The reason you MUST do a "boost leak test"!! Don't pass go. Read this.
Originally Posted by evoal83
do you have the car on or off when you do the leak down test.
I have a boost leak tester for a 4" inlet, but I haven't used it in 2-3 years. I'll have to look at it tomorrow, but I'm pretty sure it's a fernco plumbing coupler with a 4" PVC cap. The 4" cap OD is too big for a "normal" 4" coupler, due to the 1/4 wall thickness (IIRC), so you typically use the fernco coupler, which is that ID, and soft enough to clamp down on the 4" inlet. Those couplers can't take a ton of pressure though (I've gone as high as 25 psi however), so be careful if you're testing to the high pressures you may intend to run on a turbo of that size. 
[edited for clarity]
[edited for clarity]
Alright...sorry Im a noob at this whole turbo car deal.....I want to buy one of these testers from boostpro, but I have some questions for you guys.
So the one with the male fitting is only going to work with an air compressor that you use air tools with???
And the one with the valve stem works for the walmart air tank??
Trying to find out which one I need. I dont have a compressor at home, but will the walmart tank be ok to test small leaks?
I'm thinking I could get both, the male fitting one I could bring with me to the dealer if there was any major leak so they could use it to test, or do they have one already?? I'm talking about San Rafael Mitsu they have a dyno and tuning shop so I would assume the have boost leak testers....if not I guess I'll buy both.
But the valve stem one I wanted for home to test for small leaks without having to go buy a whole compressor. I might buy one soon, but until I do buy a real compressor I still want to be able to check for leaks.
I guess I will call SRM if they can do boost leak tests.
Another thing.....on the how-to of boost-pro for dsm it says do not exceed 7psi or else you might damage something......but they also said to pressurize to your max boost level.....so arent these contradicting statements???
LMK because I am a NA honda guy and this is all VERY GOOD INFO and thank you for any advice.
-Ken
So the one with the male fitting is only going to work with an air compressor that you use air tools with???
And the one with the valve stem works for the walmart air tank??
Trying to find out which one I need. I dont have a compressor at home, but will the walmart tank be ok to test small leaks?
I'm thinking I could get both, the male fitting one I could bring with me to the dealer if there was any major leak so they could use it to test, or do they have one already?? I'm talking about San Rafael Mitsu they have a dyno and tuning shop so I would assume the have boost leak testers....if not I guess I'll buy both.
But the valve stem one I wanted for home to test for small leaks without having to go buy a whole compressor. I might buy one soon, but until I do buy a real compressor I still want to be able to check for leaks.
I guess I will call SRM if they can do boost leak tests.
Another thing.....on the how-to of boost-pro for dsm it says do not exceed 7psi or else you might damage something......but they also said to pressurize to your max boost level.....so arent these contradicting statements???
LMK because I am a NA honda guy and this is all VERY GOOD INFO and thank you for any advice.
-Ken
I found a nasty boost leak on my drivers side end tank. Fixed the problem
(thanks Scott - TTP-E). Night and day difference. Here's another "how to" make your own boost leak tester
Boost Leak tester
(thanks Scott - TTP-E). Night and day difference. Here's another "how to" make your own boost leak tester
Boost Leak tester
Evolving Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Long Island N.Y.
Originally Posted by kjewer1
I have a boost leak tester for a 4" inlet, but I haven't used it in 2-3 years. I'll have to look at it tomorrow, but I'm pretty sure it's a fernco plumbing coupler with a 4" PVC cap. The 4" cap OD is too big for a "normal" 4" coupler, due to the 1/4 wall thickness (IIRC), so you typically use the fernco coupler, which is that ID, and soft enough to clamp down on the 4" inlet. Those couplers can't take a ton of pressure though (I've gone as high as 25 psi however), so be careful if you're testing to the high pressures you may intend to run on a turbo of that size.
[edited for clarity]
[edited for clarity]
Most people who feel like their car is "down on power" or just feels "OFF", usually the problem is a leak of some sort. Don't think "it cant be that"! You will be suprised, and it could save you some Dyno money! Dont want to find out on a dyno day!
Originally Posted by smokedmustang
Most people who feel like their car is "down on power" or just feels "OFF", usually the problem is a leak of some sort. Don't think "it cant be that"! You will be suprised, and it could save you some Dyno money! Dont want to find out on a dyno day!
Originally Posted by EVIL_EVO_VIII
Thats what im feeling with my car now, specially after my clutch install, i felt a huge loss in power... I need to do a leak test cause im sure i got some leaks somewhere
) that you will find some. Keep us posted.
Originally Posted by smokedmustang
I will bet you a Starbucks (Venti at that! ) that you will find some. Keep us posted.
) that you will find some. Keep us posted. If you lived close then it be on me if i find leaks LOL!! Ill keep you updated, gona try to do it this weekend
Hopefully this will resolve my problem
I also believe that we should all do boost leak tests on a frequent basis. If you test out good last week, you may develop a leak a couple of days later. It has happened to me before. The wierdest thing that just happened was that I boost tested my car just this past Saturday to 25 PSI and found no leaks. On Sunday I went for a drive and as I was accelerating on the freeway, I blew my fricken lower intercooler hose off. Go figure. I did find out during my recent boost test that my Forge RS diverter valve holds 25 PSI with only 4 clicks of adjustment from 0.
Originally Posted by EVIL_EVO_VIII
If you lived close then it be on me if i find leaks LOL!! Ill keep you updated, gona try to do it this weekend Hopefully this will resolve my problem
Originally Posted by EvoTio
I also believe that we should all do boost leak tests on a frequent basis. If you test out good last week, you may develop a leak a couple of days later. It has happened to me before. The wierdest thing that just happened was that I boost tested my car just this past Saturday to 25 PSI and found no leaks. On Sunday I went for a drive and as I was accelerating on the freeway, I blew my fricken lower intercooler hose off. Go figure. I did find out during my recent boost test that my Forge RS diverter valve holds 25 PSI with only 4 clicks of adjustment from 0.
Originally Posted by smokedmustang
Good point, now how 'bout a photo of the Nova?