So, Boost leak detection

[Carbon]

I appear York have developed a boost leak. I'm suddenly only making 1.3 bar instead of 1.5 and there is a whine/buzz like when you blow a blade of grass but higher pitched. In addition to this I've started to get a "chirp" when changing gears. Oh and I have an EBC.

So, how do I find it easily? Any tips/common locations to try?

 

[Simon@NTS]

Try tightening all the boost clamps, what dump valves on it

 

[Evo4TomB]

Dump valve is a good start

Is it a high pitch squeal when you come on boost ??

Check the condition of the turbo as well , mainly check the play in the shaft a little up and down is ok .5mm but in and out is a big NO

 

[Carbon]

It is a high pitched squeal. Not terribly loud but noticeable. Aggressive gear changed and acceleration cause the chirp.

The dump valve is an HKS SSQV - I think anyway :lol:

 

[Simon@NTS]

Only real way is remove the hose off the turbo j pipe and block it off, then remove hose off throttle body and make pipe work incorporating a shrader valve (tyre valve) and use compressed air to pressurise the system at 15 psi and listen for leaks

 

[Carbon]

Only real way is remove the hose off the turbo j pipe and block it off, then remove hose off throttle body and make pipe work incorporating a shrader valve (tyre valve) and use compressed air to pressurise the system at 15 psi and listen for leaks

That's doable. I'll work something out with some compressor fittings rather than a schrader valve so I can keep it topped up to 15psi and go at it with some soapy water.

Cheers for the tips guys

 

[Simon@NTS]

Yes I use metal pipe that fits nicely in the hose weld a top on the metal pipe, then drill it and pull through a rubber car tyre valve, works a treat

 

[Carbon]

Cool - I have a feeling it may be the dump valve anyway so I'll check that first. I also want to replace it with a decent recirc one at some point for a more stealthy sound :ninja:

 

[Simon@NTS]

Turbo smart get my vote

 

[Carbon]

I've been busy so haven't had chance to make a pipe up yet to test for leaks. I have stripped, cleaned and refitted all the pipes but it's still only making about 1.3 bar. I've checked the turbo for play and all is good there. I've tried adjusting the ssqv a touch (it's an early one with adjuster bolt) and that seems to have made no difference. The car has also started making a clanking that doesn't seem yo be related to the twin plate clutch for once. It only does it when rolling so I guess it's driveshafts, gearbox or diff. Off to the garage as soon as I can book an appointment!

 

[DDS789]

Get one of these bought off the bay

160832945444

Iv got one and it does the job great, tried it on my old scoob and you wouldn't believe the amount of tiny leaks I found that equated to the boost loss I was suffering :shock:

 

[Carbon]

Get one of these bought off the bay

160832945444

Iv got one and it does the job great, tried it on my old scoob and you wouldn't believe the amount of tiny leaks I found that equated to the boost loss I was suffering :shock:

Ideal. Expensive compared to making your own but when time is of the essence.......

Ordered

Now I just need to find the clunking!

 

[DDS789]

Expense vs hassle of making your own, was what I thought lol.

I also watched a lot of YouTube vids about detecting boost leaks and using something like these kits. Just so you know what noises to expect and stuff.

Cool thing with the kit is you can isolate areas, as in block off say the intercooler pipe into the throttle body and then stick the kit on the turbo and purely check your intercooler pipes.

Then you could check throttle body through the engine, that's how you would find vacuum pipe leaks, but there will be different noises to contend with as the air leaks through the engine etc so watching the vids is a good idea to know what to expect.

From what I remember the icv pipe will need blocking too.

HTH

Dan

 

[Leroy]

i made one quickly and it didnt last long so bought one off ebay, u should hear all the lil leaks its surprising really

 

[Carbon]

I'm looking forward to getting full boost back!

 

[Carbon]

Bugger. My boost leak tester is massively larger diameter than my intake pipe! I'll have to bodge something together anyway

 

[B6lee]

We like a bit of bodging

 

[Carbon]

Well, while I wait for my reducer pipe to turn up I've had another fiddle (ooh-errr missus) and found the sad pipe is disintegrating so that is probably some of the problem. In addition to this the clanking noise has gone away so I haven't killed my transfer box which is nice :lol:

Now all I need is my wheels to turn up undamaged this time!

 

[DDS789]

Bugger. My boost leak tester is massively larger diameter than my intake pipe! I'll have to bodge something together anyway

I got a load of different pipes with mine all different sizes. The valve and pressure gauge was probably 50mm wide so could even take it out and put it directly into piping.

Best bet is attaching the leak kit directly onto the turbo. Remember to block off pipes that direct back into the intake too.

 

[Carbon]

That was the original plan - however the turbo input on the V is 56mm and the tester fits 76-85mm. Only the one pipe so I need to bodge something together with reducers - the intake pipe was my 2nd plan but that's no nearer in size