Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) turnbuckle/spring = no change at all

[damon]

As a follow up to a post last week, I installed the turnbuckle/spring combo using the exact same parts from Home Depot as Big White Beast shows in this article.....



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=34894



When I tightened the turnbuckle all the way to the stop, the spring was slightly stretched just like the picture shows. The only thing I did different was I left the spring end as it came rather than modifying it like Big White Beast, since I found that I could hook it over the actuating arm as it was.



The result = no increase in boost. I am seeing max of 18-19 just like it was before the mod. Has anyone seen the same result ? I guess the next move my be to use a longer turnbuckle and no spring to see if I can get the boost #'s up.

 

[snowracer69]

ummm....

notice in your signature that you don't have any fuel/boost enhancing mods to your truck. That's the problem if you ask me. When I first put the turnbuckle on, and had my Comp hooked up w/o the pump wire (eg, like an ez), I went from 19 PSI to 24 PSI of boost... . with the comp off however, I can still only see 19 PSI even with the turnbuckle on. So, I'm gonna say that if you don't have a box or boost fooler, that that is your problem.



Also, I believe that the engine will de-fuel if it sees over 20 PSI of boost (or some number around there) without a boost fooler/box in place... one of Dodge's way of protecting the engine.



You also will set overboost codes without the box/fooler on there. They'll know you had something on there.



Later, Josh.



EDIT: Just saw that you have an EZ... . um, I don't know why you're not seeing more boost. LOL. Sorry 'bout that.

 

[Jetpilot]

Sounds like you need a stiffer spring or no spring at all... .

 

[willyslover]

did you install the little brass elbow that came with the EZ ?. . if not do so and you'll see additional boost

 

[damon]

I have the elbow, but it only works on the ETH engine since the ETC is hardlined and has no boost elbow... ...



Does anyone see a downside to running a solid turnbuckle with no spring ? I know that this will render the wastegate useless, but can the HY turbo build enough boost to cause any damage without it ?

 

[Wolfgang]

I have had mine closed completely for about 20,000 miles now. I see about 32 lbs of boost.

 

[tmacc]

Like Wolfgang, I've had mine completely closed and get about 32-34 PSI. It's been that way about 30+k miles w/ a Comp and BD1s.

 

[pcarlson]

Damon,



I used the Big White Beast's post as my example as well. I installed it about two days ago and I can see 24-28 psi depending on the load I put on it and it is very steady at those boost pressures.



IMO I would check your gauge connections to the engine and the turbo to intecooler connections. I would tighten the hose clamps as the instructions told you to tighten those connections. Use some soapy water and test for leaks. I just think you have a leak some where or you are getting a false reading due to a leak.

 

[Big White Beast]

Some have done it.........

Just used a turnbuckle that is. Some have wired a spring on. That's how I got the idea to do it this way.



With just the EZ on my 01 it only gave me around 26 psi. On the 02 and an EZ I get aroind 24 psi. Since I upgraded the turbo on the 01 I used the same turnbuckle and spring on the 02. Could be that the spring is getting weak, who knows. I would completely clamp yours down and see what it does. If it goes up you might need to rehook it so it adjusts further with the spring in place.



To tell you the truth I don't know if that amount of boost would overcome the spring anyway.



Garrett

 

[damon]

Thanks for the input guys. My next move will be to put a solid turnbuckle on and see if the boost #'s go up.



Two valid points were brought up - I may have a leak in the pressure line going to the guage, or my truck my not be making any more boost than the 20 lbs that I am seeing, and in that case it doesn't really matter what I do to the wastegate. I really don't think that either of these are the case, but worth looking into if the #'s don't get better.



I'll post when I find more.

 

[damon]

I got around to replacing the turnbuckle/spring with a solid 5 1/2" turnbuckle and 1 1/2" S-hook, and it made the difference. The truck easily hits 25 lbs boost when I step on it and I've seen a max of 30 lbs accelerating up a grade. Sure seems like it will pull better at high speeds now, and doesn't feel so flat on top.



I did find it interesting that my truck blew through the same spring setup that others are using succesfully, and I'm sure that I have the exact same length and rate of spring from Home Depot.



If my first test is near accurate, the EGT's are lower. The same grade that I drive everyday to work gave me a max of 950 where it was consistently 1100 before with my foot well into the pedal. Looks good so far !

 

[BSeitz]

Damon: when my truck was brand new and I installed my EZ box without the elbow, I had the same problem. As an alternate solution to the turn buckle method on the auto's, I used an 22 short riffle shell (empty of course) to disable my waste gate completely. Worked great. Just remove the two 10mil nuts on the actuator arm and pull away from the bracket. Then pull out the hard piped elbow from the turbo. It's just a press fit sealed with a grommet. The 22 shell is a tight fit. I just filed the edge and used a little lube a pressed it in with a pair of pliers, and then reassembled. Just another idea i did'nt see mentioned here. Good luck with the truck and all your future mods.