Wastegate stuck open???

[bdawg]

Syclone #2647. 50K on engine, last 10K with me driving (since 2007) and I rarely use full throttle for more than 2-3 secs in "normal" driving; usually feel and hear the turbo whistle when I do. New vacuum kit from SyTy last year, generally starts and runs like new. All of a sudden this past weekend, I no longer hear the "whistle" like before and power builds slower than normal, in fact it downshifts before I feel anything. Could my wastegate be stuck open?
The stock boost gauge which I know is useless used to peg and now only registers "5-10" if that...as I said it runs great just seems down on power... Greatly appreciate any ideas; I'm disabled and can't do any of my own work anymore (no coordination). Fortunately, I do have a great local shop which takes very good car of any maintenance.....thanks to all with ideas they want to share!

Brian (bdawg)

 

[dgoodhue]

Re: Wastegate stuck open???

I doubt it's stuck open if you are making 5-10psi. it could be a lot of things are you getting any other symptoms. I would start by disconnect the wastegate solenoid electric connector. If you make 8-9psi with that disconnected.

 

[BoostedSUV]

Re: Wastegate stuck open???

Could be a stuck wastegate but when I had that problem it turned out to be a clogged Catalytic converter.
Could also be a leak in the intercooler system.

 

[bdawg]

Re: Wastegate stuck open???

Could be a stuck wastegate but when I had that problem it turned out to be a clogged Catalytic converter.
Could also be a leak in the intercooler system.

I have an high-flow Magnaflow converter that is only 4 years old with only about 8000 miles of normal use on it... other possibilities???

 

[bdawg]

Re: Wastegate stuck open???

I doubt it's stuck open if you are making 5-10psi. it could be a lot of things are you getting any other symptoms. I would start by disconnect the wastegate solenoid electric connector. If you make 8-9psi with that disconnected.

Dave: No other symptoms, just 2/3 power. Stock boost gauge now goes from -5 to +5 in around-town driving and 3 secs of full-throttle to get to +5 whereas full throttle for 3 secs used to have the stock gauge bouncing off the peg almost instantly. The only other thing that I can think of is I was using the A/C a lot at highway speed on a couple of the really hot days; can't imagine that would have anything to do with it plus I haven't had it on lately. Truck starts and runs great otherwise. What should I expect when disconnecting the wastegate solenoid? That sounds like about the only diagnostic step I can take myself....thanks.

I was using the A/C a lot last week when it was hotter than hell but only at highway speeds, it never overheated a bit (I have a 160 thermostat). Could that have anything tp do with it?? I haven't used it for about 5 days and it doesn't get a lot of use anyway...that's why I didn't mention it before.