Boost control- need ideas

[DSMtuned]

First off, I have a 16g with an internal gate (obviously). I'm using an adjustable wastegate actuator with a Joe-P manual boost controller.

A few months ago I began mysteriously running higher than normal boost, without changing anything. I assumed a change in atmospheric pressure, since I noticed it most going up in the mountains. Fine, I dialed down the boost controller, but that didn't help. I unhooked the boost controller and ran the rest of ski season off only the wastegate.

Since it's now summer and I'm not needing to race STIs up the mountains anymore, I hooked up my boost controller again and tried setting boost where I want it. I have no control over boost now. Even with the boost controller backed all the way out, I get these huge spikes in boost. This is enough to get the knock started and makes it difficult to eliminate.

So what do you guys think? It seems like I need a different boost controller. Do these things really go bad? It's such a simple mechanism. When I blow through the boost controller and screw in the knob, the valve seems to shut down consistently.

Thanks,
-Craig

[yokotabrat]

Did the adjustment on the wastegate actuator change at all? Have you tried to reduce the preload on the actuator to lower the boost? How much boost are you running now and what do you want to run? How high does it spike?

The boost controller won't be able to lower the boost lower than what the actuator is set for. Does the boost spike when only the wastegate actuator is hooked up? I'd check to make sure there isn't a kink in the line to the wastegate actuator, especially where it connects to the actuator. With the intake above it, it's pretty easy for it to happen.

[DSMtuned]

Thanks for responding Bert.

Yeah I never touched the actuator. When running without the boost controller the wastegate hits 18psi and then goes down to 16-17psi by redline.

With the boost controller hooked up but the knob backed all the way out, the boost spikes to 24psi and then goes down to 18psi by redline. On pump gas that spike peaks the knock to about 15 counts right away and then slowly goes down as boost goes to a reasonable level.


With the same wastegate adjustment and the boost controller hooked up BEFORE, it used to hit 20psi immediately and then creep to 21psi. I had good control over this and this is the set-up that worked the best as far as tuning.

What do you think? Boost controller shot?

Thanks,
-Craig

[yokotabrat]

It does sound like the boost controller. Have you tried to take it apart to verify there isn't anything causing the spring to stick? Maybe the bleed hole is clogged (I think it has one). Maybe someone with an mbc can swap you for a quick test with a known working controller (I have an ebc, otherwise I'd offer).

[DSMtuned]

Yeah I tried to take it apart. The fittings are on ther so tight that I almost think Joe-P did it purposefully so people don't reverse-engineer it.

You know I have wanted an in-cab boost controller for so long that I just finally ordered one. Hopefully that takes care of the problem. I know I will love not having to jump out of the car all the time when tuning!!

Thanks!
-Craig

[Dane Becher]

Have you checked for boost leaks? Especially between the MBC and WGA.

[DSMtuned]

I have checked for leaks in the lines betwee the boost controller and the wastegate and everything is peachy.

UPS actually just showed up with my new Hallman in-cap manual boost controller. I'll install it tonight. Hopefully that's the problem. If not, at least I won't have to get out of the car to mess with it anymore. :D


-Craig

[Kibo]

Did you check for blockage in the hoses as well? And does your wastegate arm move freely?

In-cab adjustability is a cool thing, though. I haven't touched mine since first setting it after installing it. :p

[ba109296]

I had a joe p and it would do this all the time. Sometimes it would just change boost allowed and then sometimes it would not control the boost at all. You need to take some wd-40 and spray it inside liberally. Shake it around and try to get all the gunk out. Try to find a way to clean it out also, this will help but ultimately you will need to get a new cotroller because these will not work perfect all the time, you should feel lucky it worked as long as it did without trying to let the turbo spool to 40 psi like mine did.

[DSMtuned]

The Hallman Pro took care of all boost issues.

Thanks for the responses.

-Craig

[Jason]

So I guess the Joe P controllers are prone to failure then?