Boosting only 7psi max, thinking tvsv is the culprit? Options

[malecrod]

Hi,
I have a boosting problem. I'm only boosting 7psi max. This all started with a leaking turbo to downpipe gasket ( looks like ebay type) that was making the car loud. So I took it out and replaced it with one I made DIY as a temporary one since the toyota one I ordered was taking a while to get.
Since the replacement I'm unable to boost more than 7psi max. Ok so I read a lot the last few days and thought: boost leak,gasket/ebay downpipe is making wastegate flapper stuck. Checked clamps, hoses no leaks anywhere. Finally, the toyota gasket came in, but before I installed it, I ground it down to match the OEM gasket(don't wanna have any reason for taking it down again). Installed everything back, but still can't boost past 7psi.
So next I unplugged the hose going to the tvsv and run the car, got it to 11psi and I could hear the turbo working hard so I didn't want to push it to overboost. I did not feel the car pulling timing on me.
Next, I plugged the wastegate actuator outlet to tvsv shut, went for a drive, all I got was 7psi! which is what it should be.
Now I'm suspecting either ECU is stuck in low boost mode or the TVSV is bad or could this still be boost leak?
I have the boost leak tester in the works.
I have checked my BPV for leaks and even took it out of the picture for simplicity sake still no luck.
I need all the help/input I can get.
Thanks.

[robdrummer]

weird, after i had a heating issue the other day i can only boost 7psi too. let me know if u find anything!

[lagos]

1. Check the ecu for codes. Something like a blown knock sensor could cause these problems and would store a code (even if your dash light is not on)
2. make a boost leak tester and check for boost leaks.
3. Check the custom bracket that was made to relocate your waste gate actuator. It could very well be causing these problems.
4. install my tvsv led. This will tell you if the ecu is stuck in low boost mode or if its pulling timing.
http://celicatech.com/forums/showthread.ph...6985#post226985
5. Replace your plugs, wires, cap and rotor. The wires have a date stamped on them, If they are older then 2yrs, throw them in the trash and get a new oem set.
6. If all else fails do this....
http://s126.photobucket.com/albums/p117/no...nt=MOV00572.flv

This post has been edited by lagos: Apr 30, 2008 - 3:08 PM

[DEATH]

Dude that was awesome - many times I've thought of doing this

I still need to get around to doing your TVSV LED mod. Damn nice mod you came up with there Lagos.

[malecrod]

1. Check the ecu for codes. Something like a blown knock sensor could cause these problems and would store a code (even if your dash light is not on)
2. make a boost leak tester and check for boost leaks.
3. Check the custom bracket that was made to relocate your waste gate actuator. It could very well be causing these problems.
4. install my tvsv led. This will tell you if the ecu is stuck in low boost mode or if its pulling timing.
http://celicatech.com/forums/showthread.ph...6985#post226985
5. Replace your plugs, wires, cap and rotor. The wires have a date stamped on them, If they are older then 2yrs, throw them in the trash and get a new oem set.
6. If all else fails do this....
http://s126.photobucket.com/albums/p117/no...nt=MOV00572.flv

Thanks Art, that is a funny video! Can you explain briefly how the AFM can be doing this?

1. I forgot to mention it. I checked for codes before anything else and there was none.
2. I didn't feel like hunting for parts for this one, I live in a small town, and suspect I would end up not finding all parts needed, so I just ordered one.
3. I checked the bracket and actuator and everything is as it has always been, because my first instinct was that its an actuator problem but now I'm kinda not sure. I will check again.
4. I will look into that
5. I will go to toyota first thing tomorrow. These things will be about 2yrs soon.
6. funny video. I wonder if this could be the problem. I will take it out and inspect it.
Thanks, I will report as I complete each task.

[lagos]

Can you explain briefly how the AFM can be doing this?

The AFM is the root of all evil on the 3s. My car was pulling timing on me at just 7psi at 5k because of the afm before.

2. I didn't feel like hunting for parts for this one, I live in a small town, and suspect I would end up not finding all parts needed, so I just ordered one.

I use a tuna fish can, and a spare tire valve.

3. I checked the bracket and actuator and everything is as it has always been, because my first instinct was that its an actuator problem but now I'm kinda not sure. I will check again.

From what ive seen, tweak (or whoever did yours), uses really thin gauge steal on those brackets. I dont know if it would be enough to hold the actuator steady or not.

5. I will go to toyota first thing tomorrow. These things will be about 2yrs soon.

I just replaced mine. Mine were stamped 2003. Right before installing new ones, I checked the resistance of the old and new wires and it was exactly the same. I sat there feeling like a fool for wasting my money..... until went for a ride. There was a HUGE difference in throttle response and in how the car boosts.

This post has been edited by lagos: Apr 30, 2008 - 3:47 PM

[robdrummer]

Fixed thanks guys

[lagos]

Fixed thanks guys

what was your problem?

[malecrod]

Problem fixed! Ok, so I went to test the actuator and with a bike pump, I gave it some pressure, and it moved about an inch freely. The bracket was fine also. So this led me to think the line to tvsv or the tvsv itself might be the problem. So I removed the tvsv and tried to blow thru it while opening the other side just like it would have worked if it was being open by the ECU. And to my surprise, it was very hard to open. I just replaced the tvsv with a spare one and took it for a drive and hit about 10psi.
The faulty tvsv was the one I bored out to give me about 13psi. Somehow it became sticky and wouldn't open. I will take a look at it later.
But problem is solved. I tell you, there is such a big difference between 7psi and 10psi after driving at 7psi for about a week.
Thanks everyone .

This post has been edited by malecrod: Apr 30, 2008 - 6:34 PM

[lagos]

I tell you, there is such a big difference between 7psi and 10psi after driving at 7psi for about a week.

HA . Get this and find out how fast the car can really be...
http://www.twosrus.com/catalog/product_inf...3bdf64e711e3855

[malecrod]

I tell you, there is such a big difference between 7psi and 10psi after driving at 7psi for about a week.

HA . Get this and find out how fast the car can really be...
http://www.twosrus.com/catalog/product_inf...3bdf64e711e3855

Ahh, yes the MBC. I think I would soon break down and buy it. I'm at a point where I feel comfortable with working on my car and now that the tvsv mod is giving me problems.

[robdrummer]

the problem was that one of the silicone connectors would pull apart a little while i boosted and cause a leak. this was a very sneaky thing considering that i checked them and they were all tight. i ran a boost leak application and found the problem.

thanks,

Robb

[lagos]

the problem was that one of the silicone connectors would pull apart a little while i boosted and cause a leak. this was a very sneaky thing considering that i checked them and they were all tight. i ran a boost leak application and found the problem.

thanks,

Robb

You should change all of those clamps to T-bolts. Those worm clamps that are on there now will give you nothing but problems. I use you have piping blowing off all the time, even while driving. But with t-bolts, I haven't had a single leak in 4yrs.