boost leak test confusion
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Evolving Member
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 223
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From: Arlington Heights, IL
boost leak test confusion
so i used the search button, even found the boost leak test how to...but im still confused as how to do it. im unclear as to if i take the intake off? and the how to said id have to fab up something to put over the turbo inlet? idk, i guess im retarded. if anyone knows where to find a link with pics or explain it a little better id really appreciate it. thanks.
Yes you need to take the intake off the turbo.
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Parts Needed:
(Can be purchased from Home Depot/Lowes/Carter etc)
-2" PVC Cap
-2"PVC Coupler
-2-1/2" Hose Clamps (You need 2)
1. Drill a hole in the top of the cap using whatever size drill bit you need for the fitting you are going to install. You can install a quick connect air fitting or a tire valve stem, or you can even thread on a regulator with gauge. It is up to you and how much you want to spend. Make sure you drill the hole a tad smaller than the fitting.
2. Tap a hole in the cap and thread in whatever connection piece you are going to use. If you do not have a tap set, you can just thread the connection piece into the cap. It will take some force, but it will make its own threads. You can use a little plumbers tape or plumbers goop, or even some PVC glue or red thread lock. Just something to give it a good seal.
3. Slip on the black rubber pvc coupler and clamp it down on the PVC cap side. Now slip the hose clamp over the open end and tighten it down a little so it wont slip off.
Testing:
1. Remove intake pipe/hose. (Between the turbo and MAS)
2. Install tester as shown below
3. Pressurize system with compressor / air pump
4. Use your boost gauge or gauge on the compressor to view the PSI.
5. Start off at a low PSI, around 5 or so. And move up in 3-5 psi increments. Try not to go over 20-25psi unless you run that much boost normally.
5. Listen for leaks, source the leak, and fix it.
--

Parts Needed:
(Can be purchased from Home Depot/Lowes/Carter etc)
-2" PVC Cap
-2"PVC Coupler
-2-1/2" Hose Clamps (You need 2)
1. Drill a hole in the top of the cap using whatever size drill bit you need for the fitting you are going to install. You can install a quick connect air fitting or a tire valve stem, or you can even thread on a regulator with gauge. It is up to you and how much you want to spend. Make sure you drill the hole a tad smaller than the fitting.
2. Tap a hole in the cap and thread in whatever connection piece you are going to use. If you do not have a tap set, you can just thread the connection piece into the cap. It will take some force, but it will make its own threads. You can use a little plumbers tape or plumbers goop, or even some PVC glue or red thread lock. Just something to give it a good seal.
3. Slip on the black rubber pvc coupler and clamp it down on the PVC cap side. Now slip the hose clamp over the open end and tighten it down a little so it wont slip off.
Testing:
1. Remove intake pipe/hose. (Between the turbo and MAS)
2. Install tester as shown below
3. Pressurize system with compressor / air pump
4. Use your boost gauge or gauge on the compressor to view the PSI.
5. Start off at a low PSI, around 5 or so. And move up in 3-5 psi increments. Try not to go over 20-25psi unless you run that much boost normally.
5. Listen for leaks, source the leak, and fix it.
Well, it seems like fate that this thread was the first thing I saw when I logged on today. Thanks alot for the info. My AFR's are reading like in the 20 range at idle, and Im a little jumpy when I let off the gas for 1/2 a second. Mabye Ill write up a how to, when I do this tomarrow.
i can find all the parts except for the piece of hose... the biggest that any autoparts store here has is 2 1/4" outside diameter. I was of the understanding i needed 2.5" outside diameter... anyone got a clue where i can find this? or if its a radiator hose that pepboys/autozone would have, what car is it from. The guys at the stores seem to be pretty dumb unless you have a part number or a car to look these things up...
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I make and sell these if anyone is interested! It makes the testing real easy with the gauge setup!
http://www.paradigmperformance.net/p...boostleak.html
http://www.paradigmperformance.net/p...boostleak.html
I did a boost leak test today and found 2 clamps that are not t clamps leaking even though I used 2 normal clamps and each hose end. I ran out of t clamps so I figured 2 would hold. Obviously not. I ordered some more t clamps. I also noticed my throttle body leaking but when I open the throttle it stops. Is that normal? Also my pcv valve slightly leaks. Is that normal? This is a very good test that everyone should do.
What is the outside diameter of the stock VIII turbo inlet? I have seen threads on evom and external sites that advertise boost testers with 2, 2.5 and 3" boost testers (I am assuming that is the inside diameter of the tester). This thread itself shows how to make a tester with a 2" internal diameter, but the PPI tester is 2.5". So, which is it?
I would ideally like to get hold of the correct tester before I take my car apart.
I would ideally like to get hold of the correct tester before I take my car apart.
for the stock VIII go to home depot. get a 2" plumbing coupler. Ignore that 2.5" stuff... the 2.5" is the outside diameter. Your not going to find a 2.5" pluming coupler. After 2" plumbing piping only goes by the inch... (so says the home depot plumber) Then just start to rummage through all of the PVC pieces till you find a setup that fits that will allow you to cap one end. Cap it clamp the cap down, drill a hole and put in a fitting of your choice.
i drilled the whole with the dremel and it was ok.. but didnt hold pressure past 12 psi.. i took some of the black pvc glue ($1.98 at home depot) gobbed it around my threads to provide a good seal and now i got no problems with the tester.. all the other leaks are more of an issue.. LOL
By the way, i have a stock VIII turbo and this one works perfectly.
i drilled the whole with the dremel and it was ok.. but didnt hold pressure past 12 psi.. i took some of the black pvc glue ($1.98 at home depot) gobbed it around my threads to provide a good seal and now i got no problems with the tester.. all the other leaks are more of an issue.. LOL
By the way, i have a stock VIII turbo and this one works perfectly.
Thread Starter
Evolving Member
iTrader: (4)
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 223
Likes: 0
From: Arlington Heights, IL
this might be a REAL dumb question...but, after youve pressurized your system and are listening for leaks...how do you depressurize it? i read a thread about some guy starting his car with 20psi in the system and yea, i dont wana be like that guy ha. so before i fck up motor...id rather ask a dumb ? and be safe than sorry..






