Car Info:

95 Civic EX

JDM B18c1
t3/t4 t04e .60 AR turbo
front mount i/c
log manifold
no name 38mm wastegate w/ 7psi spring
nxs manual boost controller
255 fuel pump
adjustable fpr
autometer boost gauge
tuned on hondata s100


So, I bought the car from a guy here on HT and it didn't have a boost gauge when I bought it. He said it was at 7psi spring and I test drove it and the turbo was very faint along with the BOV - but I was like OK, must just be because of low boost.

Yesterday I installed an Autometer boost gauge. Took it for a spin and it's only boosting to 1-2 psi ... wtf.

So, I installed the manual boost controller I got and tried adjusting it with no luck. I have it installed coming from the wastegate vacuum to the MBC, then tee'd into the intake mani/BOV vacuum line.

I also tee'd the boost gauge into the intake mani vacuum hose. Is this right?

Things I've done to diagnose problem:

-Boost leak - everything's sealed.
-Checked turbo shaft play - none
-Replaced wastegate w/ Turbonetics Evolution

It idle's perfect at about 800 rpm. Doesn't smoke or anything. No weird noises.

Could it be the shitty wastegate? Do they just go bad and cause problems?

How do I know my turbo is OK?

All help is appreciated. Thanks!

 

Also - the top air port on my wastegate is not being used.

I understood this was only needed for an electronic boost controller - is this right?

My MBC is hooked up to the bottom nipple on the wastegate.

Thanks.

 

Could be the poor quality wastegate. Is it an atmospheric dump for the wastegate? Do you hear it open or maybe you have an exhaust leak somewhere else. BOV adjusted correctly? If it's too loose you could be leaking boost that way.

 

Yes - atmosphere dump.

If I had an exhaust leak - wouldn't I hear it? Or would it idle funny?

I'll try adjusting the BOV now. Thanks.

 

Give that a shot...and yes you should be able to hear an exhaust leak. Does the wastegate sound like it's opening under load and when your 2ish psi comes on?

 

I'm 99% sure no exhaust leak. I think I can hear the wastegate open - it's kind of hard to tell - the buddy club exhaust and vtec is pretty loud.

I can faintly hear the turbo and the BOV is REALLY REALLY faint ...

Also - My vacuum is at about 17-19hg at idle. Is that OK?

 

the vaccuum is fine.

 

It could be your BOV as well.....and you will want to replace that wastegate and go with something better...
Good luck...

 

UPDATE:

I replaced the wastegate with a Turbonetics Evolution and it's still only boosting 1psi ...

 

you have to have a boost leak. check again for leaks.

 

Will take bumper off this afternoon and check all couplers and clamps.

Already inspected all vacuum hoses and they look good.

Thanks.

 

I believe, that the vacuum line from the WG should always be short, and right to the compressor housing....nothing else should be teed from that line...but that's just my $0.02.

BOV needs to be post TB, and its ok for your boost gauge to be connected to the same line.

 

check turbine wheel for damage.