Underboost/sludge in intercooler

[Anomicman]

Hi folks.

After my check engine light came on, my VW dealer detected an underboost problem and identified it coming from my intercooler having sludge in it. I was wondering, if I remove the unit and clean it, can that help solve the problem ? If so, how can it be cleaned ? In any event, have any of you encountered this before and how did you fix it ?

Thanks in advance for your advice.


Fred

 

[Mongler98]

Im not 100% on your car but on most TDIs You can clean it in place. Dont take my advice if somone chimes in on a better way. Cascade detergent powder ( lots of it) and hot water. Take the boots off the in and out at the turbo and fill let it soak and flush it out. Remove boot at I intercooler to drain. Blow it all out. Connect everything but not the intake manifold and start it up and let it blow the rest of the water out if any. Connect the intake and let it idle for a few minutes. Go drive.
The question is why is there sludge in there? Some oil is normal but it should just be oil mist so why sludge?
I'm not sure why this would cause an underboost. I suppose if it's really badly clogged up it would but I've never heard of or seen an intercooler clogged up as its filtered air and light oil mist in there.

 

[Scooby24]

Sludge doesn't reduce pressure...I'd say the sludge AND the underboost are both symptoms of the same problem...a failing turbo.

 

[Anomicman]

Thanks for the input. Reason why I want to take the whole unit out is because of the cold weather up here right now ; I would bring it in the house and let everything come to room temperature for an easier cleaning job.

 

[Anomicman]

I would suspect a failing turbo as well, lest the dealer told me it’s fine and the clogged intercooler is the problem. What can you tell me about the dealer’s answer ?

 

[Scooby24]

I would say that a sludged up intercooler is a symptom of a problem and cleaning it doesn't resolve any problems.

I would seek out a new dealer.

 

[Mongler98]

get onto our trusted TDI mechanics page. ditch the stealership BS.