How to tell if you are getting boost

[RSchwarzli]

As the title states how can you tell if you are getting boost. I know, get a gauge. I am working on that, but in the meantime? The problem is when I put my foot into it, I don't feel that oomf that I should. It is steady rpm build without that boost feel. Any thoughts?



Robert

 

[Philip]

Head down to your local hardware store and pick up a presure gage with a 1/8" pipe fitting on it. These are normaly in the hardware section around the air fittings. Then go to your local auto parts store and get a 1/8" gage line kit and the adapters you need to hook it up.



Do temp hook up and go for a drive.



I forgot to add. Under the air horn on the side of the head is a 1/8" pipe fitting. Tap the gage into there.

 

[bgilbert]

Get the gauge. You won't have any questions.

 

["Mad Max"]

you might also want to check to see if your intercooler and other intake-related hoses are all intact. Can you hear the turbo at all? Might try (and this is NOT the most recommended method, but it's effective... ) removing the entire airbox and intake assy completely, everyting all the way up to the turbo inlet, then driving around very briefly to try to 'hear' the turbo. You should be able to hear it spool up. CAUTION - make sure you blow out the engine bay first - you don't want anyting getting sucked into the turbo. Again, not the best way, but if you only have it off for a trip around the block you should be able to hear it spool up.

 

[RSchwarzli]

The gauge can't be installed quite yet, I have some exhaust work that needs to be done first. As for spool up, I hear pretty much zilch. I will have to check the hoses.

 

[JLuechauer]

What I did when I wanted to check for a boost leak is I made an adapter to fit over the turbo inlet whith some plumming supplies for a hardward store. I put a pressure gauge and a fitting on it so that I could hook it up to an air-compresser (I set the max air pressure at 25 psi) then listen for a leak. the engine is off so you can hear everything. Now the pressure will leak out the exhaust but if there is a leak you will hear it.

I will try to get a picture if anyone wants one

 

[RSchwarzli]

Good thinking, it sounds like a good idea.