Did a boost leak test last night...

[beatshack]

Well my car has had this strange steam-whistle sound. (you can hear it when it boosts here: http://www.beatshack.com/exhaustvid.avi )

After finally getting off my ass I did a boost leak test, and found a massive boost leak right at the turbo outlet gasket. Couldn't even pressurize the intake system to 1 psi using a bike pump. I used gasket maker as a temporary fix, and seriously the car feels like a new car. I'm now hitting 10psi at 2500 rpm instead of 3500 rpm in a 3rd gear pull. Also between shifts it hits 10psi again very quickly where as before it would take a few seconds... my turbo has been working double-time just to get me up to boost (poor turbo).

So to everyone who hasn't done a boost leak test yet, just do one, its worth it.

 

[oldman]

Question is, how much were you able to pressurize the system after you fix that leak? My guess is you didn't retest........ if only it was that easy.

 

[beatshack]

Up to 15 psi, but it did slowly fall.. but slowly enough that I couldn't audibly hear any leaks. Even if there is leaks, hitting 17 psi at 3000 rpm is pretty good

 

[oldman]

Even if there is leaks, hitting 17 psi at 3000 rpm is pretty good

Poor turbo.

Up to 15 psi, but it did slowly fall.. but slowly enough that I couldn't audibly hear any leaks.

Not bad for a bike pump as long as those numbers aren't inflated. Since you're boosting 17psi, I would go back and test the system up to 20psi, this time use soapy water.

 

[beatshack]

hahah yeah poor turbo.. good thing 14b's are very easy to come by and cheap around here. I'll upgrade to an evo3 16g when i blow this one, so i can finally install my fuel upgrades.

p.s. i did use soapy water in the previous tests, but only on areas where i could hear hiss.. i also recently backed down the boost to 15psi.