Did boost test, is turbo leak normal?

[rkarkosh]

I'm working the bugs out of a new rebuild, and am trying to find the cause of a poor idle and stalling. I have tested all the electrical stuff and thought a boost test would be a good way to find any vacuum leaks. Anyway, when I pressurize the turbo intake all the air rushes out through the turbo and into the crankcase. I read in one message that this is not uncommon and to try testing at the li hose, but this doesn't seem right. I rebuilt the turbo when I did the engine so there is a possibility that I didn't do it right. It makes good boost, 15psi with the wastegate activator disconnected and 8 with it connected, measured with a Autometer gage teed into the fuel pressure solenoid. Do I need to replace the turbo? What should I do next?
Thanks for any advice.
I forgot to mention that this is a stock setup. '92 Talon.

 

[VtecvrsTurbo]

Why dont you hook up the pressure tester to the lower part of the intercooler instead? I had the same problem, and putting it on the bottom of the intercooler made it ALOT easier to pin point any kind of leak I had. Hope i help.

 

[oldman]

It's normal for air to get past the seal during a static pressure test as long as you see no signs of oil leakage during operation. Move the tester to the TB elbow so you can focus on vacuum leaks first then work your way back to the turbo inlet. Make sure you check for hissing in crankcase and tail pipe, disable or turn up the mbc and spray everything down with soapy water.

 

[ddavisaf]

You should not be limited to only 15 psi with the wastegate disconnected. Start at the throttle body and work your way back testing for leaks. It is normal for air to get past the turbo during a static test.

 

[oldman]

Beaten by an oldman.

 

[rkarkosh]

Thanks for the advice. The turbo seems to work fine so I will try pressurizing the lower ic pipe.