Well

[BigPimping]

I recently invested into a 91 talon TSI. The kid that had it before me didn't deserve it. My question is: the car when cold won't start you have to crank it a couple of times (I think I might have fixed this but figured I'd leave this in here just incase it helps someone on what is really wrong with this car) When it does start you can rev it and the boost gauge will read -7. When you pull out and start driving the boost gauge doesn't even hit 0psi. What could be wrong? I think its the ecu but I have been wrong before=\. Also maybe a boost leak?

 

[Dream On]

The factory boost gauge or an aftermarket one? If it's the factory one, then maybe something is wrong with the ecu since it is basically just a calculated value based on the airflow that you're getting. Check for leaking capacitors on the board. I would also check the turbo for shaft play as well. Boost leaks tests are always a good idea to check for, they'll make the car run like crap.

 

[BISHILVR]

Could be a bad maf sensor, bad ecu, or a bad turbo. I doubt that you have a boost leak THAT bad, that it would'nt at least show one pound.

 

[drivemusicnow]

... Boost builds with load. If you're just putzing around a neighborhood, you most likely won't ever build any boost. You could, and should if you're worried about gas mileage, drive an entire day without seeing a single PSI of boost.

Edit: with the -7 comment i'm pretty sure you are talking about the stock boost gauge. -7 is, sort of, showing the vacuum in the intake manifold. This is normal. When you're revving the car out of gear, the engine is under essentially no load. This means that it has no resistance to work against. This also means you are not going to build boost. Try a WOT run in 3rd gear.

 

[force it in]

It could be that you have an EPROM ECU with an aftermarket chip in it. My Keydiver chip was programed to function as a knock gauge, so it just rests on -7 unless it's reading knock.

 

[BigPimping]

Well the car cranks and cranks and cranks but won't start for a prolonged period of time. and like what I said earlier when it does run it doesn't run right. The boost builds to ~-3PSI, when I shift to 2nd and get it about to redline the boost is at a wapping 2 PSI, and at 3rd (because I couldn't drive on a long stretch because its not leagal ) it builds to 7 psi and you can hear the BOV. It bogs down a lot and stuff...I have no clue =\ it sucks this car needs to be on the street soon =\
And after much closer looking at the interior there is a little connector like a dlc (obd1 connecter maybe?) but its not the obd1 connector for these cars. It looks wierd. I traced it to some splices in the wires leading up to the computer....Maybe if I took a pic of the connector you guys might be able to tell me eh?

 

[force it in]

it builds to 7 psi and you can hear the BOV.

Are you recirculating your BOV?

 

[5150DSM]

Well the car cranks and cranks and cranks but won't start for a prolonged period of time. and like what I said earlier when it does run it doesn't run right. The boost builds to ~-3PSI, when I shift to 2nd and get it about to redline the boost is at a wapping 2 PSI, and at 3rd (because I couldn't drive on a long stretch because its not leagal ) it builds to 7 psi and you can hear the BOV. It bogs down a lot and stuff...I have no clue =\ it sucks this car needs to be on the street soon =\
And after much closer looking at the interior there is a little connector like a dlc (obd1 connecter maybe?) but its not the obd1 connector for these cars. It looks wierd. I traced it to some splices in the wires leading up to the computer....Maybe if I took a pic of the connector you guys might be able to tell me eh?

Check the wastegate actuator. Mine became disattached and the car refused to build boost as the wastegate would blow open and stay open. Also, do a boost leak test to confirm that all vaccum connections are sealing.
As far as the hard starting...
Being in Elko, I bet it's cold as shit. Maybe check the coolant temp sensor, if it goes then the car will be very difficult to start in the cold.
Hope this helps.
Aloha

 

[L2RTSiAWD]

1. This has nothing to do with engine management or tuning so it's moved.
2. Your thread title sucks. How do you expect people to click on it when the title is just "Well"?

 

[wvturbo2]

Check compression as to why it doesn't start right up. My car used to take at least 3 cranks or more to get it started i changed the head gasket and it starts right up now. Does the car drive like crap or does it pull fine when you getting 3 pounds ? Usually if it feels sluggish its a boost leak.