How do I find a boost leak?

[ChrisKringle]

My boost is not what it should be. 24. 5 lbs. max on X-Monitor with TST 6/5, BDDL on tow setting, and 80 hp pressure box. Messed with the setting on the TST boost elbow and it's now turned up all the way.



The bottom of the intercooler was bent in an accident awhile ago, so I don't know if it's leaking or what?



Can I pressure test the whole thing in the truck with some soapy water or something?

 

[DF5152]

yes make an adapter from some plumming parts with a compressed air fitting on it and pressurize the system then make with the soapy water. dont over pressurize the system though

 

[sag2]

Your friendly dealer has a Miller special tool to plug the system and pressurize.

 

[nickleinonen]

soapy water in a spray bottle and have someone hold the throttle to keep the engine at 2500-3000 [or just brick on throttle for 3200-3500rpm] then spray the hose connections and the intercooler. having the engine sitting on the governor isn't going to damage anything in the engine, and you will have 2-3psi boost on the gauge if everything is nice and tight, if not nice and tight, you might read 0 but the leak will still show up bubbling. [just watch your digits on the rotating assemblies there and some ear plugs would be good]

 

[ChrisKringle]

I asked the tech at my dealer and he was vague. Didn't get a straight answer. Would that be the easiest?



Am I going to get boost with no load in the driveway and someone giving it gas? That would save me some money if that would really work.

 

[nickleinonen]

I asked the tech at my dealer and he was vague. Didn't get a straight answer. Would that be the easiest?



Am I going to get boost with no load in the driveway and someone giving it gas? That would save me some money if that would really work.

you won't get any large numbers, but you will get enough flow to find the leak. 1500-2000rpm won't cut it. . 3000rpm will let you find it. .