Quick Boost Controller question, wont boost past......

[CBT8503]

Today i finally got my boost guage (autometer phantom series) and boost controller (Joe P) installed. I'm running into a problem to where my boost controller won't allow me to boost past 9 PSI, no matter how far the screw is screwed in. It's like the boost hits a brick wall and totally stops every time it reaches the 9PSI range on my boost guage. I'm testing it doing 3rd gear pulls and still have the stock BOV. What could be the problem here? Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[spirol]

Where did you tap your MBC?

 

[oldman]

1. Test run with the actuator nipple open, expecting all out boost so feather the throttle appropriately. If boost goes over 9 psi, something is not right with the mbc hook up or the mbc. Open the mbc and make sure the spring isn't stuck slightly side ways. If problem persists go to 2.

2. Check for any exhaust leaks before the O2 housing.

3. Remove the actuator arm to make sure the flapper is fully closed when the arm is re-attached.

4. Perform a thorough boost leak test and fix all leaks. If problem still persist, you probably have a dying turbo. Check the turbo for shaft play and that it spins freely.

Good luck.

 

[cool_g_83]

...and start looking into an aftermarked re-circulated BOV. Without it, you won't see the potential of having a MBC raised to 15-16 psi. Cause the stocker will start to leak around 11-12 psi

 

[CBT8503]

Here are a few pics of the install. Is there anything here that was done wrong?

 

[cool_g_83]

First off, you should have tapped your boost gauge into the hose that runs from the intake manifold to the solenoid that controls the fuel pressure regulator (<a href=http://www.roadraceengineering.com/instructions/vdoboostgaugeinstructions.htm>source<a/>) Second of all if you have a hallman, did you read the directions (not trying to be an ass)? It has specific directions on how to install it for a 2g (95-99). They state:

"To install the HBC, first locate the compressor side of the turbo. On first gen. (90-94) DSM’s there will be an elbow that has a port on top with a pressure line that goes to the wastegate actuator and the boost solenoid on top of the airbox. On second gen. (95-99) DSM’s the pressure line will be located on the side of the compressor housing. (Please refer to the following diagrams for clarification.) Disconnect this line on top of the elbow or at the compressor housing. Follow the line to the wastegate actuator and disconnect the line at this point also. In the line that runs to the wastegate on the stock setup there will be a "T" with a small line that runs to the boost control solenoid which is located on top of the airbox on the 1st gen. and behind the airbox on the 2nd gen. Remove the lines going to the solenoid and from the solenoid to the airbox. On the 1st gen. the solenoid can be unplugged and removed but on the 2nd gen., leave the solenoid plugged in to the wiring harness so that the ECU does not create a code. This will keep the check engine light from coming on. Use a vacuum cap to seal off the port on the airbox. Run the line off the Output (wastegate) of the HBC to the wastegate actuator. Next connect the Input (boost source) line of the HBC to the port on top of the compressor elbow (1st gen.) or at the compressor housing (2nd gen.). The HBC can be mounted to one of the 10 MM bolts holding the fan shroud to the top of the radiator directly in front of the turbo. Use the wire ties to secure all connections and vacuum caps. Please refer to section 2 for instructions on testing the car." (<a href=http://www.hallmanboostcontroller.com/Pro%20Series%20Installation%20Instructions%20ld.pdf>source<a/>)

You should look at these sites, re-look over your install and come back with any questions you have. Hope this helps and good luck!

PS: Try to keep your vacuum lines as short as possible!

 

[CBT8503]

Thanks for the reply. My MBC is a Joe P MBC, but would the install be any different? I actually had a local import tech guy install it for me and ended up charging an arm and a leg (totally unexpected). So apparently he screwed it up huh? So it looks like i have to fix his mistakes, but i have no clue where to start here. He mounted the MBC on the right side.... should it be mounted on the left? Are the lines totally wrong? Thanks for your help.

 

[CanadianTSi]

Sucks that you paid someone to do that.

You want those lines to be as short as possible, most people mount there's up front on the rad fan.

 

[CBT8503]

Where might i find a guide to install the joe P MBC? I'll check it out and try to fix his mistakes myself. From the looks of it, the boost guage is tapped into the wrong line.

*edit* If I tap the boost gauge hose into the hose that runs from the intake manifold to the solenoid that controls the fuel pressure regulator, then i can take up the extra line that leads to the boost controller on the right side and shorten them, then mount the boost controller closer to the source, thus fixing the problem right? Correct me if im wrong.

 

[CanadianTSi]

It's real simple, one side of the MBC goes to a pressure source, the other side goes to the wastegate actuator. (it should say on the MBC which is which)

 

[cool_g_83]

If I were you, I'd print out those links I gave you, go back to that tech shop and have him fix it. If you paid an arm and a leg, you might as well walk away with a properly installed MBC and boost gauge IMO . Good luck and keep us up to date

 

[CBT8503]

Thanks for all of your help guys. I just got out there and fixed it myself, hooked the boost guage up like it's supposed to and shortened the MBC lines and mounted the MBC on the rad fan. Everything works perfect now, but i still want to throw a hand at that mechanics face . Thanks again for the help .

 

[cool_g_83]

Glad to hear all went well, enjoy!