Simple question hopefully with a simple answer. How do I test to see if my waste gate is working properly? I feel it may not be working properly due to some turbo hesitation under pressure then letting off the gas slightly.

 

You will need to be more specific than this when describing the issue. This could be diverter valve related. Not necessarily WG related. But, like I said you'll have to try and explain it to us a little better.

At what boost level and at what engine RPM is it happening? Is it more apparent under light throttle, or at WOT? What are your power mods(everything please). Or if there are no mods...is it totally stock, etc.? Does it have a tune?

 

Im out of town for the week so when I get back Ill take it for a drive and get all the specs for you.

 

Is it making rattling sounds or do you feel lack of power? Those can be signs of it not working correctly. I would just pull your turbo and have it looked at by a reputable shop or turbo rebuilder.

 

I would leave pulling the turbo as a last resort option when all else has failed. First, I think that he should pull the intake hose off the compressor inlet and check the shaft for play.

Also, he should check for oil pooling in the turbo's compressor inlet area, and the IC pipes as well as the IC itself. He should do a WOT throttle run and let off the gas suddenly while looking in the rearview mirror for telltale smoke. He should get a tune. He should do a boost leak test. He should check all IC pipe couplers. Check all the vacuum hoses in the boost control circuit. If he has a cat he should check to see if it is clogged beyond repair.

I am not being argumentative. Merely, that if the OP is anything like me he probably hates pulling the turbo and later facing the prospect of reinstalling it. I would do anything to avoid pulling the turbo....but that is just me. I sure wouldn't pull it as a first step.

 

Makes sense and I can try all those things when I get back. I know the car needs a tune since its been a while (last owner did it, I have not yet) and there is a sticker in the back window saying iveytuned.com. Im thinking they were the ones that tuned it last. I have STM about 2-1/2 hours from me here in CNY so I will most likely take it there.