3B boost problems

[dm80]

I've started experiencing ***** performance on my 3B coupe. It revs to say 3.5 - 4k revs and then that's it - it won't boost any further. So in 5th gear it tops out at 80mph!!! V. pissed off to say the least as I recently got my remapped ECU back from Doug. Spoke to him this morning about this problem, and he reckons it's a boost leak somewhere. I doubt it's the ECU that's causing it as this is just a recent problem..

I'm based in Fife - is there anyone near me who can do a pressure test on my car for me to check for boost leaks? Or indeed offer some advice? Cheers..

[Ross]

Seems like a simple question, but are using good fuel too? I've learned that my car (ecu remap as well) gets very upset on anything less than 98RON... check that all the hoses are tight as well; they have a tendency to come loose over times it seems.

Cheers
Ross

[dm80]

I run it on Optimax, and have done for a while - so it can't be that. Could someone perhaps post pics so I know the locations to check? .. as I ain't an expert on this engine (or any other engine for that matter) .. Cheers.

[dan_b]

It's funny, coz Doug used to live in Scotland!
Doesn't SidSpud live near Dumfermline? There are quite a few Scotland-based members actually I'm sure people can help you out.

Classic places for leaks to occur are on the big pipe that comes out of the intercooler and leads in to the intake manifold, and also the big pie that leads in to the intercooler. Another one is the "accordion"-type hose that sits after the MAF unit (the black box with wires coming out of it downstream of the airbox)...

[dm80]

Cheers. I'll have a good look at lunchtime today for any obvious poor connections on the places you suggest. However is there anyone local to me that could perform a pressure test for me? I don't mind travelling a reasonable distance... might take me a tad longer to get there than usual as 80+mph is all i got the noo ..

[pjeast73]

does this occur only at WOT? can you get to the red line if you don't floor it? and is it a violent cut out when it cuts out? could be the MAF - may just need a clean. I get this now and again - cleaning the MAF has worked for me

[Ross]

Not sure of all the hoses to check tbh.. I'm no expert either. I know it's worth checking the 3 little hoses at the back of the engine, and just follow the pipes around from the IC to the airbox, and on the breather system - I had a dodgy PSV that was causing some issues - basically, tighten anything that has a jubilee clip

I'll grab a few pics if that helps.

Cheers
Ross

[niall1]

You sure it's not just running in 'Safe Mode' due to not receiving a signal from one of the sensors?

[dm80]

Checked most connections and they seem fine..although a leak could be anywhere in the system I guess. The problem occurs anything after 3k revs, and car will just not pull. 60mph and 4k revs is max in 3rd gear, and around 70-80 in 5th!!!! wtf??!!! It's like there's something limiting the revs. Is there anything else that may be causing this? Car was cutting out last year, and I got it mis-diagnosed as a faulty speed sensor and got another one fitted. Could this be it? Ta folks..

[Mikes2]

Sounds like limp mode. you'll need to pull the codes

[dm80]

Anyone local to me who can pull codes for me? I live in Dunfermline. Also anyone local who could do a pressure test for me? Thanks..