Wastegate actuator not moving

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DariusPri
Posts: 61
Joined: Nov 02, 2016 5:13 PM
Location: Lithuania

Wastegate actuator not moving

Post by DariusPri »

So the issue is with wastegate actuator. It's rod is not moving at all at any rpm.
I thought maybe it wast just jammed or ceased, but got it off the clamp and it's moving like it should with some tension (clamp itself is moving freely also).
It seems where's no pressure inside that actuator why else wouldn't that rod move?
Delphingrau524td
Posts: 12
Joined: Mar 19, 2017 2:41 PM
Location: Norway

Re: Wastegate actuator not moving

Post by Delphingrau524td »

This rod will only move when reaching close to max boost. So if you have a boost gauge, and your reading is constant at the right set boost (0,8 bar) when you pull hard through the rev range, your wastegate is working as it should.
DariusPri
Posts: 61
Joined: Nov 02, 2016 5:13 PM
Location: Lithuania

Re: Wastegate actuator not moving

Post by DariusPri »

Are you sure? Shouldn't it start opening at around 2k rpm?
I also have some doubts if wastegate flap is tightly sealed, maybe it's leaking all the pressure I'm looking for...
gadget73
Posts: 1247
Joined: Nov 22, 2017 10:30 PM
Location: New Jersey

Re: Wastegate actuator not moving

Post by gadget73 »

If the gate itself will move freely when disconnected from the actuator, and the actuator moves when you apply pressure, its working. The gate should be fully open with about 13 psi on the actuator, and it should hold that pressure. If the actuator is leaky it won't work like you expect. If the turbo is whipped or there are large leaks in the intake system that cause it to not build pressure it won't work correctly either. The rubber connectors between the turbo and the crossover pipe on mine were petrified and leaky when I got it.

I can actually rev the engine in mine at idle and see some response on the actuator. Pinching the feed line makes it hit the blow-off valve pretty quickly too if you want a second sanity check to make sure the system is building pressure. Don't run it like that for long, its not good for the turbo. Also it sounds horrible.
DariusPri
Posts: 61
Joined: Nov 02, 2016 5:13 PM
Location: Lithuania

Re: Wastegate actuator not moving

Post by DariusPri »

At what RPM yours starts opening? I will do more testing tomorrow, but I'm almost sure there's a leak somewhere as it's not building pressure.
Thanks for the feedback, it's really helpful
gadget73
Posts: 1247
Joined: Nov 22, 2017 10:30 PM
Location: New Jersey

Re: Wastegate actuator not moving

Post by gadget73 »

I can't see under the hood when driving, and I don't have a tach. Lincolns only have a speedometer. I can only see the actuator blip slightly if I open the throttle hard when under the hood. When the engine is not under load it makes very little turbo pressure just because there isn't enough exhaust flow to spin it up.
DariusPri
Posts: 61
Joined: Nov 02, 2016 5:13 PM
Location: Lithuania

Re: Wastegate actuator not moving

Post by DariusPri »

A man from a turbo shop nearby told me that those old actuators aren't really a 'movers' and I shouldn't even worry about it.
Well, I made sure the flap moves and is not stuck, actuator itself is moving with pressure and most likely will leave it like that for now.
Thanks guys for a good vibe!
bensocket
Posts: 20
Joined: Oct 24, 2017 7:39 PM
Location: East Central Pennsylvania

Re: Wastegate actuator not moving

Post by bensocket »

Install a boost gauge then all problems are solved. Mine will boost to 10 psi max and then all excess is dumped out. If i disconnect the waste gate actuator, then it will boost to 14 psi till the emergency valve (located under the intake manifold) opens and dumps out all boost
gadget73
Posts: 1247
Joined: Nov 22, 2017 10:30 PM
Location: New Jersey

Re: Wastegate actuator not moving

Post by gadget73 »

you definitely will know if the dump valve operates, it makes obnoxious hissing noises. On the BMW I think it also trips the oil pressure light, which just seems needlessly worrying to me. Lincolns trip a "check turbo" light which is a little bit less scary.
bensocket
Posts: 20
Joined: Oct 24, 2017 7:39 PM
Location: East Central Pennsylvania

Re: Wastegate actuator not moving

Post by bensocket »

Yes This is correct :-) Makes sound like clashing gears
bensocket
Posts: 20
Joined: Oct 24, 2017 7:39 PM
Location: East Central Pennsylvania

Re: Wastegate actuator not moving

Post by bensocket »

Yes This is correct :-) Makes sound like clashing gears
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