Wastegate Woes

[Sinful6]

Hello, I currently have Hooker headers/crossovers/3in. THDP/ext. ATR wastegate. I normally run about 19lbs. on the street, and recently I found the paperwork for my wastegate, and tried adjusting it to see if I could quicken spool. It worked, but now my max PSI(@ WOT) is 13lbs. So I tried to adjust it back, but to no avail. I can adjust the thing all the way in or out, or anywhere inbewteen, and still 13lbs. I am thinking that the spring is weak? Anyways, I realize it is not a "reliable" part anyways, so I was considering getting a racegate. I need to know weither a racegate will bolt right up to my setup now(I can send pics if it will help you visualize). Or if I am going to have to have custom stuff welded to make it fit. Also, could someone explain how the different spring rates work(black spring = 9psi.)?

In need of help!

,Thanks -DC

P.S. I am reaching 12psi @ ~1/2 throttle(car is not fun to drive with this low boost).

 

[Richard Inglett]

Sinful6,

The Racegate has larger flanges than your ATR wastegate so swap is a bit more difficult.

Not sure what to say about your ATR wastegate. Turning the adjusting screw clockwise or switching a longer higher rated spring should increase spoolup and boost but be careful. Extremely easy to create an overboost or boost creep situation. In your message you state that adjusting does not change the 13 psig boost level. Sounds like the valve that bypasses exhaust away from the turbo may be stuck open. If it is and it decides to break free, the boost spike could hurt your engine. Need to take the cap off the wastgate and verify that the valve moves freely.

Another possibility may apply but depends on what method you are using to control your boost. My setup utilizes a regulator valve for which the high pressure side and the bottom port of the Racegate are both connected to boost from the compressor side of the turbo. Hose from the low pressure side of the regulator feeds the top port of the Racegate that increases boost by forcing the valve down. If you control boost in this manner, may have a leak on the low pressure side. Maybe a hose or a torn diaphragm in the deltagate.

There is another arrangement that I have seen with ATR deltagates but I am not familiar with the specifics. Would again recommend that you check the valve for movement.

Good luck,
Richard

 

[Sinful6]

I followed the instructions for the base setting on the wastegate(turn until you feel it press the spring, then one complete turn) I drove it around, same thing, only 13lbs., so I gave it 2 more turns, and now I am at 15lbs. of boost, and it feels more solid. However this is still not good enough. From what I hear it is very difficult to take them apart and work on them because of the diaphragm, and they are pressed together.


More help?

 

[Richard Inglett]

Originally posted by Sinful6
I followed the instructions for the base setting on the wastegate(turn until you feel it press the spring, then one complete turn) I drove it around, same thing, only 13lbs., so I gave it 2 more turns, and now I am at 15lbs. of boost, and it feels more solid. However this is still not good enough. From what I hear it is very difficult to take them apart and work on them because of the diaphragm, and they are pressed together.


More help?

Usually one quarter turn is worth one psig boost so only three psig increase in boost with two full turns makes me a little nervous. Still recommend that you remove the cap from your deltagate to verify that the valve is moving freely. It is not as bad as it sounds. Spring and a spring washer should be your only loose internal parts. You do not have to disassemble any parts associated with the diapragm. To remove cap, use your hand to hold cap down while removing screws in a gradual and crossing manner. Once cap is off, move the center portion up and down just high enough to verify free movement but not high enough to disturb the seal of the diapragm. If valve moves freely, replace cap, spring and spring washer.

At this point, I would call ATR for other possibilies. If acceptable with ATR, try increasing boost with clockwise one quarter turn increments or see if ATR recommends a stronger spring.

If ATR is unable to help, please advise specifics about the hose connections of your detagate and advise what type valve (bleed or regulator) you are using. Will be better able to offer suggestions once provided.