Possible turbo or transmission issues

[MightyMaxing]

Hey everyone, I'm new to DSM ownership and I have a lot to learn. I have a 1990 Mighty Max with a 4G63T from a 1990 Eclipse, a 5 speed from a 1988 MM, and an LSD from a Montero. I bought it that way and it needs a little work but it's definitely usable. It's an awesome little truck and scoots along pretty good.
I have recently have been experiencing an issue I need help troubleshooting. The first time it did something weird was while driving on the interstate at about 3800 rpm, it felt like the clutch was slightly slipping. I adjusted the cable and it seemed to help until more recently. Now when I try to get about 10psi boost, the truck like, surges. I don't know how else to describe it. No big changes in RPM or boost pressure. I wonder if I have a boost leak?

 

[99dsmer4g63]

A boost leak test would be the first thing I would do as it’s easy, cheap and a great starting place.

I would also pull the plugs and check the condition and the gap. Again easy and cheap.

-Daniel

 

[MightyMaxing]

A boost leak test would be the first thing I would do as it’s easy, cheap and a great starting place.

I would also pull the plugs and check the condition and the gap. Again easy and cheap.

-Daniel

Thanks for the input! I will check and report back.

 

[99dsmer4g63]

If you have ecmlink you should post a log also.

-Daniel

 

[MightyMaxing]

Update. I don't have an ECMlink. But while looking for obvious (to the naked eye) boost leaks, I discovered a stripped bolt on the hot side to the down pipe. And then two other bolts broke on the manifold side while removing it. Not surprising though. Time to rebuild the turbo, I suppose.

Is it normal to NOT run coolant through these turbos?

Should I be able to manually manipulate the waste gate? How tough should it be?

There is also what looks like radiator hose used in between the charge pipe and the boost control. Going to be changing that for sure.

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[99dsmer4g63]

It’s normal for the turbo to not have water lines. Some people do some don’t.

The wastegate shouldnt move easily by hand. You can hook air to the nipple and make sure it moves smoothly also if you’d like just use a regulator and gauge

Exhaust leak pre o2 sensor should be fixed as well for best results.

-Daniel

 

[MightyMaxing]

Thanks. I'm going to try to extract the bolts from the flange, put everything back together with some new gaskets, and a new silicone coupler, then check for boost leaks.