MBC and WG Question

[TheGreatGSX]

Ok so here's the problem:
Now that its cold out, my turbo likes to boost 1-3 extra PSI, which usually results in Fuel Cut. I have been trying to turn the boost down with the MBC but I can't get it below 15-17PSI depending on how cold it is outside. I can however raise the boost. I triple checked how it was hooked up (Was hooked up before I purchased the car) and it is hooked up properly. I did notice this morning though that the line that is hooked up to the WG there seems to be oil or some oil-kind of lubricate coming from where it comes off the MBC itself. (Note that I am still new to turbos and not highly mechanically inclined) So is this normal? Or does it indicate a problem? I only noticed it this morning because it is on the underbelly of the line and I never really paid attention to this part other than to make sure it was hooked up properly.

During the summer I did manage to lower the boost down to 12-13PSI but I really never tried to lower it before besides these 2 times. I took the MBC off and checked the screw, spring and ball and all seems to be good. I just want to know if it is the MBC or the WG that way I do not need to spend the money on a new MBC.

I am yet to unhook the MBC and just run off the WG because I could not find detailed instructions on this that I completly understood. If you guys a need a pic or 2 I will go take some and post them. Thanks in advance and I'd appreciate any help.

>BTW, I do not know the brand. It is not marked or anything. You can see a glimpse of it in my pics.

 

[iluvmy4g63]

oil in the line. the only time i've heard of this was when the turbo seals were shot.

look inside the comp housing on the turbo for oil .

if you want to just run W/G all you have to do is run a vac line form cool side of turbo to the W/G actuator. it will make about 8-10 psi of boost that way.( if stock turbo).

 

[untouchablecc]

The first the thing you should test my friend is the boost controller because it is a modification. The best way to see if the boost controller is your problem would be to take it off the vac lines and attach it to the stock boost control which is a little black thing under the where your intake filter an pipe are unless its been removed an hook the lines up to it an see what kind of boost you run.

 

[roc11111]

It could be your wastegate not allowing you to boost below 15psi.

 

[TheGreatGSX]

Yes it is stock turbo.
Yes the car still has stock BC.
I will go out now and try to hook the lines up to the stock BC and see what kind of boost I get.

And if the seals were shot, how would the car drive? Because it is driving normal.

 

[iluvmy4g63]

Yes it is stock turbo.
Yes the car still has stock BC.
I will go out now and try to hook the lines up to the stock BC and see what kind of boost I get.

And if the seals were shot, how would the car drive? Because it is driving normal.

yea the car will drive fine for awhile . but when the seal start to leak oil gets in to the parts of the turbo thats not supossed to be.

it is supoosed to stay only in the center of the turbo.

if the seals go bad it starts to get on the wheels of the turbo.

 

[Eclipse37]

Id play it safe and check the seals.

 

[TheGreatGSX]

Well, the hunt for a good mechanic starts Monday! If it is the seals, how safe is it to drive? I've been driving like a grandma since these problems have arrived.

And usually how much does getting that fixed usually cost? (Estimate of course...)

And of course...Thank you very much for your help and guidance

 

[caged]

its usual to see a bit of oil in the turbo, the oil breathers will go back to the intake.

 

[viperlp01]

Don't worry man it is normal .... When it is cold out metal gets really stiff and it creates more pressure on the ball. Does your boost come back after you drive it for an extended time. Mine will boost to like 22 pounds when i first boost but then i drive it alittle more and it goes right back to 18-19.

 

[TheGreatGSX]

When it's really cold out it usually doesn't come back unless I've been driving for at least 45 minutes. On the warmer days I have no problem with the boost, it's always steady at 15-16psi and the only times it reaches 16 psi is usually out of 2nd.

So the oil/grease coming from the MBC is normal?
- It's not much, it looks like it's bleeding off where the WG line connects to the MBC

I'm kind of freaking out seeing that I have not had the car very long.

I still have the problem of the boost not lowering below 15psi though. The stock BC lines are cut short, and looks like I'd have to take out the intake to get the lines off to hook up the MBC lines up to it, to check the WG. Which I'm so burnt out from working on it I might not even do that for a few days so I can rest and get other things done. Is there a different way to check the WG other than hooking up the lines to the stock BC?

I've searched like a 50 mile radius for a good shop, and the closest is Pittsburgh, PA (Which is 65miles away) which SUCKS.

Edit: I have had several friends with Turbo DSM's and just about every single one of them blew the turbos to bits or bricked the engines. Which is why I want to educate myself as much as possible because this thing is my second child =D

 

[TheGreatGSX]

So the oil/grease coming from the MBC is normal?
- It's not much, it looks like it's bleeding off where the WG line connects to the MBC

Couple of you said this is not normal and could indicate shot turbo seals, couple said it was normal? Could I please have a couple more opinions or a for sure answer?

 

[dsmfa9nutter]

There should be no oil going to the mbc. Take off the intake and shine a flashlight into the turbo where the compressor wheel is. If you see oil inside, your seals are shot. It'll be ok to drive on *for awhile* as long as you don't boost. Either get it rebuilt or buy a new turbo (or buy a used turbo that doesn't leak) as the leak will only get worse and the turbo will eat itself. The oil at your mbc could be an early sign that your seals are starting to go. If you can't hook the lines back up to the stock bcs, hook the two lines that went to the mbc together (either get a plastic connector or run one long line), this will make you run the stock wastegate's boost level, usually around 10lbs.

 

[TheGreatGSX]

***UPDATE***

I prepared for the worst and started looking for a new turbo.
Today I had the chance to actually take off the intake and take a look.
I shined a light in there and to my surprise I saw no oil and overall it was pretty clean in the housing (except some minor grease)
I also unhooked the MBC and just ran a line from the turbo inlet to the WG.
Took it for a run and this was the boost readings I got: (Keep in mind it was very cold today)
1st Run - 13PSI
2nd Run - 14PSI
3rd Run - 12 PSI
4th Run - 16PSI (Creep)
5th Run - 13 PSI

I did a couple other runs later, and I mainly got 12-13PSI Boost. So I am thinking the MBC is shot and I have some leaks
So a BLT will be in the works later this week when I get a chance and will post the results. Although I am happy I did not see any oil in the turbo housing (But will still have a new turbo in the back of my mind JUST in case)