junk240sx

Ok, I assume I have boost leaking somewhere. Here's the symptoms...it's hard to explain but I'll do my best.

First off, it's a DSM 14b turbo with internal wastegate which is supposedly set at 10.5 psi. I can get it maybe to go up to 8psi if I WOT. But whether WOT or partial throttle, I just don't feel like I'm getting the boost. At WOT, I can at least seem to keep the boost consistent.

However if I try partial throttle (such as trying to keep at a certain rpm level), the boost will hold at say 5psi for only a couple seconds. Then even when I'm not letting off on the gas at all, the boost slowly goes down until it reaches zero and i feel a loss in power.

What could be causing these problems? I know I have home depot ghetto piping but I DID make sure they're all secured. If I tighten them anymnore, they'll probably tear.

I know I had some hair line cracks in the exhaust side of the turbo, could this be the cause? Either way it's annoying and I want to try to figure it out.

THanks.

jdm91integ

To diagnose boost leaks, you need a bucket of soapy water and a sponge. Dip the sponge in the soapy water and ring it out over all your charge pipe connections. Start the car and check for bubbles. If it's bubbling than you found your leak. HTH

draztik

chargepipes are leaking someplace. like the 2nd response said.

junk240sx

Ok, that's what I figured but i can't really just put soap on it to find the leak can I? Because the leak obviously won't appear until it get's enough boost to leak. Any other suggestions? I've heard of people going to home depot and buying a air compressor connector and you rtv glue it to a plastic hose cap. THen you secure that hose cap to the turbo inlet and pressurize up to the boost amount you plan to run....then you listen to the leaks. Only problem is I don't have an air compressor. I guess I could take apart all my hoses and glue them together with liquid gasket maker or something.

turbo z24 guy

unless you have an ungodly huge turbo, then yeah, theres still enough pressure at idle to cause bubbles.