What is a charge air cooler?
Charge Air Cooler hoses allow connections between engine mounted cooler system components. Due to occasional system alignment or rough service applications, Vip rubber and plastic CAC hoses are designed to help mitigate misalignment as well as reduce vibration at the ends of the hose. Rubber rings can be added to help prevent over-expansion caused by pressurized air.
In essence, charge air coolers are like small radiators that release heat. However, unlike a standard automotive radiator, air passes both inside and outside of the charge air cooler. Incoming air from the turbocharger passes through the sealed interior of the part, while the engine cooling fan blows cooler air from the outside through the fins of the charge air cooler to help remove heat. As a result of the cooling process, the air entering the engine is more dense, making it easier to work on the engine and reducing the thermal stress placed on it.
Charge air coolers for trucks
Charge air coolers are an important part of the air introduction system of all modern heavy trucks. A charge air cooler is the combination that achieves reduced engine size and increased horsepower. In commercial trucks, a quality charge air cooler in good condition can achieve excellent horsepower and fuel efficiency, as well as reduced engine emissions. Reduced thermal stress on the engine also means less damage from chassis vibration and a reduced chance of headliner and air duct breakage. Keeping the charge air cooler on your truck in top condition is important to extend engine life and save fuel.
Charge Air Cooler Repair
Similar to many of the major mechanical components in your vehicle, the charge air cooler will wear out from heat fatigue after many miles of operation and will eventually need to be repaired. You don’t want your vehicle’s radiator to fail; you don’t want the charge air cooler to fail either.
The most common repair problem you may encounter with a charge air cooler is a leak. If this component leaks, it will result in fuel loss as engine efficiency plummets. Since the air charge cooler is critical for high horsepower small engines to prevent overwork, you can’t allow a damaged air charge cooler to go unprofessionally repaired.