Ken E

I have been getting problems with the wastegate solenoid on my MY95 WRX and have cleaned it a few times but the problem comes back after a while, so I'm thinking of going for a replacement. Anyone know if the WRX has the same part as a UK car, and if there is an upgraded part I can get - I understand later scoobs have a 2 port solenoid and don't get the same problem.

Thanks

Ken

scoobyboy

at last someone who has finally seen the light and realised that cleaning them doesn't work.
later scoobs do have a 2 port one and subaru did do a modified version to stop the problem which does work. but i don't know if it will work on your import. if you tell me the part no. on your old one i'll see if it is the same as a uk spec and we'll go from there.

Ken E

Scoobyboy
Thanks for getting back to me on this, I will check out the part number at lunchtime or after work tonight and let you know. The dealers looked at it when I had the first problem and told me I would probably end up replacing it, I just want to make sure I get the right one and don't have any more problems.

Cheers

Ken

Bob Rawle

There are actually four differing solenoids dependant on MY.

MY92-96 uses one version ... 3 port.
MY 97-98 UK uses a two port version of the above.
MY97 STi 3 uses a two port version as above.
MY98 STi 4 uses a three port but a different part no (as does the 22B)
My99-00, STi 5/6 uses a new design of two port which is not the same as the earlier cars but which is equaly not a modifed anything but a part in its own right.

If you try and mix the solenoids across MY's then you will tend to run into problems as each MY has an ecu designed for the boost control system and solenoid specific to it.

To change the solenoid type you also need to change all the boost control pipework associated with the solenoid and make sure that you use the correct size restrictor in the right place.

Then you just have to be careful as its very possible that either the car won't make boost properly or you end up with severe over boost.

Ken, if your solenoid is 6 years old then its not done badly, replacing it with another of the same type should see it last a similar time.

Incidently despite the three port design being more prone to stiction it actually allows better boost control than the two port. It is the two port's that cause all the boost cut issues in the MY97/98 cars due to blocked restrictors in the main.

DJB

Where exactly is the restrictor?

I've been having problems with overboost cut-out in my MY98.

D.

Jacko

Bob, what size restrictor should the 97my have and what would be the effect on smaller or bigger diameters?
I am using SUL+Octane booster, SS BackBox and ITG filter but still feel as though the car lacks punch
I have cleared out the boost solenoid and all associated pipework including restrictor hose and have carried out an ECU reset as per your good instruction.
I also have a GGR induction Kit in my possesion but removed it to do a back2back comparison of the ITG.
Can't help feel somethings missing.....maybe it's an STI or a PPP

[This message has been edited by Jacko (edited 15 March 2001).]

PeterJ

How much do these solenoids cost (MY92-96 3 port) and where can they be obained from?

Thanks,

Peter.

Bob Rawle

Jacko, your car should have a 1.5mm restrictor fitted. I have seen varying sizes in the same model year though.

With two port ... smaller = higher (sometimes just peak but can hold higher as well)

When a dealer solves a boost cut problem he usually does it by fitting a larger restrictor or drilling out the standard one, this is why some cars then feel "flat" afterwards as peak boost is obviously lower.

Ken E

I checked the part number on my car, finally, and have found 2 numbers:

16102AA013 and 136200-0163

Going to phone the dealer today and see if they have one, unless anyone can advise a better place to source from one. I'll let you know how I get on.

Jacko

Bob thanks for the info. I'll measure me HOLE by using a modelers drill bit . I was even thinking about altering the size of restrictor until I hit 1.2Bar boost ECU cut out (also taking into account atmospheric conditions), then back off on hole size a bit to suit all conditions. Is it more than likely that I will end up using the original 1.5mm restrictor to suit all conditions?????

Cheers, Jacko.

James_Harvey

Where is the restrictor in a 98' UK Turbo?
The dealer fitted one when it was overboosting, but I can't find it....

Thanks,
James.

Jacko

The restrictor on a UK 98MY is in the same as a UK 97MY and that is between the t-piece and the intercooler turbo inlet.
You should be able to feel a little brass insert in this elbowed piece of pipe.
I would like to know the standard sizes for each model year, as I have just checked mine and it is 1.2mm not 1.5mm as Bob suggested?
mmmmm, could it be that if I put a 1.5mm restrictor that I would get an improvement???
I think not . I wonder why mine is 1.2mm....these restrictors are becoming a bit of an enigma!

[This message has been edited by Jacko (edited 16 March 2001).]

Ken E

I've booked the car in to the dealers tomorrow, they're going to take a look at it and confirm if it is the solenoid still giving me problems or something else. If it is then I've been quoted a rough price of £90, but another dealer quoted me £110 +vat based on the part number, the first one seems to be the number they use, the second one doesn't exist as a valid part number. They did say the description was a float chamber though, so whether it is the actual part or not is a bit unclear. Maybe I'll know a bit more tomorrow.

Bob Rawle

Jacko, 1.2 is more than possible, I have also so seen the odd one with the STi restrictor in it. Increasing will definatley cost you grunt.

16102AA013 is correct for the early solenoids.

AndyMc

Hi Jacko

My my98 also has a 1.2mm restrictor as standard!(2port solenoid)

With a 1.1mm the boost is higher but it hits the overboost cut-out from time to time so I have put it back to standard.

With a 1.3 mm it struggles to make over 10 psi.
The 2 port cars seem to be very sensitive to the size of the restrictors,well mine is anyway.

Andy

Jacko

Cheers for the reply Bob/Andy.
I realise that boost cut out is very sensitive to hole size, but I may investigate to see if it is possible to squeeze a bit more i.e. try a 1.15mm then poss a 1.1mm etc. I realise that the worst case is damp cold atmosphere and 5 gear load.
No doubt I will end up back to 1.2mm!!!!!
I am also in the process of convincing the girlfriend that a PPP is my next required mod after brake upgrade.
Bob, I am sure you can recommend a cheaper way to get what I want Vs PPP !

Cheers again guy's, Jacko.

Ken E

Dealers checked the car out on Saturday and concluded that the solenoid was OK. They could change it if I really wanted it doing, £159, but recommended I leave it. Maybe I had a bad tank of fuel or something and this has caused me to get lower boost than normal, unless I'm just getting used to it and I need to get a new exhaust that allows the turbo to get going a bit sooner than the factory one that's on it now. Thanks to everyone for help and advice.

Ken