Bug Eye WRX PPP - low boost
Discussion
Thread resurrection time!
Finally got round to having the MAP sensor changed on Saturday and shock of the day I'm still seeing low boost
Checked a few things out, tightened a few pipes that seemed a bit loose but still no joy!
Current thinking from my trusted mechanic is that it's not an underlying mechanical issue but rather something electronic or a boost leak somewhere. Suggested next steps are that we try and change the DV as that could be bleeding boost or that it could be the MAF sensor. I've ordered both off ebay (DV second hand and MAF new) so I'll try those and we'll see what happens.
On the plus side after 3 months of not driving it I reconnected the battery, gave it a dash of coolant, a smidge of air in the tires and it fired up and drove like I'd never been away. I know it's not "right" but it still felt like a rocketship after 3 months of just my 1.2 Clio!
Finally got round to having the MAP sensor changed on Saturday and shock of the day I'm still seeing low boost
Checked a few things out, tightened a few pipes that seemed a bit loose but still no joy!Current thinking from my trusted mechanic is that it's not an underlying mechanical issue but rather something electronic or a boost leak somewhere. Suggested next steps are that we try and change the DV as that could be bleeding boost or that it could be the MAF sensor. I've ordered both off ebay (DV second hand and MAF new) so I'll try those and we'll see what happens.
On the plus side after 3 months of not driving it I reconnected the battery, gave it a dash of coolant, a smidge of air in the tires and it fired up and drove like I'd never been away. I know it's not "right" but it still felt like a rocketship after 3 months of just my 1.2 Clio!
I bought a cheap 40 boot leak tester off eBay. You stick on the turbo inlet and pressurise the system with an airline.
It was amazing the amount of leaks I found on an EVO engined car.
Intercooler clamps, throttle body seals, gaskets and injector seals. It's now sealed up and holds 2.0bar.
There are some garages that have kit to do this while they inject smoke into the system, so you can see the leaks easier.
It was amazing the amount of leaks I found on an EVO engined car.
Intercooler clamps, throttle body seals, gaskets and injector seals. It's now sealed up and holds 2.0bar.
There are some garages that have kit to do this while they inject smoke into the system, so you can see the leaks easier.
Hol said:
I bought a cheap 40 boot leak tester off eBay. You stick on the turbo inlet and pressurise the system with an airline.
It was amazing the amount of leaks I found on an EVO engined car.
Intercooler clamps, throttle body seals, gaskets and injector seals. It's now sealed up and holds 2.0bar.
There are some garages that have kit to do this while they inject smoke into the system, so you can see the leaks easier.
Hmm... might be worth investigating.It was amazing the amount of leaks I found on an EVO engined car.
Intercooler clamps, throttle body seals, gaskets and injector seals. It's now sealed up and holds 2.0bar.
There are some garages that have kit to do this while they inject smoke into the system, so you can see the leaks easier.
Still planning on testing out the notion of swapping the MAF and/or DV as well (if the DV ever turns up...grr!). Took the car out last Thursday and other than the noticeable drop off in power at higher revs it still felt fun to drive which put we in a good mood, coming to it on Saturday to find it had drained the battery didn't though
king progress 
Do a boost leak test.
At least you will know if anything truly is leaking between the throttle and the inlet.
By chance, has anyone replaced any of the small hoses, that link the boost pipes and actuator etc? I seem to remember that standard cars had a restrictor fitted in one of them.
Have you also tried cleaning out the boost solenoid, in case it is sticking.
At least you will know if anything truly is leaking between the throttle and the inlet.
By chance, has anyone replaced any of the small hoses, that link the boost pipes and actuator etc? I seem to remember that standard cars had a restrictor fitted in one of them.
Have you also tried cleaning out the boost solenoid, in case it is sticking.
Try resetting the ECU.
Look for any cracks or splits in the vacuum hoses that go from the boost control solenoid to the turbo and to the turbo inlet pipe.
As has been said already, give the boost control solenoid a good clean out with brake cleaner or electrical contact cleaner.
If all that checks out and you are still not boosting properly then take a look at the actuator as it could be faulty, maybe has a slight leak in the diaphragm.
The way to check it out is to remove the vacuum hose from the actuator and stick a small bolt in the end of it to stop the vacuum hose leaking. Take the car for a run, if it still doesn't boost then you have a faulty actuator. If it does boost then it could well be one of the above still.
Look for any cracks or splits in the vacuum hoses that go from the boost control solenoid to the turbo and to the turbo inlet pipe.
As has been said already, give the boost control solenoid a good clean out with brake cleaner or electrical contact cleaner.
If all that checks out and you are still not boosting properly then take a look at the actuator as it could be faulty, maybe has a slight leak in the diaphragm.
The way to check it out is to remove the vacuum hose from the actuator and stick a small bolt in the end of it to stop the vacuum hose leaking. Take the car for a run, if it still doesn't boost then you have a faulty actuator. If it does boost then it could well be one of the above still.
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