stripping paint off intercooler, cleaning, polishing, and checking for leaks

[crazy_camry]

i recently bought a large core 2nd hand intercooler and i want to do what the title says. i want to strip the silver paint off it, but it has plastic end tanks so i would think that limits what solvent could be used. so what could be used? also i want to cleanout the inside and check for leaks. is it possible to run water through the i/c with a food dye in the water to spot leaks? how should i seal up the endtanks and leaks? since they are platic i cant use a product like JB Weld can i, would i have to make do with araldite (sp?)?

also how should i polish the core? would a buffing wheel in a drill be to harsh on the fins?

[Flashmn]

One for sure, dont use heat.. another thing, dont use gasoline or petrol based cleaners, they might harm plastics.

[Nick]

can you remove the tip tanks? for radiators they're held on by clips all around, if you're worried that its that dirty it might be a good idea