slow boost build

B

BOBA

New member
Okay, I'm entiely stock, just finished a tune-up and the engine is running great, but now I'm having another issue. The boost doesn't really build up entirely. It only gets between 3-6psi(according to the very accurate stock guage: read:sarcasm) and it only gets that high under hard acceleration. Prior to the tune up I was getting near perfect boost, a little low, but not like this.

I've tried reading through the posts but didn't find any how-to's. I think it's the wastegate rod, I've read that adjusting that can greatly improve the turbo's performance.
 
SeattleSy#1255

SeattleSy#1255

Category 5 Conservative
Re: slow boost build

i'd guess your WG is sticky like many stock ones or they f'n something up related to a vacuum hose somewhere and its leaking...do you still have the old hard plastic vacuum hoses?
 
B

BOBA

New member
Re: slow boost build

yes, all hoses and connections are stock. As for the tune-up, the engine was having a rough time starting, rough idle, and numerous near stalls... tune up fixed that, didn't think a better running engine would sacrifice the turbo timing, but apparently there's still a few tweaks... at least it's nice this weekend.
 
Merk

Merk

Donating Member
Re: slow boost build

I'd check the reciept from the dealer...

What did they do?

Could be a clogged cat. Could be wrong plugs. Looking over the reciept will narrow things down.
 
B

BOBA

New member
Re: slow boost build

I looked everything over with the mechanic when I picked it up and it all checked out. I gave the guys a list of what was needed and what parts to use beforehand, and they followed everything to the letter.

But the clogged cat... Does a restrictive exhaust inhibit the turbo that much? I have a really crappy system, a dual exhaust with what looks like 1.25/1.5" openings. The turbo was working faily well until I brought it in. I thought that it would return to normal when the engine did.

I'm looking over the receipt again right now to make 100% sure.
 
SeattleSy#1255

SeattleSy#1255

Category 5 Conservative
Re: slow boost build

well with stock vacuum hoses and the dealership under the hood, they easily could have cracked one of those old things poking around.
 
Ian Turgeon

Ian Turgeon

Cascading Inspiration
Re: slow boost build

check out the vacuum lines around the turbo, theyd be the first place to look for boost related problems
 
B

BOBA

New member
Re: slow boost build

Okay, I looked through everything, and found a small crack in one of the vac. lines. That has been fixed and am now getting full boost.

Now the question is why am I still rather sluggish? Boost guage fills but there is no umph to it(as there was prior to the tune-up). I checked out the new cap/rotor/plugs/wires and they are direct replacements of the originals. I'm looking at the fuel pump(still the old stocker) to see if it isn't working efficiently, I'm upgrading anyway, so now may be a good time to do it. Also looking at the boost solenoid. I have no idea what to look for to see if it's working right. I took a good look at the turbo and wastegate and see no visible signs of deterioration or failure, everthing seems to be in order. I'm ordering a new exhaust this week, but I'm quite sure a crappy exhaust isn't zapping THAT much power.

Anybody have any more ideas? Or does anyone have a shop with the proper tools and knowledge to work on these in the detroit area? The people that have worked on my dad's ty are good, but I don't think that they have too good an idea of troubleshooting, I think they can keep it running, just not GET it running. I can't figure this out... definately not a hotrod to work on, but I'll get it eventually.
 
Merk

Merk

Donating Member
Re: slow boost build

If there is a crack in ONE, there is a possibility that its cracked throughout.

Replacing the entire vaccum system would be a smart next step.
 
critical

critical

meltdown
Re: slow boost build

Make sure the wastegate solenoid is hooked up. If that is disconnected youll get no boost either. And yes, double check the rubber boots if your still stock. mine leaked for a long time cause they looked fine, but further inspection found a large tear under the boot. Proper hose to port connection is important on the solenoid too.
 
SeattleSy#1255

SeattleSy#1255

Category 5 Conservative
Re: slow boost build

critical said:
Make sure the wastegate solenoid is hooked up. If that is disconnected youll get no boost either. And yes, double check the rubber boots if your still stock. mine leaked for a long time cause they looked fine, but further inspection found a large tear under the boot. Proper hose to port connection is important on the solenoid too.
Click to expand...

actually you'll get base boost 8-10psi or you'll get no boost control at all and get 25+ BOOM.
 
B

BOBA

New member
Re: slow boost build

Okay last night I did a whole lotta work on my ty. I re-checked everything, most of the rubber looks like it was recently replaced, and what wasn't I replaced. Was getting full boost but it didn't seem to be going anywhere, so I looked at everything and compared the differences to my dad's and that's when I noticed several of the wire connections had what I can only describe as phlemn on them. I disconnected them and cleaned them up and reconnected... voila - I got power again! Don't know what they where, but they did something.

Now I'm down to minor tweeks, still spooling a little slow, but I know I can figure out how to take care of that. I think the biggest singular problem is a very restrictive exhaust system now, I can actually hear that thing trying to spit out air but it can't get it out fast enough... it sounds like it's gasping for air at high throttle. I think I'll take it easy until I get my new cat-back, and adjust as needed at that time.

Thanks for all your help... was starting to get a bit flustered...
 
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