Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Finding boost leek

[DuallRam]

While driving last night I suddenly heard an air leek that I only heard when boost was coming in. Was loosing 5lbs of boost or so. I checked the rubber boots and the hose to the gauge. Cant find anything. Any ideas?

 

[TORQUE THIS]

Look at ALL the connections real good...



One spot to check is the boot on the intercooler on the drivers side, down by the bumper. Been known to get cut on the sheet metal frame...

 

[DuallRam]

I took all the boots off and dont see any holes or tears. I hear the noise on the drivers side. I even pluged where the gauge hose is.

 

[nps]

I made a test plug by cutting a 1/4" particleboard piece into a round disk to replace the BHAF (or your airbox connection if stock). In the middle of this disk I put in an old tire valve stem I picked up off the floor of a local tire shop.



Clamp the disk into the end of the turbo intake tube and hit it with an airhose, and any leaks are evident. Just make sure the air pressure is regulated below 40psi to prevent any blowouts in the intake.

 

[DuallRam]

I don't know what I'm hearing. I pluged the boot at the intake and the boot off the turbo put air in the system with no apparent leak. I clearly hear an air noise that overpowers the air whistle of the turbo. I hear it only like 5lbs of boost. It could be in my head but the truck seems a little down on power and seems to smoke a little more. It definitely seems to be on the drivers side.

 

[nps]

Could be leaking around the airhorn or under the intake manifold cover. The bolts holding it on can leak if they are loose.

 

[DuallRam]

what do you meen by airhorn? I sprayed around the bottom of the intake. I will check it better

 

[nps]

The airhorn is the cast assy that is between the intercooler outlet hose and the heater grids. It's bent at about a 60* angle. Under it, there is the heater grids that have 2 gaskets than can blow out. Then you get to the intake manifold cover.

 

[DuallRam]

It ended up being the seal under the plate that the fuel filter housing goes on