boost guage - Diesel Forum

lariat 7.3 · 11-18-2009, 07:04 AM

just installed it with the T in the line. idle it shows nothing which i believe is normal? but under acceleration it doesnt really move unless i Really get into the pedal. only saw 15 psi. also when cruising its at zero

lariat 7.3 · 11-19-2009, 07:13 AM

anyone?

StreamlineGT · 11-19-2009, 07:17 AM

I don't know, check the connections again. where did you pull the boost line from?

dlblazer · 11-19-2009, 08:38 AM

I would carefully look over your gauge install for a loose or leaky sensing line before looking for boost leaks. Make sure both ends are tight and the line is not kinked, pinched, or chaffed/cut open.

Then its time to hunt down boost leaks.

losfinch · 11-19-2009, 10:45 AM

If its not accelerating different or you're not feeling any loss of power than from before you put the gauge in then you've probably got an ongoing low boost problem that existed before installing the gauge and now you're just able to note it. Could simply be a leak somewhere....you hope. Or, if it has lost power and acceleration since putting in the gauge then you probably got a problem with your gauge installation or the gauge itself.

Regardless, its a good thing to check for boost leaks throughout the whole turbo system...from the turbo inlet, through the CAC tubes and related boots all the way to inlets on the heads and also check at the MAP sensor hose connections. Also check the up-pipes to see if your losing exhaust pressure at their gaskets and connections to the turbo.

You can make yourself a boost leak detector pretty cheaply (under $20) to put about 15 PSI into the system to listen for leaks or buy one of the available ones online...dieselsite.com has one.

lariat 7.3 · 11-19-2009, 08:49 PM

ok sounds good. how do i make the kit? is it easy to make?? also how could i tell if the up pipes are leaking? soot deposit?i have also noticed the boots at the intercooler are covered in gunk

westvandude · 11-19-2009, 10:11 PM

I replaced all my boots with the ones from dieselsite. Just under $200 if I remember. Thats both intercooler boots and the boots in the engine valley. The OE boots on your 01' like my old boots are probably like cheese cloth for holding the boost in. If that's your actual boost with your mild programmer it's a touch low. You should be in the 15-17psi range stock. I hit about 24lbs the two higher tunes.

As has been said, make sure the connections on the hose are all ok and no kinks, etc.

Powerstrokin400 · 11-19-2009, 11:04 PM

Zero on the gauge at idle is normal, zero on flat ground and a light pedal is normal too. There is a pretty big range in total boost from year to year and lot number to lot number. My truck is ALWAYS cranked, so 26+ psi is very common, even unloaded @ full throttle. However, my valley seals are pretty new, new International bellowed & billet machined up-pipe kit, good intercooler boots, & only 86,000 miles.

lariat 7.3 · 11-20-2009, 06:55 AM

so when accelerating slowly zero is normal? because i accelerate rediculously slow lol. if i accel a little faster itll move up to about four PSI

Crazy_Canuck · 11-20-2009, 08:52 AM

when i travel down the highway at 65mph my boost sits at 4or5 psi and my pyro sits at 700.

lariat 7.3 · 11-20-2009, 06:09 PM

ok i did two or three full throttle runs....boost never went over 16PSI. how do i make the kit to check for boost leaks?

losfinch · 11-21-2009, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lariat 7.3

ok i did two or three full throttle runs....boost never went over 16PSI. how do i make the kit to check for boost leaks?

This guy went overkill but it gives you the idea: How to: make a slightly more baller boost leak detector - evolutionm.net

I'd just attach the air compressor adapter (far right side in his "exploded" view photo) directly into the metal reducer on the cap (far left side in the photo) and use my compressor to monitor and maintain the pressure. Take this setup and attach it directly to your turbo inlet with a rubber hose (Ace/Home Depot/Lowes plumbing section) securely fastened with good t-bone hose clamps (or you may end up with hearing loss or a sore head when if it pops off while under pressure). Pump it up to about 10-15 lbs of pressure and start listening for leaks. If they're there you'll hear them. Some guys spray soapy water around on the connections, too.

Hope that helps.

lariat 7.3 · 11-21-2009, 05:54 PM

thanks! what size hose do i need to get? Where do i get the pipe? what do i specifically ask for? also on the turnpike today i was going 65 with the gauge showing just under 1 PSI

losfinch · 11-21-2009, 08:03 PM

Hardware stores, Home Depot, and Lowes are good sources. The turbo outlet is 3" on yours so you need to get that size hose and PVC Sch 40 bushing with NPT threads on one end to allow for screwing in a air nipple connection. Pretty simple.

Powerstrokin400 · 11-22-2009, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lariat 7.3

ok i did two or three full throttle runs....boost never went over 16PSI. how do i make the kit to check for boost leaks?

16 psi is not terrible for a stock or low tune truck. Not saying you don't have a leak, but you're not in bad shape. A lot of times, you won't see max boost unless you are towing a substantial load with heavy throttle, or pulling a good grade with heavy throttle. However, you should get to know your trucks normal readings (Boost, Trans. Temp., Pyrometer). Every truck is a little different. By knowing "normal" for your truck, you'll know when there is a change or deficit occuring.