Question on disabled wastegate

[Jvann]

Will disabling the turbo wastegate shorten the life of the turbo? The reason I ask is a friend says he believes it led to his turbo going out earlier than it normally would (80k miles). He has a Cat 300hp in a KW. This may be a stupid question but now I'm a little concerned because mine is disabled on my CTD. Thanks for your opinion.

 

[Amianthus]

Shouldn't be a problem

The wastegate serves two functions. First, it is a mechanical safeguard to prevent over-boosting the engine and causing mechanical damage. Secondly, it is there to vent excess heated gasses to prevent spinning the turbo out of it's efficiency range. And causing turbo damage, and engine damage from excess heat.



As for will it shorten it's life? It could. If you're over-boosting it constantly. In a KW that could happen. But in our Cummins (at least in our application), it's probably not gonna happen. There are guys that run that turbo at 30-35 psi all day long and have had no ill results. Much higher than that, and you will probably damage it.



Does that help?

 

[illflem]

I personally feel the wastegate is a good thing and shouldn't be disabled. If it's more boost you're after just adjust the linkage rod on it.

 

[Jvann]

Thanks for the input. I understand more about the wastegate now and see how how my friend may have been right about his

KW. I agree that in my application it shouldn't be a problem as I seldom run much above 20 psi and then not for a very long period. Thanks again guys.

 

[StakeMan]

I didn't disable the wastegate on my HY35 turbo, but had it set at 32 psi. After I changed turbos I took it apart and found a nice crack in the exhaust housing.

 

[PZicha]

mine has neat little shut off valve that I installed , the difference between open and shut is about 6psi . mine has been closed of for about 200,000km (120,000 miles) with no ill effects yet . even closed the psi is to low to make any difference if your stock

 

[Jvann]

Pzicha

Good idea. Thanks for the photo.