5,500 sputter and no boost.

[DSMcrazy3]

Well today, at WOT my car would not really boost, and once I got to 5,500 rpm it would begin to putter, then clear out, then sputter, then clear out...Any idea as to the problem?
I just noticed that instead of 20 vac at idle(which I normally read) I am now getting about 14.

Josh

 

[CanadianTSi]

Most likely a boost leak.

 

[DSMcrazy3]

Yeah, that's what I was just told by a friend of mine. It's definitely a "to do" on my list. Thanks for the reply. but would a boost leak cause a drop in vaccum?

Josh

 

[DSMcrazy3]

Well I just went for a drive, and on my way to the destination, still sputtered, when I left, no sputter, 4 PSI like normal. Wouldn't a boost leak be consistant? That makes me think I have a bad actuator.

 

[wrx2dsm]

Bad plugs and wires caused hesitation for me. Replace the the plugs and check the boot area of the wires for arcing.

 

[DSMcrazy3]

I had the hesitation problem awhile ago too, and I replaced those, it fixed it, this is different though. It is involved with boost. It does it only sometimes and when it does happen, I don't boost. I think it's my actuator though, because today, it's been fine. I don't see how a boost leak can have an impact at one min. then the next minute...not...

Josh

 

[oldman]

Damn Josh, still haven't done it yet? I think a lot more people than just a friend told you it can be boost leaks. Even if it doesn't solve your problem, at least you can stop talking it and move on to other possibilities.

 

[240kid]

boost leaks can be weird dude. little things like injector seals can leak. Sometimes taking them out and fixing one can make another leak if it doesnt sit just right. Now, thats just an example of how many other things can be leaking that you dont usually think of. do a leak test!

 

[ahaidet]

Boost leaks can be a pain, like on one time off another... Think about it. You have rubber seals, paper gaskets, silicone, hose clamps, aluminum, steal, plastic, and god knows what else all trying to hold hot (depending on how efficient your intercooler, sometimes REALLY HOT!!) pressurized air, inside an engine bay that is vibrating, also a bit toasty, with oil, gasoline, coolant and lots of other potential contaminants. All of those materials vary with temperature and can be affected by vibrations and everything else I just mentioned. Make a boost leak tester and start pressurizing and testing it. (hell you might even pick up some horsepower) There are few things you can do to your car that will both make horsepower, improve gas mileage, improve reliability, improve drivability, improve comfort, make it more fun to drive... Check for boost leaks!!! (you can even have them without always feeling the ill effects of the engine missing, or no ticable lost performance)

 

[talonTSIDriver]

Bad plugs and wires caused hesitation for me. Replace the the plugs and check the boot area of the wires for arcing.

I have had problems like this on 3 vehicals i have owned including the talon i have now and everytime it was the spark plug wires. I would not be suprized if that was the problem.