300TDI Intercooler Question

On removing the radiator and intercooler, I noticed what can only be described as the remnants of a rectangular piece of foam that was stuck down one side of the intercooler. Little remained of it, but it was about12mm in height and ran most of the length of one side. Not sure if this was an 'add-on' by a previous owner or was fitted as normal; I can't find anything online relating to this. Any (printable!) thoughts?
T.

Yes it is ment to be there to prevent some air bypassing the radiator/cooler. It is not vital but every little helps as some say.

Surely more likely to prevent the intercooler & radiator rubbing against each other and wearing through over time (the gap is very small and movement minimal but these things happen over long periods)?

tottot said:

Yes it is ment to be there to prevent some air bypassing the radiator/cooler. It is not vital but every little helps as some say.

Click to expand...

Thanks and that all makes sense!
T.

Litch said:

Surely more likely to prevent the intercooler & radiator rubbing against each other and wearing through over time (the gap is very small and movement minimal but these things happen over long periods)?

Click to expand...

Thanks, Litch.
T.

I do not have the sponge/foam on mine and they do not touch.

I had it on mine but replaced it with self expanding draught proofing tape.

A closed cell foam was fitted from new but over time they have either not been replaced or as above, replaced with something else suitable.

As soon as my 300TDi passed its 1st birthday and the warranty had expired (back in 2005) I removed the intercooler and replaced it with a Brunel one. I kept the original item and put it in a box in the garage and there it still sits complete with manufacturer part number stickers and original foam strip.
I bought some temperature resistant high density foam strip which I stuck to the Brunel intercooler and that has done the job to this day.