Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) waste gate stuck?

[Soot4Life]

I think my wastegate is stuck open. Max boost is 17 @ WOT. I can't move the actuator rod at all..... stuck. How can I free this up? I don't want to mess anything up... ... ... ... . Thanks

 

[B.G. Smith]

I doubt that it is stuck or you wouldn't be getting that much boost, it is hard to put enough load on the engine without a load or a box to make max. boost. I have used a wooden dowel or a rod to move the actuator and make sure it is free. Access it from the front side of the turbo and push toward the rear, be careful that the rod don't slip off and bang your knuckles on the manifold. bg

 

[Soot4Life]

I tried the dowel trick. That rod is flat stuck. I grabbed the shaft from below and tried to get it to move..... no dice.

How much effort is required to make it move?

Thanks... .....

 

[Soot4Life]

I just answered my own question... ... put a small pair of locking pliers on it and gave it a tug. I had no idea how much effort is required to move it. How much boost will the turbo give me if I run it with a plugged actuator line? I know it will throw a code but I can clear it with my OBD2. Thanks mucho.....

 

[B.G. Smith]

Don't know what the max. boost the turbo is capable of putting out. The actuator on the waste gate is small diameter and has a spring inside to overcome also. If you have access to compressed air and an adjustable regulator you can cycle th ewastegate actuator to see if it is opperable, it also has an adjustment on the rod to increase or decrease the opening point. bg

 

[Bob Wagner]

check for boost leaks too

 

[Sticks]

You are getting about all the boost you are supposed to be getting. 17 - 20psi is what they are set at, and over 20 will throw a code, and the truck into limp mode unless you have a boost fooler.



If you do try to max it out, 35psi is the outer edge for the safe limits on that turbo.