Tag Archives: Intercooler cooling

AVS 1 gal inline tank for the Cadillac STS-V intercooler loop

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Got the AVS tank I ordered in the post today.  Very interesting.  Previous mention:  Cadillac STS-V inline flow-through intercooler tank

AVS tank in the box

I ordered this as a possible inline tank addition to my Cadillac STS-V intercooler coolant loop. Additional coolant would act as a buffer to temperature changes (both up and down). The stock system has 2.6 quarts. My system has the S3TC heat exchanger added, which holds 2 quarts, so it is running 4.6 quarts. The new tank would add 4 quarts, for 8.6 quarts total.

The tank has a drain at the bottom, 1/2″ NPT fittings that handily I have 1/2″ NPT to 3/4 inch hose barbs from my 45321 experiment to fit, and a 1/4″ NPT fitting for a gauge which I will either stick a stopper in or a temp gauge.

1/2" NPT to hose barb attachment added

I will have to decide whether to add the tank during in this weekend’s big install adjustments session, or wait and test with the new Spectre hoses in place first so I have a clean baseline, then redo the circuit with the tank in place. Notionally with the angle brackets on the bottom, this tank would just sit directly on top of the S3TC.  Choices are good.

Update:

This temperature gauge, with 1/2″ NPT fitting, 2″ probe length, and 0-220F temperature scale could work and hopefully be visible through the grill on close examination.  Hmm.

Mityvac intercooler coolant refill?

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The intercooler cooling system for the STS-V is self-bleeding, although it can take a bit to complete. I have been considering using a system like the Mityvac 4535 with a compressor to both leak check and refill under vacuum to ensure all air is out of the system.

This system takes a vacuum on the coolant system to pull the air out, and clean fluid in. I would attach it at the Tee reservoir.

The Mityvac 4535 is around $108 but perhaps can be had on loan from O’Reilly’s Autoparts. Then I’ll need to get a better air source to draw a vaccum. Either would be a seldom use item for me so that makes them dear to purchase. It is possible a local shop could do this also but the fee might have paid for one of the tools.

;

An alternate appears to be the UView 550000 Airlift Cooling System Leak Checker and air purge kit.

Thinking I will add this process after I replace the intercooler hoses with the Spectre stainless kink-free hoses planned for this weekend.

Update:

I ‘cheated’ and ordered the Mityvac 4535, and will have to shop a larger air compressor. Should made my intercooler experiments easier and more controlled.

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