not getting full boost

[JeviP]

so i just installed a 2g maf and intake on my 1 g. and i have a cracked exhaust manifold. so i noticed that ever since i did the 2g maf conversion im only getting just 0.6-0.7 of boost from my stock boost gauge. im reaching 0.7 at 3rd gear but at really high rpm. i don't have a boost leak tester so i can't check for any boost leak. could it be also that i have a leak somewhere in my 2g maf/intake before that boost? any help would be great

 

[PrimerPLus]

Most will tell you that your stock boost gauge is unreliable. Also I would say do a Boost leak Test. But you mentioned you don't have a boost leak tester. So I would invest in making one or buying one. Then go from there.

 

[Calan]

1. Build or buy a tester and fix all boost/vac leaks.
2. Replace the cracked EM and fix all exhaust leaks
3. Get a real boost gauge

 

[bornine2000]

you can use dish soap over the couplers ,if you have a leak it will foam like a dog with rabies !!
but it is always recommended to get a tester and pressurize the system and a real boost gauge its a must

 

[Calan]

you can use dish soap over the couplers ,if you have a leak it will foam like a dog with rabies !!
but it is always recommended to get a tester and pressurize the system

Ehhhh... you need the BLT tester so that you can pressurize the system to look for leaks with the dish soap in the first place.

 

[JeviP]

thanks guys. i think i will go buy a BLT. how much are they usually and would napa sell them?

if i just use soap and no tester. how would i go about doing the test? apply the soap at the couplers and have someone rev to boost?

 

[Calan]

if i just use soap and no tester. how would i go about doing the test? apply the soap at the couplers and have someone rev to boost?

You can't. That is why I posted what I did.

 

[micha118833]

I checked with napa and they didn't carry them but I found plans to make one online cheap out of pvc. here is one I found

VWVortex.com - DIY: Boost Leak Tester

 

[JeviP]

thanks so much. im definitely going to try and make that BLT. i didn't know it was that easy to make. also i went to check out my car and found that the hose connecting to the intake pipe that leads under the battery was loose. i seem to have forgotten to put a clamp on it when i installed my 2g maf and intake. i'll check tomorrow if putting a clamp on that will make any difference

 

[micha118833]

if it's before the turbo it won't be a boost leak beause it's not under pressure but your car isn't getting the correct air readings if it isn't all channeled through your maf

 

[dsmer1]

yeah an exaust leak is not good. if it is before turbo it will delay spool up, provide inacurate o2 sensor readings and cause you to run lean. the stock boost gauge reads maf signals not true boost. ive had good luck BLT with a hose that clamps over turbo compressor inlet port and block off the other side. then take diffrent vac lines and connect a compressor at alittle more psi than you plan to run, then check where your hissing at. then connect to another part of the intake system

 

[407BEAST]

Replace the cracked ex. manifold is the first thing i would do, one little crack allowing a leak before hitting the turbos hot side will kill boost... my friend had 2 loose bolts on his exuast mani. and it had him getting 2 lbs., once he fixed that it was back to normal.

its always good to have a BLT tool around but IMO the main problem here is the cracked mani...

 

[JeviP]

ya so i put a clamp on that vac hose. my turbo spools a little faster now but my gauge still reads at halfway. i just bought a manifold so i'll put that up as soon as it gets in.