Bent intercooler fins

[lorrieandjas]

I've got a 2012 GU 8. Is it common for the intercooler fins to bend - the car is not yet 1000kms old and already I must have about 30 slightly bent fins on the intercooler.......

Normal? I haven't had anything in there - no major driving through bugs, etc?

Am i being paranoid or is this quite normal? Also - should I straighten these with tweezers?

Jas

[nissannewby]

Have you got a pic mate? If air can still pass through it shouldnt be to much of a worry although being a new born I would take it back to nissan and get it documented. If the are flatten out then this will effect the intercooler efficiency not that standard one has to start with anyway lol.

[lorrieandjas]

Yep - I'll take one a little later on and post it up. They're "slightly" bent - not folded over or touching - but you can just see the slight bends in them. I know they're all of about 0.08mm thick but wouldn't have thought they'd bend so soon. But looking on other forums seems quite common. Anyone else have this happen?

Jas

[Cuppa]

My 2006 is the same. You may be able to make it out in the 2nd video in this thread (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15717-Video-diagnosis).

[threedogs]

Even mine with that big scoop has fared well, can't see how it could of happened? no doubt,Mr Nissan will say its your fault but as Newby says get Phots and document it, it'll surelly come back and bite you on the you know what. sounds weird all these dents adter only 1000k and most of them you were in the back seat lol. Take photos of everything thats not normal.IMO
very interested what Mr Nissan says

[lorrieandjas]

My 2006 is the same. You may be able to make it out in the 2nd video in this thread (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15717-Video-diagnosis).
Hi Cuppa. Similar but not as many as I can see in yours. Thing that's got me stuffed is it is next to new - less than two weeks old!

[macca]

Bent some once with the hose on Jet, are you washing your new baby with a bit much enthusiasm?

[lorrieandjas]

Bent some once with the hose on Jet, are you washing your new baby with a bit much enthusiasm?

Hi Macca - yeah I've heard that can happen but she hasn't been washed yet! :)

[lorrieandjas]

OK - some pics. Don't laugh - in the pics they don't show up that well but you should see what I am talking about......


22040

22041

22042

They seem quite minor - almost like the top of the fins have just been brushed but you can definitely see it when you look at it in daylight.... Being paranoid?

[nissannewby]

It is negligble I wouldnt try and straighten them as this will weaken the material. Just for peace of mind run it past nissan and all should be good.

[lorrieandjas]

Thanks nissannewby. Thought I was being overly paranoid........ But after some of the threads about failures of late not sure I trust any escape from warranty claims!

[Cuppa]

The top of the intercooler makes a great tool tray for folks who don't care. Were they bent on the day you brought it home?
I reckon mine were done with a pressure washer as someone has clearly been over enthusiastic when pointing one at the sound deadener blanket on the underside of the bonnet.

Cuppa

[nissannewby]

Ideally once its out of warranty I would scrap the factory intercooler. An aftermarket unit (cross country or ARE) will be 100 times better and with the scoop that 3dogs has pictured will be way more efficient as well. If you jump on ARE's website they have some very detailed information on there with all the gains and options they have.

[Lowy44]

A little paranoid maybe, but you get what you pay for, and after forking out your hard earned cash, I must say I would also be looking at every little knook and cranny on a new car. As said above, Photo's for proof, email to Nissan, keep on truckin....

[threedogs]

Its all about ar flow, and lookin at that picture you're not getting 100% air flow. all they'll do is straighten them with plyers, so'll it'll happen again. put a mark or scratch somwhere so you knoew its been changed, this is where my spleen venting pipe comes in handy. Sorry only got one, put your not happy Jan face on. tell the you paid xxxxx amount for what you believe is best 4x4 in the world. Now explain what IC looks after 1000ks so what the hell is it going to look like after 100,000ks , I want a new one not a repaired oned one as I've paid good money for it, and if you cant give me a reasonably answer, I'll take the matter futher. Don't take any of there B/S answers, like they all do that. MY IC has 185k and looks new, and please, please get some someone who know what there talking about, good luck