How to tell if your SL600 has an intercooler pump problem?

[vkapoormd]

as i have read about some of the threads re/ intercooler problems recently, i am wondering if i am having one. Maybe i have gotten used to driving the car, so i can't tell if there is a significant difference in acceleration. It does however, feel a little less peppy. It has about 7500 miles on it. What kind of signs do you look for? the other thing is that i am going to do the RENNTECH upgrade, so would they be able to tell when they do that? any advice is appreciated.

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[StephenK]

For your information, I just did the Renntech upgrade and suspect something is up, maybe the pump or something, because the power does not seem to be their as advertised. I will more than likely be at their shop Monday or so next week. I will be glad to pass on my results to you. The car on a local Dyno tested lower than it was supposed too, and the comments that others made about tires chirping and having to feather the gas pedal when starting from a stop to not squeel their tires is not the case with mine. It's all going to come down to the solution if there is one about the power. I will let you know in about 1 week.

[vkapoormd]

Originally Posted by StephenK

For your information, I just did the Renntech upgrade and suspect something is up, maybe the pump or something, because the power does not seem to be their as advertised. I will more than likely be at their shop Monday or so next week. I will be glad to pass on my results to you. The car on a local Dyno tested lower than it was supposed too, and the comments that others made about tires chirping and having to feather the gas pedal when starting from a stop to not squeel their tires is not the case with mine. It's all going to come down to the solution if there is one about the power. I will let you know in about 1 week.

thanks Stephen; are you going to your dealer or the place where they did the RENNTECH upgrade? let me know how things turn out....good luck

[StephenK]

The SL600 upgrade was simple, removing two computers from your car, just needed help getting some connectors off, then sent to them and sent back the following day. Popped them back in and made the connections and finished. The only problem is the power doesn't seem to be there.

They called and plans are being made to take the care to their actual shop Renntech in South Florida. If they can't get it right I guess it can't be done.

I will let you know my experience next week.

I am optimistic about it.

[JackStraw]

Originally Posted by StephenK

For your information, I just did the Renntech upgrade and suspect something is up, maybe the pump or something, because the power does not seem to be their as advertised. I will more than likely be at their shop Monday or so next week. I will be glad to pass on my results to you. The car on a local Dyno tested lower than it was supposed too, and the comments that others made about tires chirping and having to feather the gas pedal when starting from a stop to not squeel their tires is not the case with mine. It's all going to come down to the solution if there is one about the power. I will let you know in about 1 week.

StephenK-

Do you notice any difference at all? Are you driving in (S)port mode or (C)omfort mode? Have you tried the new Manual mode yet?

[sillydriver]

Originally Posted by JackStraw

StephenK-

Do you notice any difference at all? Are you driving in (S)port mode or (C)omfort mode? Have you tried the new Manual mode yet?

This is a good point. I’ve heard the Renntech ECU produces only stock power when the transmission is in comfort mode.

[endri sallata]

i have a 2005 sl600 and i have changed my intercooler pump and radiators,but when is cold the car feels more agresive than when its hot.do you guys think it may heve air inside the system.it feels like turbos arent the same as when its cold.

[IngenereAMG]

Originally Posted by endri sallata

i have a 2005 sl600 and i have changed my intercooler pump and radiators,but when is cold the car feels more agresive than when its hot.do you guys think it may heve air inside the system.it feels like turbos arent the same as when its cold.

Your car should not be down on power unless there is something wrong.

If you did not bleed the cooling system, there will be air trapped. This will not allow proper flow, etc., and you will be down on power.

[endri sallata]

i have bleed the system but not on dealer.

[wasubi]

Originally Posted by vkapoormd

as i have read about some of the threads re/ intercooler problems recently, i am wondering if i am having one. Maybe i have gotten used to driving the car, so i can't tell if there is a significant difference in acceleration. It does however, feel a little less peppy. It has about 7500 miles on it. What kind of signs do you look for? the other thing is that i am going to do the RENNTECH upgrade, so would they be able to tell when they do that? any advice is appreciated.

I have had the intercooler pump replaced at least twice already on the 2006 SL600, the IC radiator flashed twice, and IC water temperature too high 5 times. All work was done by the dealer.

The problem with MB either the Super Charger or Turbo Charger is the use Water to Air IC. Very efficient when it works, but the chances are is going to fail fairly fast as well.

In any case, this is how I know I have a problem with the TC system.

From stand still, press the Gas pedal really hard and the car takes off to 30-40MPH, but suddenly falls flat (for 1 second or less, feels like turbo lag) and then it goes again. I'm not talking about the ESP or ABS kicking in. It has to be pushed hard for it to show itself. It doesn't happen at all the times, here and there. Anyway, when this happens the ECU records the problem (IC water temperature too high or some other stuff). Tell the dealer the car falls flat during hard acceleration and they know the routine.

Most people driving these cars wont even know the difference in power. I drive my car hard. So I know when it feels not as fast.

Initially it does start as a lack of power or the car does not feel as powerful and then you'd start asking yourself, "am I getting used the power?" Been there, done that.

The problem is not a very routine visit to the dealer, the IC pump takes 2-3 days to be ordered and the rest is history.

Good luck.

[JackStraw]

Wasubi,

How much did the dealer charge to replace your IC pump, if you don't mind my asking?

[wasubi]

Originally Posted by JackStraw

Wasubi,

How much did the dealer charge to replace your IC pump, if you don't mind my asking?

All the fixes were done under warranty. I even bought the extended Warranty so I don't have to worry about the fixes. It's not a simple procedure and that is all I know about it.

wish you luck.

W

[JackStraw]

Originally Posted by wasubi

All the fixes were done under warranty. I even bought the extended Warranty so I don't have to worry about the fixes. It's not a simple procedure and that is all I know about it.

wish you luck.

W

I have an extended warranty as well. They will not replace the pump under warranty unless it is broken. Do you (or anyone else) know what test they should perform to see whether it is operating within spec? Is it a complicated test or can it be determined by hooking the car up to the computer?

[soulsearcher]

When I did have the Renntech ecu/tcu, I did have IC issues. Heat soak was quick to take over especially in warmer months. Also, while I did not have a CEL, I did have IC pump codes that where stored. Also Dyno w/ boost TAP, did show boost PSI was not coming up to expectations, since IC was allowing IAT to climb above 140 (Thats the magic number u want to stay below). Anyway, I dont have Renntech or stock anything any more (As it relates to the Air Charge/Turbo cooling system).

Your tech will be able to get IAT thru OBDII, while driving. If that # is going over 140 quickly or frequently, you certainly have an IC pump issue. Also if boost tap readings on a Dyno are less than 18 (w/ renntech ecu), but your IAT were fine, you may have a turbo hose leak, MAP sensor issue or waste gate problem.

[JackStraw]

Thank you.

[wasubi]

Originally Posted by soulsearcher

When I did have the Renntech ecu/tcu, I did have IC issues. Heat soak was quick to take over especially in warmer months. Also, while I did not have a CEL, I did have IC pump codes that where stored. Also Dyno w/ boost TAP, did show boost PSI was not coming up to expectations, since IC was allowing IAT to climb above 140 (Thats the magic number u want to stay below). Anyway, I dont have Renntech or stock anything any more (As it relates to the Air Charge/Turbo cooling system).

Your tech will be able to get IAT thru OBDII, while driving. If that # is going over 140 quickly or frequently, you certainly have an IC pump issue. Also if boost tap readings on a Dyno are less than 18 (w/ renntech ecu), but your IAT were fine, you may have a turbo hose leak, MAP sensor issue or waste gate problem.

You are right. I do remember seeing some explanation on the Service work order about the IAT.

Is this a common problem with the TC V12s or it is just my car? I do not have the Rennetech upgrades.