[deano23]

So the problem is that whenever I try to hit boost 2500-2800rpm my car jerks back and forth slightly. I can hear the turbo spool really loud but it does not generate any noticeable power. I originally thought that is was because I had a blown HG, but I just barely finished my motor rebuild a couple of days ago. I tore it all down and had the heads machined and replaced the HG's and am still having the same problem. And when driving my car home from my buddies house (where I tore my motor apart) I started generously smoking from under my hood and when I parked the car in my driveway the temp gauge started rising quickly. I was also smoking ALOT from my turbo area...

Can someone please give some insight on my dilemma??

 

[teflon_jones]

Why was the motor rebuilt? What was replaced? Are you getting any codes? Have you checked all of your connections? How old is the turbo? The car? The motor? Who rebuilt it?

 

[deano23]

My motor was not fully rebuilt but I just replaced the HG's and had the heads machined. I'm not getting any codes at all and Yes I have checked all of my connections two or three times to make sure. The turbo Is off of my buddies WRX that he sold, I think it had 40k maybe 50k on it, and the Motor has 137xxx. And I am the one who has done all of the work on this car.

 

[mycologist]

It sounds like you might have a sizable boost leak, a fluid leaking (coolant line to the turbo?) and need to burp your cooling system.

 

[deano23]

I just pulled it into the garage again tonight so i will check for boost leaks! I also know that i have some type of fluid leak, PS maybe coolant as well. I've burped the coolant system numerous times but i'm not sure if i got everything out. Its very frustrating hahaha

 

[mycologist]

I just pulled it into the garage again tonight so i will check for boost leaks! I also know that i have some type of fluid leak, PS maybe coolant as well. I've burped the coolant system numerous times but i'm not sure if i got everything out. Its very frustrating hahaha

Yup, it is that. You can't burp it if it is leaking - kind of like brake lines right? Is the smoke light colored?

 

[deano23]

Well I think i found out the general area where it is leaking! Its coming from the rear of the thermostat housing.. I don't know if there is a specific name for it... I originally thought that it was the coolant hose coming from under the Thermostat housing so I drained all of the coolant from that hose and then put a new rubber elbow on then filled it back up again. It is still leaking.. but it looks like it is coming from above the coolant line twoards the top of the thermostat housing.. I have no idea what this "part" is called or how to go about diagnosing if this is even the problem. And yes the smoke is white like a burn out kind of smoke but not as thick and it smells very sweet so I know its coolant..

 

[SD_GR]

The thermostat housing mounts directly onto the water pump. Is that interface the source of the leak?

 

[deano23]

Yes it is SDGR. Alot of people told me to replace the water pump while I had my motor apart but I didnt listen to them because I didnt think that it was relevant to my situation. But now I guess its something that I should take a look at!

 

[deano23]

Just bought the water pump today and going to put it on in a couple hours! we'll see how this works out!

 

[mycologist]

Just bought the water pump today and going to put it on in a couple hours! we'll see how this works out!

So are you also trying to find a boost leak or what is causing you turbo issue? You don't just want that thing trying to flow a ton of extra air.

 

[deano23]

I am hopping that changing the water pump might solve my problem.. I was having this problem before I had the HG problem and then it was quickly fixed everytime i poured coolant in then it would go away when I started to over heat.. So maybe my original hypotheses is correct?? Maybe my turbo is not getting cooled and that is causing it to not generate any power?? Because In theory If I had a boost leak then I would still get SOME power from my turbo rather than a loss of power. I have had boost leaks in the past due to a gaping hole in a coupler and I could still hit boost. That is why I think it is much more than just a boost leak... But I could be totally wrong? I dont know much about diagnosing the problem but tell me what to do and i'll get it done..

 

[deano23]

So I got the water pump on and fixed my coolant leak! I am almost positive that the coolant system is burped properly this time! However I still am having issues with my turbo.. I have gone over every single coupler, vaccum line, turbo inlet hose, and BOV lines that I can possibly find. I went to the Subaru dealership today and they said that it might be a clog in my exhaust? is this even relevant to my problem?? Could i possibly have a blown turbo?? Thanks

 

[Mikie13]

Turbo could very well be the problem...was it a stock TD04 off your buddy's WRX or something aftermarket?

 

[deano23]

It was a stock TD04. He bought a TD04 off of someone so the he could get it rebuilt and not have to park his car for a week. so I took the one that he bought (because I thought it was going to be better) and gave him mine so that he could rebuild/use that turbo... So yes it was a stock TD04.. How would i test if it is bad? or should I just take it out and have it rebuilt?

 

[mycologist]

Yes the exhaust is relevant - it is what spins the turbo. Do you have your original uppipe still in there?

It could also be the turbo. In fact if your turbo ate your uppipe cat it could be both.

 

[deano23]

Yes it is still the original up pipe! My we pulled my buddies turbo out on his wrx there was a screen in his up pipe.. However when I pulled mine off there was no screen?? Could my turbo have eaten the screen?? I have a new up pipe and a new set of headers that havent been put on and are brand new.. Should I put those on and get my turbo rebuilt? (I havent already put them on because in order for them to fit I will need a STI oil pan Becasue they are equal length)

 

[mycologist]

Install the UP then see if it works, or do it in one shot. THe turbo might not have a problem, but you wil have the DP and the UP off of it already so it is half way out.

If the blades or anything got trashed it is a paperweight. Even a good one is margin to rebuild vs. replacing with a used takeoff value and effort wise.

Oh and post some pics when you have it off or figured out.

 

[mycologist]

Should look like this, otherwise the turbo is done too (nothing can go through it without breaking something):

 

[deano23]

I have not had the garage space to take it apart and take pictures but i know for a fact that the screen in the uppipe isnt there! So your saying that if this screen is missing the turbo is probably shot?