i've never pulled my manis either). i think the only think i have going on right now is a leaky valve cover.

i hope you're able to resolve this problem soon!

gt4awd

I had the coolant set indicator once a few months back, but that was after weather got much colder in the winter time. Thinking just the change in temperature dropped coolant level as it never got low again after refilling. Did recently find a small leak on I/C connections top of engine, and had to tighten clamps. Removed the stock clamps for screw based when I installed PSK many months/miles ago, and had to customize those connections.

OverDrive

Bro Come talk to me, I have a spare, I am using the Code 3 IC (Last one ever made) in mine, My space one is still good when I pulled it, Wasn't leaking. My first one (the one that came with the car was)

Kelley8662

I agree. I don't see how the pump would cause them to leak. Although fluid is flowing faster, is there really that much more pressure in the intercooler? I don't really see how. Plus, plenty of people with stock pumps have had them fail. Not to mention, if you have the intercooler isolated the system isn't even under any pressure. I can run mine with the lid of my intercooler reservoir completely off.

02C32guy

The rubber caps that I use to isolate my intercooler frequently dry rot and leak. Something to keep in mind. Also, like gt4awd, I get a low coolant message every winter when it gets really cold.

Gramma_Benz

Hey Josh,
I'm at 105K. So I got a low coolant warning twice, so I had my mechanic put some dye in the coolant so we could test as the MB coolant doesn't have any color.

Newzchspy

+1 , what Jake said ^ ^ ^ I've been running the Code 3 for 2 years now with nary as issue and also run a Johnson. Flow has nothing to do with it. Pressure is also likely NOT a factor.

Newzchspy

What Code you throwing?? I get that BUT its from my thermostat!!

02C32guy

I've never actually checked for codes. I see the low coolant malfunction once in a while, but everything checks out fine (coolant level, engine temp, etc...) so I just ignore it. Ignoring things is one of my greatest talents