Weird boost issue...

[1gcrazy]

So basically I bought a 90 tsi thats pretty much stock. It needed a catback since the downpipe rusted off. I had a stock catback in the backyard so I threw it on.

Now, the car runs like a non turbo. I wont boost at all and runs pretty sluggish... is the muffler clogged?? This morning I had to start it twice because it died the first time. It was also like 10 degrees here as well...

I disconnected the battery when we were doing the welding.
Anyone think of anything?

 

[CrawlinZX14]

Check the exhaust for flow. Many people make a point that the inside of the flex section can collapse. I would check to make sure that did not happen. I would think you could pull off sections of the exhaust and see if there is blockage.

 

[blkgst97]

The down pipe rusted so you replaced the catback? Or from the turbo back? and if so the cat you replaced might be clogged.

 

[1gcrazy]

No cat, no flex. I welded right after the 90 degree to the stock with a piece of pipe. Just needs to run. Most people replace the exhaust before they even register the car.

Think I'm going to disconnect at the O2 housing and if it clears it up I'll weld on a cheapo advance auto muffler or something.

I went out there to try and figure out the issue. Pulled the downpipe off all the way down to the bottom threads of the bolts to see if it would improve and give me ANY boost. No improvement but I am noticing that now it smokes pretty badly on decel and then burns off on acceleration. I'm thinking the turbo blew. I pulled the pipe. It has some pretty bad shaft play. Thought it was like that before or maybe it was on it's last leg to begin with.
Thoughts??

 

[1gcrazy]

Due to the overwhelming amount of help I ultimately used DSMtalk to help me figure it out.
Granted they weren't much help, I did actually receive some acknowledgement. It was ruled a bad turbo before pulling the center section out, I appreciate THEIR help.

 

[Yelwarc-]

You're welcome

 

[OMFGeofffff]

Sounds like a bad turbo

 

[justinh722]

Intake gasket. Do a boost leak test.

 

[talonawd1991]

if there is alot of shaft play, the turbo might be shot
does it kinda studder when you get into higher rpms?
do a boost leak test