Wastegate Actuator Repacement

[basfire]

I'm replacing the wastegate actuator on my 2004.5, 6 speed manual, 3500 4x4 with an Edge Easy, about 158,000 miles and have a couple questions.
First, what is the factory Boost limit set at? Second, I see the prices vary drastically with several different brands. Which one do I need? Haven't taken a good look yet but can I get to actuator without removing Turbo? Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

[AH64ID]

Why are you replacing it?

The EZ is a boost fooler, so the WG isn’t utilized.

 

[Wayne M.]

I saw that Geno’s has a replacement actuator......

 

[basfire]

The reason for replacement is that the Wastegate stays open, occasionally, and dumps the boost to zero. My pedal will be dead until it closes and I regain boost. No codes.

 

[AH64ID]

The reason for replacement is that the Wastegate stays open, occasionally, and dumps the boost to zero. My pedal will be dead until it closes and I regain boost. No codes.

The EZ should boost fool and not let it open.

Have you looked for other boost leaks? Do you have a metal or plastic end-capped intercooler?

 

[cerberusiam]

The 04.5 has an electronic WG controller that will maintain boost at about 30 psi. You need to verify whether it is the actuator or controller or something else causing boost loss. Crimp the boost reference hose on the front of the turbo shut with a small pair of vice grips and see if the random boost dump stops, you should be able to hit high 30's with stock fueling and if the ECM is working you will get over boost codes, the EZ it will fool it so no over boost codes.

The actuators rarely go bad unless they are in a harsh environment but it is possible. However, if most of the time your are getting good boost I would look elsewhere, they don't just randomly open, they work or not as a rule. IIRC, turbo has to be off to change the actuator, not a lot of room in there to work.

 

[basfire]

Thank you both for your suggestions. Will start the detective work and hopefully let you know a definitive result.

 

[basfire]

With the help of a very good friend who spent his profession working on diesels both big and small we pulled off linkage of actuator to butterfly valve to make sure that was not frozen in place. Worked fine. Cleaned it up and serviced with a dry lube. Pulled off hose at solenoid and the tested vacuum of hose connected to wastegate. Good to go. Tested solenoid with wires and heard it click. Disconnected Edge EZ. Have been driving it and no problems yet. My friend thinks there have been no codes as the problem may be on the mechanical prat of the solenoid. Worst case is I know how to secure the actuator in the closed position with bailing wire.

 

[cerberusiam]

If it is working now and holds 30 psi of boost there is nothing wrong with actuator or controller, the EX has defected the bed. You should really get rid of it anyway, not the best power adder to be using on 15 year old early run CR injectors.