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.

[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