Turbo
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Category: Turbo
The wastegate LIMITS boost. The turbo WILL make boost without a wastegate. The wastegate only dumps off EXCESS boost. The wastegate's default, spring loaded, position, is closed, so a bad wastegate will cause overboost, nothing else. Unless the c-clip that holds the wastegate actuator rod falls off of the wastegate door arm.
The boost control solenoid allows MORE boost, by BYPASSING some of the pressure created by the turbo AWAY from the wastegate. By bypassing more pressure away, you can raise the pressure at which the wastegate opens. See the Boost Mods tip.
To test the wastegate:
It should be hard to suck or blow on the vacuum hose going directly to the wastegate, unless the hose is bad or the wastegate leaks, which means it's bad.
Fuel injection hose is an acceptable replacement hose for the wastegate hoses. I also recommend worm drive clamps at the each end of each hose.
The wastegate arm pushes toward the back of the car to open the wastegate under pressure, not vacuum. Check it with both for leaks and proper operation.