My intercooler had oil in it when I took it off recently for cleaning. Is this normal

[blkthndr]

By Bill Evanoff

Yes. A few drops of engine oil can be considered normal. The entire SC intake system will receive a little oil mist from the PCV valve located on the passenger side rocker cover. The PCV is vented back to the supercharger inlet plenum behind the throttle body. This mist goes though the supercharger and generally puddles into the bottom of the lower IC tube and intercooler. Much of this oil simply cakes up the inside of the intercooler. Cleaning of the intercooler with mineral spirits/hot soapy water every few years will keep its heat transfer capabilities near optimum.