ok just got me a t2 picked up cheap due to many issues most are now fixed. BUT THE turbo is not working and not sure where to go Im generally a 1st gen guy but its time to step up!!! My stock boost guage is staying at -20 and does not do anything the car runs good but feels like a n/a. the turbo spins freely by hand nice n solid so dont think i have an issue there, no damage to veins or any thing I am stuck and need some advice??

 

i'd say wastegate stuck open, or massive boost leak (such as an intercooler hose completely off)

there are many problems that can affect boost, but very few that will cause no boost whatsoever with a free-spinning turbo.

do a boost leak test and/or pull off your downpipe and check wastegate action?

-sean

 

I'll take collapsed cat for $800 Alex.

 

Dude did you check your turbo fluid lmao sorry bud had to make sure the waste gate is operable

 

Ill check the wastegate n cat in the morning inner cooler hoses are fine, and yes rotaryguy481 i just drove it over to the local walmart and had them top off the turbo fluid, they also said my muffler bearings are starting to go out..bahahaha. no but seriously..bahahah

 

Ok I couldnt resist waiting, i went out n tried to manually operate the wastegate but it will not budge. Now can you normally move the rod by hand or do you have to put pressure to the actuator?

 

I don't think it needs pressure to it I could be wrong though I will check mine in the morning

 

You can move it with some moderate effort. Pop off the three bolts holding the exhaust on and hang it on the lower stud. put a shroud around the O2 sensor or remove it and go for a test run.

Here is mine after rebuilding my BNR stage 4 and on top of that finding the pre-cat collapsed causing way too much back pressure limiting boost.

 

^^ Nice video. I can't wait until mine is running right.

 

Typically a waste gate is hard to op by hand...best bet is to pull the down pipe off and there are 2 bolts on the back of the turbo...now the back plate on the turbo will come off exposing the waste gate...check the flapper..pretty simple.

 

I didnt get a chance to do anything today but i will be checking the wastegate and cat in the morn, i will give an update as to what i find

 

if your wastegate is good and checks out. please check shaft play and looking into the intercooler for blowby. vacuum leaks too there are many vacuum lines on the LIM that could have popped off or where accidentally missed on reassembly

 

ok, the waste gate is operational and the wastegate actuator is good( bench test with air pressure), but it does not move on startup, idle, or during rev or derev? wth

 

any chance these symptoms could be caused by a bad switching valve actuator?