Controller not controlling boost pressure

[Mitsu_Racing]

I installed a S16G and a Joe P manual boost controller and supporting mods. I know i have the controller connected correctly but it isn't controlling my boost pressure at all. Its staying at around 20 psi and wont adjust. I bought the turbo used and my first guess is a bad wastegate actuator but wanted to get your opinions first. Thanks.

 

[oldman]

1. Is it boosting to 20 instantly or does it hit a lower setting then slowly creeps to 20 as rpm increases?

2. Which model joep and how EXECTLY is it hooked up? Details please.

3. Test run with the MBC bypassed by connecting your pressure source from the compressor housing (better not be the BOV line) directly to the actuator fitting.

 

[JWoodley]

If it isn't creeping to 20psi, then the wastegate actuator could be locked up. Can you move the wastegate actuator itself? Give it a little tug with some vicegrips or pliers. If its moveable then the problem is likely to be in how the MBC is hooked up.

As oldman mentioned, do not "T" off the manifold to BOV line; thats a bad call. But in the same respect remember that less line is better when choosing a vac/boost source.

 

[Mitsu_Racing]

No i goes straight to 20psi. It's the Joe P XZ, the original.

Yea i have it Tee'd off to the BOV to manifold line. Thats the way VFAQ.com says to hook it up. I just found the tech article of how you should hook it up. So im going to connected to the nipple on the j-pipe then right? Shouldn't it still work the way VFAQ.com has it setup though?

I tried moving the wastegate rod on the wastegate actuator and it won't move, i put a good bit of pressure on it.

I'm getting a noise from the cams, a rubbing noise, probably from running it at 20psi like a dumb ass. So im going to pull the head and see if its rebuildable.

 

[Mitsu_Racing]

Just to let you guys know i'm trying to lower the boost not raise it. Someone told me that isn't possible, but i want to make sure. Thanks.

 

[JWoodley]

You should be able to lower it to a certain point (well below 20psi). If nothing else you should be able to hookup the factory BCS and it should read somewhere between 11-12psi. Have you tried this yet?

 

[oldman]

Yea i have it Tee'd off to the BOV to manifold line. Thats the way VFAQ.com says to hook it up. I just found the tech article of how you should hook it up. So im going to connected to the nipple on the j-pipe then right?

Correct.

You didn't answer some of my questions.

2. Which model joep and how EXECTLY is it hooked up? Details please.

3. Test run with the MBC bypassed by connecting your pressure source from the compressor housing (better not be the BOV line) directly to the actuator fitting.

 

[Mitsu_Racing]

I have the XZ model. I had bypassed the mbc. I hooked up the bov to mani T to the wastegate actuator and it's the same and if the mbc was hooked up, still at 20psi.

 

[oldman]

I have the XZ model. I had bypassed the mbc. I hooked up the bov to mani T to the wastegate actuator and it's the same and if the mbc was hooked up, still at 20psi.

Then the problem is the actuator, unless you have a 3" intake pipe sitting right up against the actuator fitting ripping a big hole on the vacuum line, a very common occurence.

 

[Mitsu_Racing]

Is the actuator supposed to move easily with a little bite of pressure? I mean i tried as hard as i could and it didn't move, i'd hate to change it out and that not be the problem.

 

[93blueGS]

The actuator isn't supposed to move easily, although its not supposed to be hard to move either..
Some mazdaspeed protege's experience problems like that.. The actuator fails and sticks closed which lets the boost spike as high up as it goes..

First thing I'd try is to remove the mbc and just run the line to the actuator and see if the boost lowers or not.. If its still at 20psi, then try another wga.. Btw, I have a Joe P mbc and it sucks.. Not that it has any relevance to the thread, just saying..

 

[MaNGiNa24]

Sounds like it's your actuator. You might not be able to move it with just your hands but if you use vice grips and it still isn't moving you should definitely replace it.

 

[spooling 1g]

Then the problem is the actuator, unless you have a 3" intake pipe sitting right up against the actuator fitting ripping a big hole on the vacuum line, a very common occurence.

I had a problem with my intake tube kinking mine.

 

[94Jettameowpsst]

sounds like you have a tight actuator and a typical evo3. If you dont have it ported to crap you're gonna have a pretty hard time controlling boost pressure under 20psi