HD actuator boost level?

[dvernst]

Everyone says the lowest boost you can run with one is 18 psi. If I adjust mine so I have to pull it about an 1/8" to reach the wastegate I only boost like 11psi, but then I can only get up to 19 psi with all hoses disconnected. I tightened it to where I could barely get it on, and my low boost is about 16psi, and if I take the hose off completely it goes to about 26 psi. It has an oversize puck, but I think it is sealing. I have had the elbow off six times now and everything looks good.(Does it need to be ported?) With my Greddy boost control the boost fluctuates up and down about 3 psi really fast no matter what I do with the settings. What could be my problem? Thanks

 

[NHRA Super Gas]

Opposite problem

OK, I just switched to the HD actuator over the winter and have the opposite problem, 21ish is my minimum. Here's a free bump, interested to hear what people have to say.

Thanks,

EW

 

[CanGN]

Intercooler may play a part in it, with the stock intercooler I could get down to the 18# level but with the addition of a stretch ic I can't get down below around 22 #...

 

[RUQWKNF]

dvernst

In all my years of messing with Turbo Buicks, I have never seen a real Heavy Duty springed wastegate actuator that could run boost levels that low. (11psi) From the adjustment methods you just described and your results, it sounds and acts the exact same as my standard springed wastegate actuator on my TE-60R that I purchased from PTE back in January. If all is well, no leaks from the IC, no header leaks or crossover pipe leaks, no clogged cat converter, I would suspect that your actuator does in fact have a standard spring. You could send it to one of the Garrett turbo vendors like PTE or Limit Engineering and have them verify it. Are you still running the wastegate solenoid?
HTH

Patrick

 

[dvernst]

dvernst

In all my years of messing with Turbo Buicks, I have never seen a real Heavy Duty springed wastegate actuator that could run boost levels that low. (11psi) From the adjustment methods you just described and your results, it sounds and acts the exact same as my standard springed wastegate actuator on my TE-60R that I purchased from PTE back in January. If all is well, no leaks from the IC, no header leaks or crossover pipe leaks, no clogged cat converter, I would suspect that your actuator does in fact have a standard spring. You could send it to one of the Garrett turbo vendors like PTE or Limit Engineering and have them verify it. Are you still running the wastegate solenoid?
HTH

Patrick

I purchased it from Grumpy. He says it is Hd. I have the actuator that was on there, and it is very easy to pull compared to this one. The reason I got a Hd actuator is because I was having this same problem. It acts exactly the same Hd or not. It was working perfect until I put on a 3" elbow. I was thinking maybe the puck was not sealing properly, but I have had it apart numerous times and it looks good. Allthough I do have to have a ton of pressure on it to get it to boost high without the vac line to the actuator.It does have an oversize puck with a standard size hole. I wonder if porting it would help. I sanded down the face of the turbo, but it still has some very small pits in it. It is a Ta49 with a Garrett housing. Any info would help. Thanks

 

[RUQWKNF]

Gotcha, if Grumpy said it is an HD, then I would trust him at his word. You might want to do the paste on the puck test to see exactly where your puck falls when covering the hole. Put some kind of marking compound, stick glue or even shoe polish onto the puck, install the housing snuggly and flap the swing valve a couple of times. Take the housing off and check the marks. This should show you exactly where the puck falls over the hole. This might tell the whole story as to what exactly is going on.
Hope this helps.

Patrick

 

[dvernst]

I used a thin layer of grease when I first installed it. It is perfect center over the hole.