Boost leak and other general problems

[SniperXr2]

Problem #1: I was doing a boost leak test, and it sounds like I have a leak coming from the turbo. I got my water+soap to see if I could find the leak but I had no luck. I could pressurize the system to about 10psi then my clamps would blow off the leak tester, and it would hold a little, taking about 15-20 seconds to fall from 10-0psi. I realized after I did the test that I had an exhaust leak from the head to the exhaust manifold but I was unsure to weather I could leak boost from there. So what do you guys think is wrong?
Problem #2: When ever I go WOT at about 4000-4500RPM my car hessitates really bad then kicks back in, I have new NGK plugs, and I just ordered new 8.5" Magnacors. I did not re-gap the plugs when I got them.
Problem #3: When I go WOT while I am moving, a large amount of black smoke comes out of my tail pipe.
Over all my car feels really sluggish, I don't hit full boost until 4000RPM(14b) and my topend power(80mph-100mph) feels really sluggish as well. Any help would be awesome guys.
Thanks
-Rob

 

[eclipse2gsx]

Rob,
I cant really explain your leak but your car is doing the same thing my eclipse was. I found out my turbo(14b) had more then enough side to side shaft play and was on the verge of taking a sh*t which would explain all your hesitation during boosting range also. I thought it was my plugs to begin with too but it ended up being the turbo. When you got above average shaft play the turbo is trying to boost but with the turbine bouncing back n forth in there it greatly restricts the flow. I never claim to be the smartest too in the shed but I know what I've found out the hard way so far. My field in the na engines. You're also running rich if you're getting black smoke. Anyways, I replaced my turbo and my car runs alot better then before but I think I still have a small leak somewhere. Check your turbo for in & out and side to side shaft play because depending on how much it has thats one of your major problems right there. Hope this sheds a little light on your problem.

Jeff

 

[oldman]

Let's focus on the leak test.

1. Open the oil cap on the next test and listen for leaks under the valve cover.

2. Listen for leaks at the tail pipe.

3. Disable your mbc.

 

[ddavisaf]

Pick up some t-bolt clamps from your local auto parts store. T-bolt clamps will hold.
Pressure test should be 20 psi for 30 seconds or more.

 

[eclipse2gsx]

Let's focus on the leak test.

1. Open the oil cap on the next test and listen for leaks under the valve cover.

2. Listen for leaks at the tail pipe.

3. Disable your mbc.

Bruce, Thats a new one to me. I know what the problem would be if it was comming from the exhaust, but my question for you is: If its comming from under the valve cover what would be the reason for that? Bad valve guide seals or valve seats? Im pretty sure I have another really small one somewhere.
My dsm was badly neglected before I got ahold of it. We found 5 boost leaks and 3 were major ones(1 was s/m had 9 pinholes) not to mention the moron that had the car before me had the screw on the mbc opened all the way out and the boost gauge was only reading 17 psi thats how bad it was. I think thats the main reason why I just had to replace the 14b. After I got it and fixed those leaks it was hittin fuel cut bad(was hittin b4 too) and would hit 25psi at times. Sorry for goin on and on but im just tryin to get down to the bottom of it. Im about ready to just pull ALL the vaccuum lines and replace every one of them then start listening internally. Oh well I cant let it get me down because I love the car when its running right
-Jeff

 

[oldman]

If its comming from under the valve cover what would be the reason for that? Bad valve guide seals or valve seats?

Turbo seal (normal during static pressure test as long as it's not leaking oil), PCV valve, valve guide/seal or piston rings. Pressurize up to 20psi like ddavisaf said.

 

[eclipse2gsx]

Turbo seal (normal during static pressure test as long as it's not leaking oil), PCV valve, valve guide/seal or piston rings. Pressurize up to 20psi like ddavisaf said.

Thanks alot for the info. Ill see what happens

-Jeff