Turbo Question

jdgalore · 09-03-2009, 05:02 PM

I have an 02 wrx no boost gauge its got 215k drove every mile, I noticed a small oil leak and took the heat shield off the turbo. The wastegate does not move when I give it gas, should it move if its not in gear while giving gas say to 5k rpm? should I replace the whole turbo ? if you have a used turbo that you have replaced let me know as i will buy your stock turbo. Any help would be great! JD

04paulieWRX · 09-03-2009, 05:54 PM

the wastegate arm will not move unless you are generating boost, by being in gear and moving or testing it on a dyno. it will not generate boost by just revving the engine. are you sure the oil leak is coming from the turbo? furthermore, what does the waste gate have to do with the leak?

dumdum · 09-03-2009, 08:27 PM

Boost can be generated by free reving but on the stock ECU setting I doubt you will see the arm move. Besides that is not the proper way to test it. If you have access to a air compressor with an adjustable regulator you hook up a piece of vacuum tube to the wastegate actuator. Set the compressor regulator for 10-15psi and hook the vacuum tube to a blowgun. When you pull the trigger on the blow gun the arm on the actuator should fully actuate.