I didn't realize how fragile the fins on the intercooler really are. I had a good amount of bugs stuck on some of the fins, so I gently tried to pluck them out with a toothpick. After I did so, I stood back to look at the intercooler and almost had a heart attack. About six or seven of the fins weren't their regular shape anymore. They had become bent somewhat. I bent them back to their original shape the best I could, but you can still tell they have been messed with. Is this going to affect my car at all. I am flipping out right now. The ones that became bent stand out so much.

 

I bent all of the fins back with a pair of needle nose pliers. For the most part, they bent back into their original positions. However, it just looks terrible cosmetically. You can definitely tell they have been bent. I am so pissed off at myself. I am going to look into purchasing an intercooler screen that I saw being discussed in another topic. Maybe it will even hide the ugliness of my now banged up intercooler.

Thanks a lot for the reply.

 

toothpick

<))><

 

Thanks to the people who responded. I ordered an intercooler screen from kastleskorner.com. I'd say there are about 10 fins that have been affected by my stupidity. They are all bent back "straight", but as I said, still look like crap. I originally used a toothpick in an attempt to bend them back, but it just made them worse. A pair of needle nose pliers did the trick. I think thin tweezers would have worked even better. Too bad I thought about this after I used the pliars. Moral of the story is, don't clean the intercooler until you know what the hell you're doing. This is my first turbocharged car, let alone one with a TMIC.

 

Thanks for the suggestion. The fins on my intercooler are straightned, but you can tell that they have been bent. I'd imagine this is because they had been flexed out of position. Do you think a comb for radiator fins or the comb you suggested would fix them so much that they would match the good fins and no longer stand out? Thanks again.

Edit: If so, do you think these tools would be feasible?

http://www.eastwoodco.com/email/default.asp?T1=43069

http://www.jcwhitney.com/item.jhtml?...=14574&BQ=null

 

Have you looked at your radiator fins lately..ouch:

 

Thanks, Finn. I actually ordered this kit yesterday:

http://www.eastwoodco.com/aspfiles/i...I3.y=43&PRED=I

It shipped out today. Should be here tomorrow or Thursday. I'll let everyone know how it turns out.

 

That's real mature. Do everyone a favor and don't respond unless you have something worthwhile to contribute.