Like any engine component, charge air coolers and turbochargers can break down and fail. The most common cause of failure is a charge air cooler leak. Since the system is leaking air and not oil or water, it can be difficult to detect before it’s too late. A significant air leak can decrease engine horsepower and fuel efficiency by as much as 50%!
The most common causes of charge air cooler leaks are heat stress, constant engine vibration and vehicle accidents/collisions. Basically, the harsher the environment in which your truck or equipment runs, the more vulnerable it is to charge air cooler problems. A leaking cooler is one that can’t do its job, and is hurting your productivity. In extreme cases, leaks can lead to exhaust overheating and even fires.
I didn’t realize that a charge air cooler leak could cause a decrease in horsepower on the truck. My neighbor who is a truck driver, was saying the other day that he has noticed that truck isn’t pushing as hard as it used to. I will have to let him know that it may be a leak in the charge air cooler. https://www.westernsuburbsradiators.com.au/car
[…] Several of the most common malfunctions with these parts involve leaks. For example, if there is a charge air cooler leak, it can cause higher than normal fuel consumption, elevated coolant temperature, loss of engine […]