Front Intercooler

[edmil Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close edmil]

First Prado, first post
G'day All,

I have just picked up our new Diesel Prado GXL Auto. Compared to the Holden Jackaroo the Prado is great.

One question I have is about the placement of the Intercooler i.e moved to front and the impact this will have on Water crossings. From Memory the wade depth is about 70cm. mmm puddle size.

Is this going to be an issue?
Will a water Bra make a difference?
Or
Will it really just be sandy tracks from now on.

Had a good read of the forum some good stuff starting to come through.

Thanks folks

[ozwapet2 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close ozwapet2]

Re: Front Intercooler

AFAIK the intercooler is basically a heat exchanger ( i.e. air passing over the fins cools your intake air passing through the tubes.)
As long as all your hoses and connections are sealed properly( which they would need to be anyway for your turbo to work properly ) I can't see how water around it for brief periods would be a problem.
My old Disco had the intercooler at the front and I did many deep water crossings without a problem.
Fast crossings where inrush of water is great might bend the fins possibly, so there a tarp or bra might help. ( but you're meant to take it slow anyway )
I'd be more concerned the air intake location - at least be aware of where it is - and maybe consider a snorkel if you're going to do deep water crossings.

[Schniff Member Find all posts View Profile Close Schniff]

Re: Front Intercooler

It's nothing to worry about, the Pajero has a low mount intercooler (lower than the wading depth) and I've never heard of any problems relating to water crossings.

The issue will be how fitting accessories to the front of the car will affect airflow, although the new intercooler is massive. I fail to see how Toyota was not able to squeeze any more power out of the engine when the new intercooler is much bigger than before and mounted in front as opposed to on top of the engine!