I have a new problem. I have a Garrett TE-44 and as the boost builds through about 17#s, there is a loud pop, and boost instantly drops to zero. It's happened before on higher boost runs, but it's now pretty consistant through 17. I am still running the stock internal wastegate, could the gate be sticking or not working properly?
boost loss through 17lbs
- Thread starter gesswatt
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Does this do this but then you do nothing to fix it & its fine until you hit this boost level again. If so I would look into the wastgate acuator. Sounds like it needs replaced. If it poped & then wouldnt run right it could be a Hose poping off but it sounds like it does this over & over by you discription.
Jess
Jess
ijames said:
Very possible Ijames. The wastgate if its doing something like this you should be able to here it if you put air pressure to the vacume port, then when it starts opening it should pop if it is what is doing it.
I just can think of a hose or gasket making a big pop evey time & not getting so bad it causes running problem. But that dont mean it isnt possible. Try putting 20 30 psi on the wastgate and you will know if its it. Then try pressurizing the whole intake system from the air inlet & see if anything pops.
It sounds like the wastgate after opening so far just pops all the way open like the spring may be broke or something.
Jess
Ok, I pressurized the wastegate and it seams to work as it should. I even changed the spring tension to work it at different pressures, all seems well. I then did my best to pressurize the whole intake to TB, but was only able to bring it up to 15 psi on the boost gage, (too much leakage with my home made pressure adapter), so I wasn't able to make it pop. I will have to build a better setup to pressure the system and give it another try. I did however notice during testing that sometimes after the pop and rapid pressure drop, the turbo would continue to cavetate as long as I kept the throttle open. It's going to take a bit of R&D to get this bug out.
gesswatt said:I did however notice during testing that sometimes after the pop and rapid pressure drop, the turbo would continue to cavetate as long as I kept the throttle open. It's going to take a bit of R&D to get this bug out.
What do you mean it contiued to cavetate?Guys is he having compressor surge?
Jess
It sounds like the air is backing up through the compressor. I am not really sure, the boost needle bounces rapidly almost like the compressor can't get enough air, (sort of like a water pump that is losing its prime. It's all very erratic and hard to control with just the throttle input.
Is it an easy job to change a wastegate?
Is it an easy job to change a wastegate?
That is what this sounds like is compressor surge. Basicaly what happens is the Turbo is pumping more air than the engine can take at some piont, so air does back up through the pipes and try to exscape trough the turbo inlet. Usaully this happens at part throttle and you can just go ahead and give it full throttle and it goes away. If it is happening at full throttle then there will have to be something changed to fix it. Is the throttle getting fully open when you put it to the floor, you would have to check it with someone holding it to the floor for you.
Of course it is very hard to tell over the internet. I suggest you get someone local to go for a ride or to drive it and help with figuring out the noise. Do you have any hot rod shops around that do turbo work? They would be a good choice for looking at it. Or a local track with racers that run turbos.
I take it this turbo has not been on very long. What size exhaust housing does it have(A/R rating). What intercooler does it have, has the intercooler been cleaned before? A intercooler that is stoped up or to small could cause this. Easy test would be to bypass it. Does it have a blow off valve?
I think it would be a good bet to get someone local with turbo expierance to assist you. There could be a problem that needs fixed before something is broken.
Jess
Of course it is very hard to tell over the internet. I suggest you get someone local to go for a ride or to drive it and help with figuring out the noise. Do you have any hot rod shops around that do turbo work? They would be a good choice for looking at it. Or a local track with racers that run turbos.
I take it this turbo has not been on very long. What size exhaust housing does it have(A/R rating). What intercooler does it have, has the intercooler been cleaned before? A intercooler that is stoped up or to small could cause this. Easy test would be to bypass it. Does it have a blow off valve?
I think it would be a good bet to get someone local with turbo expierance to assist you. There could be a problem that needs fixed before something is broken.
Jess
Sure sounds like compressor surge! Usually happens at part throttle. Easiest cure is give it just a little more throttle or a little less. It usually will immediately clear up.
I had it bad when I put my front mount on. and had to make some changes to the intercooler plumbing. I cant remember (too many years ago) whether I sized up or down to change the system volume, but it cleared right up.
I had it bad when I put my front mount on. and had to make some changes to the intercooler plumbing. I cant remember (too many years ago) whether I sized up or down to change the system volume, but it cleared right up.
Ok, I will have someone take a look at it. I think there are a few local GN guys here in Calgary. As far as it being a new turbo. It actually has been on here for several years. I put over 10k miles (and time at the track) on it without too much trouble. I did however just put on a set of iron GN-1 heads and intake.
I will let you know if I come up with something...
Thanks again.
I will let you know if I come up with something...
Thanks again.
It looks like a better set of heads and intake would help the engine take in more air. Which would tend to help a surge problem. But you could look at it another way it could cause it because the exhaust is flowing better making the turbo pump more in turn causing surge.
But this is what it sounds like is surge. But it seems to be little extreem in the way you say it happens & if it is surge it is in a bad way so yea get someone to help check it because it will kill a turbo. be sure the throttle is opening all the way for sure. maybe after head & intake swap something got put back diff.
A restriction in the piping to & from the intercooler could cause it as well, so check all the piping & hoses. Maybe even take them apart to look for something resticting air flow. If nothing is found you may even take the intercooler out & clean it. Even bypass it if nothing has fixed it by then to eleminate possible problems with it.
Could be something crazy like a shop towel that was used to block of piping so nothing could get in wial being repaired, but the towel was forgoten & ended up in the intercooler.
Jess
But this is what it sounds like is surge. But it seems to be little extreem in the way you say it happens & if it is surge it is in a bad way so yea get someone to help check it because it will kill a turbo. be sure the throttle is opening all the way for sure. maybe after head & intake swap something got put back diff.
A restriction in the piping to & from the intercooler could cause it as well, so check all the piping & hoses. Maybe even take them apart to look for something resticting air flow. If nothing is found you may even take the intercooler out & clean it. Even bypass it if nothing has fixed it by then to eleminate possible problems with it.
Could be something crazy like a shop towel that was used to block of piping so nothing could get in wial being repaired, but the towel was forgoten & ended up in the intercooler.
Jess
I never thought about something blocking the pipes, i will look into that in the morning.
I did get a bit of relief when i installed a turbonetics manual boost controller today. the boost is back under control but i still get that pop off at around 18-19 #s. I've turned it down to max 15#s and all works well, (except for the fun factor as my wifes dodge magnum is almost as quick).
I guess I should invest in a scan tool. any suggestions?
I did get a bit of relief when i installed a turbonetics manual boost controller today. the boost is back under control but i still get that pop off at around 18-19 #s. I've turned it down to max 15#s and all works well, (except for the fun factor as my wifes dodge magnum is almost as quick).
I guess I should invest in a scan tool. any suggestions?
gesswatt said:I never thought about something blocking the pipes, i will look into that in the morning.
I did get a bit of relief when i installed a turbonetics manual boost controller today. the boost is back under control but i still get that pop off at around 18-19 #s. I've turned it down to max 15#s and all works well, (except for the fun factor as my wifes dodge magnum is almost as quick).
I guess I should invest in a scan tool. any suggestions?
LOL about the Wifes Dodge. Is that a little slow for the mods you have & 15psi boost or is the Dodge that fast.
Not sure how much you wish to scan but many use the SCANMASTER on the Buick for O2 and some other stuff.
That is odd 15psi and all is well hu. I guess doing some checking and getting some things out of the way as far as being the problem & going from there is about all you can do.
Jess
I hear ya, I will continue playing with things and keep ya posted. I think I will take it easy until I get a scan tool. I don't have the time nor the money to change engines.
P.S. The wifes magnum is not bad for a grocery getter, 380HP to the ground with a little vortec huffer and some good JB pipes. The girl likes to get there first!
