Turbo issues

SlingDrop said:

Hey guys, so I just installed the Alpha turbo and earlier today everything was running fine. Now, on my way home from work it won't hold boost past 4000rpm. It sputters and pops after 4000. My first thought is boost or vacuum leak. Any suggestions?

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When you say it wont hold boost. What exactly do you mean? Is it leaking air from a rubber coupling? Does it run perfect and pull hard to the 4000rpm point?

Yes, it pulls hard until 4000rpm. The turbo really starts to spool, then it sputters and pops. We can't find any leaks.

Henry is probably in CO this week. Maybe someone with an Alpha setup can chime in. Have you give Alpha a call yet?

I called them after it happened and they were closed. I'll have to call tomorrow.

Thanks for the help @RABTECH

Is it every gear?

First gear is not so bad, 2nd gear is a little worse and 3rd and 4th is pretty bad.

Interesting. There's a bad issue with the current tune that will cause drop off in the alpha system when you hit it pretty hard from second to third. If you're bogging down at 4k in nearly every gear then that's not it.

Does your blow off hiss when you have the sudden power drop?

How long have you had the turbo installed? Based on that answer, I have one other question...

Cameron Roberts said:

Does your blow off hiss when you have the sudden power drop?

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I didn't notice a hiss, but I was freaking out at the stuttering noise. It almost sounds like I'm hitting the Rev limiter.

RABTECH said:

How long have you had the turbo installed? Based on that answer, I have one other question...

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Finished the install this morning and it ran perfectly all the way in to work. This evening, on my way home from work is when the issue started.

That sounds like something has come undone. You're not getting enough air to the engine, maybe a vac hose has come loose somewhere. Check your turbo and waste gate again.

SlingDrop said:

First gear is not so bad, 2nd gear is a little worse and 3rd and 4th is pretty bad.

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Just a dumb question, but if you lift quickly at that point, do you hear the blow-off valve noise, or do you think it may be a loose clamp to either the throttle body or intercooler that leaks itself down?

Woo! Called it!

Thanks for all your help guys! Anyone know the diameter and pitch of that threaded hole?

SlingDrop said:

Thanks for all your help guys! Anyone know the diameter and pitch of that threaded hole?

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Not a clue, but you could probably contact Tial and get another plug.

Yea it looks pretty fine threaded. You may find a plug at home depot or lowes in the air fittings. Or in the plumbing section. It may also be in the copper fittings like you would use on a natural gas fitting.

Henry just overnighted the plug to me. Above and beyond for sure.