Turbo sounds like vacuum and will not boost anymore!

[EagleTalonTim]

I just got back from a test drive after changing a few things in my tune including boost level (20psi to 17psi) and during my drive, I got into boost to see if my 5000 RPM shutter was still there. Sure enough the shutter was still there and before I let off the throttle to get out of the "shutter zone" the car stopped boosting all together and was extremely sluggish afterwards. It also started sounding like a loud vacuum cleaner when under any kind of acceleration and the turbo would not boost anymore.

Things I just checked after limping back home...

Boost leak test from turbo Inlet : 1 very Minor leak at the BOV flange. Not enough to cause severe damage.

Cylinder Compression : Starting from #1 155, 150, 150, 150

Turbo shaft play : Too hot to check right now, but I do know it spins freely.

Coolant in Oil : None

Is there anything else I should check? Is this a blown turbo or something else?

Engine specs from top to bottom :
Stage 2 Comp Camps
Supertec Valves, Valve springs, and retainers
MLS Head Gasket
Manley 8.5:1 Pistons
Manley H-beam rods
Stock Crank
Evo III Big 16G (about 2 years old)

 

[ChiTownHussla]

Check all vacuum hoses bro. Turn car incandescent spray all vacuum lines and connections. Also throttle body. If rpms go up, there is a leak. What's ## vacuum at idle?

 

[EagleTalonTim]

Vacuum at idle is right around 20 to 25 inHg at 900 RPM. All vacuum lines are connected and I am not 100% sure, but even with a vacuum line disconnected, the turbo will not change tones like that and stop boosting past 0 psi.

 

[idkiliketurbos]

Have you checked the turbo for shaft play at all? I'd look there and also check for boost leaks like previously stated.

 

[JusMX141]

I have the feeling you're going to find shaft play and/or a bent shaft if you're confident there are no major boost leaks.

A wastegate malfunction just means there is no boost...it won't give you any weird noises.

 

[EagleTalonTim]

As stated in my first post, I did check for boost leaks and was not able to check for turbo shaft play as it was too hot. It is cooled down a bit more and I checked it about 5 minutes ago. The in and out play was roughly 1/16" maybe a little more and the side to side play was right at 1/16". If there is a better way to determine shaft play, please let me know.

EDIT * : I checked to make sure the wastegate was still able to move and not locked open. It does move and if I let go of the arm, I can hear it click back shut properly.

 

[JusMX141]

Your in/out play is bad news regardless of whether the turbo is currently the problem or not.


Spin the shaft with your fingers, watch the center for a visible "wobble". If it wobbles, the shaft is bent- meaning it's either time to replace or upgrade.

 

[EagleTalonTim]

Well, I just got done pulling the O2 housing to check the wastegate and further check for shaft play. The result is.... The in/out shaft play is enough to cause the compressor wheel to rub the housing which I supposed locks it up or causes enough drag to not allow the turbo to spool. Looks like I need to find someone to rebuild it or buy a rebuilt one.