cushti

iTrader: (7)

I fitted a Polar chip ecu 2 weeks back (correct chip - checked code with Scott) & immediately good results & ran very well for several journeys (WRX import V2). Then one of my FMIC pipes blew off while accelerating one day (only at 3.5-4krpm) !

Ok, the extra power/boost must have popped a loose hose clip so limped it home keeping rpms low & refitted pipe after checking the inside was clean. Restarted engine & missing like a good 'un . Took coil packs out & two had broken up at the ends! Excellent I thought I'd found the next problem so replaced these & took plugs out for good measure & cleaned them up. Restarted engine & all sounds perfect as it used to.

But then I notice the induction kit noise is not there & is not 'sucking' at all (my pipercross kit sounded like a Dyson before, now it's silent). Also, the Bailey DV is not whooshing at all. It sounds as if there's no boost like a non-turbo model. Now I haven't taken it for a drive yet as I want to find the problem & not cause any damage anywhere but it's like the turbo is not even there anymore !

Right, things checked so far:
DV not stuck open (piston moves freely), idle is fine, revs up nicely, no overheating, no smoking, no CEL light, oil/water levels same as before, disconnected battery to check if it made any difference, no funny engine noises, all fmic pipes secure & no hose splits, had Maf off & looked down turbo & blades spin freely & looks clean, see no cracks/splits anywhere (i.e: hoses, manifold), no fuel leaks, circlip still present on wastegate/actuator rod

Now, I have not checked anything in the boost solenoid/sensor area yet. Would a FMIC pipe blowing off cause the boost solenoid to stop working & create the symptoms described above? Has my actuator stopped working?

Any advice or pointers greatly appreciated as desperate to get this ready for a rolling road on Saturday?

mr_D

iTrader: (12)

long shot but go out to your car and disconnect the battery for 10 min then plug it back in. this maybe ecu related and causing no boost due to it being in error. i had my car running funny after a pipe popped off and it was ok after i reset it using the computer, but battery should be the same thing

cushti

iTrader: (7)

I have tried that as above & no change - thanks anyway as that has reminded me I can pop in my old Z4 ecu to see if it does the same thing.

cushti

iTrader: (7)

How can I check if the wastegate is stuck open - this could cause no/low boost couldn't it?

mickywrx

iTrader: (29)

Take the downpipe off.

Blowing an intercooler pipe off shouldn't cause complete loss of boost, once the pipe has been refitted. If you haven't driven it since securing the hard pipe, how do you know it doesnt make boost - it'll make next to jack **** boost revving it in neutral.

You're clutching at straws with regards to the coil packs, they degrade and fail over time.

merlin24

iTrader: (1)

As above - you need hot,expanding gas to spool the turbo up (engine under load) so go for a gentle drive if you have checked all you can.

Mick

cushti

iTrader: (7)

Thanks for the input guys, it all helps (so it may not be a boost issue as I haven't tested it under load):

It's fairly easy to get the downpipe off so I'll give that a go. I agree it may have just been a coincidence that 2 coil packs failed exactly at the same time as the pipe popped off but this other fault is now another coincidence something's failed at the same time & just wondered if there's a link anywhere.

I am just worried of doing any damage driving it because I know for sure something is wrong because the DV is not 'dumping' & the induction is not sucking so just wondered what else I can check beforehand.

cushti

iTrader: (7)

Update:
Cleaned boost solenoid, all boost pipes & restrictor present & hoses crack free = same problem
Changed Maf & TPS = same problem
Took actuator rod off, wastegate opening/shutting ok = same problem (it did need tightening a little - 2 full turns)
Ecu reset on chipped ecu = same problem
Swapped to my old Z4 ecu = same problem

Swapped boost solenoid with a spare one I bought (big thanks to CraigR) = hurray , a little progress as the induction & DV start making a little noise! Damn infuriating as no cel light has ever come on (except 43 which I believe just confirms a chip is fitted)
So I put the chipped ecu back in & had to drive it around for at least half hour & the boost slowly started winding itself up

It's still not right but at least it's getting back to normal as I now have the very common problem of fuel cut/stutter between 4-5krpm only if I accelerate too hard. Can't be fuelling as I checked my pressure & it's just above 3bar & I always run on SUL with octane boost. Can't be plugs as checked gapping on new PFR7Bs.

Next task I think will be to change the other 2 old coil packs in case there is a weakness (even though the ends look perfect & springs retract ok), change map sensor & fit boost gauge to see if it's overboosting.