I'm running an EF3 with the supplied TurboSmart wastegate actuator from MAPerformance. Running both springs in the actuator. STM tuned the car to 26psi last summer. However, a year later, I've noticed that at idle after warmed up/boosting, there is exhaust coming out of the dump pipe. Now if I do a cold start, the wastegate seems to be closed. No exhaust gases are coming out of the dump pipe. But after warming up and going for a drive, when I park and idle, I can feel a small amount of exhaust coming out of the dump pipe.

At the same time, I'm also having trouble boosting past 22psi. When my car was tuned last summer and the wastegate seemed to be working properly, STM hit 26psi without any issues.

So, is there an issue with my actuator? I am running the divided gasket between the turbo and O2 housing. However, I'm planning to pull the O2 housing soon to confirm whether the gasket is still intact or not. But I figure if the divider section of the gasket is gone, then I would leak exhaust at idle, even with a cold start.

 

Just check the actuator to see if its hanging open... if it is, just tighten it up.