Messed up my actuator- but does it matter?

[MILITISINVICTUS]

Boost leak testing has recently shown that the small16G's wastegate actuator has a leak where the fitting meets the body (it had been bent to the side a bit by the hard intake at some point).

So first things first, I don't see many people even discussing fixing such a leak on here. This turbo is brand new, so if there's a way to just make it work, let me hear your ideas. I'd prefer not to spend $130 to replace a shiny new actuator. JBweld?

Assuming it can't really be fixed, does it matter? This is a small 16g on a 2.3L, which is a configuration that is supposed to run out of breath anyway. So if the turbo can't keep up, I can't really overboost can I?

Add to this that if the actuator is looking for what, 8psi, if I'm set for 20psi, when the EVC decides to send 20+psi to the actuator to open the wastegate, might that 20psi minus the leak still exert 8 or more psi on the actuator innards and cause it to function anyway?

 

[zippyshoe]

Whether or not you can "get away" with this boost leak depends the size of the boost leak. If the leak is a pinhole-sized leak, then your wastegate actuator will probably still function. If your boost levels-off at the value that your boost controller is set to, then your wastegate is functioning despite the leak. Even if your wastegate is functioning, I would still get that leak fixed since no good ever comes out of any boost leak (turbo works harder to build boost, A/F ratio affected, etc.), no matter how small.

 

[tkelly27]

A lot of MBC's have bleed holes built into them to relieve the pressure when the system comes out of boost. They are small enough that under boost it doesn't affect operation though. If it's holding the proper boost, then I wouldn't worry.

That said, there is no such thing as a good boost leak.