Running low psi and drinking coolant

[trickedoutdsm05]

i just got my GS-T about 2 weeks ago and there is a problem since i installed the boost gauge. ive noticed that im only running 7psi until 5g. Then it drops to about 5psi. the turbo isnt making any abnormal sounds, but there is a tiny oil leak at the bottom of it. not enough to bother anything though because i think its on the oil line. whenever i hit about 7psi it almost sounds like the blowoff valve is starting to vent or something is letting pressure out.. there are no leaks in the intake system either. also every other day i have to add some coolant and water because my coolant reserve is drained. and there are no leaks. is this symptoms of a blown head gasket? what would be the easyest way to diagnose a blown head gasket?.. thx

 

[Forced4]

There are testers for exhaust gasses in the cooling system. I think you can get them from NAPA.(not sure) Also I would start with a new rad cap and see if that fixes the coolant loss. they are cheap and that was my fix. The low boost is definitely a concern. How did you determine that you have no boost leaks? If that is the case(no leaks) then the noise you hear cuold be the turbo, check for shaft play.

Rich
Forced 4

 

[trickedoutdsm05]

i didnt check to see if i have a boost leak. i dont really know what to do to check for one.. i know its in some of the other forums but i havent gotten around to it.. i have tighted all hoses and checked around the throttle body for leaks and i dont think there are any.. but it almost sounds like something is venting like i said.. i can hear the turbo spool and then at around 7 psi i hear a slight venting noise.. bearly noticeable.. then around 5g it starts to drop to 5 psi.

 

[trickedoutdsm05]

and i know this sounds like a stupid question but i havent delt with turbos much.. how do you check for shaft play.. do u just take the intake tube off and shake the turbo shaft back and forth and check for slack?....

 

[69_luv]

Easiest way to check for boost leak, take carb cleaner, and with the car running, spray the carb cleaner around ALL junctions, slowly one at a time. When you spray around each connection listen for the RPMS to climb. If they do then you have a boost leak at the spot.

As for coolant leak and such, check your dipstick, if the oil looks like a cafe mocha then your head gasket is done. If your going through coolant, check both water lines on the turbo. You mentioned that you have a slight oil leak on the bottom of the turbo, check the back and front coolant lines on the turbo.

Does your car choke at all? Are you venting to the atmoshpere? Does it drive normal other than low boost?

 

[69_luv]

its easiest to take the turbo off the car. Hold both the exhaust side and intake side of the shaft at the same time. Then give it a little wiggle. It should not move, if it does you have shaft play...

If you have considerable shaft play then you would be able to check it with the turbo on the car, just stick your fingers on the intake side reach in and with your fingers try to wiggle the shaft...

 

[Forced4]

its easiest to take the turbo off the car...

It's never easiest to take the turbo off. Just remove the intake tube coming from the filter and wiggle the shaft from there.

Rich
Forced 4

 

[trickedoutdsm05]

sorry for not posting in a while but... im gonna check all of the stuff that yall talked about tomorrow. i was venting to the atmosphere.. but i only do for short periods of time for the sound cuz it runs rich..it didnt hesitate or nething till about a day or 2 ago but im almost positive its from plug wires. i put a new radiator cap on today so im gonna see if that was the coolant leaking problem cuz the rubber seal was cracked.. thx for the help ill post later on the results after i do the checks.. thx