Checking for boost leaks... how?

[20vTurbo]

Is there any way of pressurising the system to check for boost leaks, or is it simply a task of following the air flow path checking all hose connections etc?

I've got a boost gauge on order, so obviously I'll check what mine boosts to first, but just wondered if there was any way of checking if the leak has been fixed without having to keep taking it for another run.

Ta

[S2 Ant]

If there is any kind of significant leak, then boost protection would kick in, otherwise, you can pressurise the system if you have access to an air compressor etc, altho im not sure exactly what needs to be plugged etc to test.

[nostrixoxide]

S2Ant,

I'm just guessing here, but if there is a leak in the system & the ECU is able to sense this leak which will inturn activate the boost protection. Does this mean that the ECU has a boost pressure sensor inside of it like the 10v turbo motors in a 5000 do? If so wouldn't pressurising the system with an air compressor risk damaging the sensor in the ECU if the air compressor puts to much load (air pressure) in the engine? It's my understanding that these sensor are very sensitive to pressure & if the pressure is too high then it can ruin the sensor & a complete ECU replacement is required. I'm am not positive if this works the same way on the ECU for an S2 but I know it is that way on ECU's from a 10v turbo engine. I only ask because if the gentleman you gave that advise too decides to use your test to help solve his problem wouldn't it be wise to inform him not to exceed a certain (PSI) on the system with the air compressor if damage to the sensor inside the ECU can occur? I have absolutly no idea if this applies to his application, I am only attempting to raise awareness if it does.

20vTurbo,
Good luck resolving your issue, please keep us posted once the cure has been discovered.

[S2central.net]

mmmmm - I dunno if excess pressure being presented to the MAP sensor would cause physical damage - maybe so... but the pressure tests that I do generally don't force air past the throttle body (and onwards to the ECU) as the most likely leak candidates are elsewhere. Plus the noise and confusion of air blowing past the rings is a pain.

It would be wise though to not use excessive pressure when doing such tests for any fear of doing damage. I once had a bung work it self loose cos of a duff clip with nearly 2bar of pressure and that was flipping scarey - lucky it was stopped from going into orbit by other pipework in the way.

You really need to block the system at key points (noting how to test any missing links if necessary) and decide on a maximum pressure that the system should hold for your application - say 1.5bar on the K24 which is OK with the factory MAP sensor in AAN, ABY, ADU or chipped 3B engines.


Paul

S2Ant,

I'm just guessing here, but if there is a leak in the system & the ECU is able to sense this leak which will inturn activate the boost protection. Does this mean that the ECU has a boost pressure sensor inside of it like the 10v turbo motors in a 5000 do? If so wouldn't pressurising the system with an air compressor risk damaging the sensor in the ECU if the air compressor puts to much load (air pressure) in the engine? It's my understanding that these sensor are very sensitive to pressure & if the pressure is too high then it can ruin the sensor & a complete ECU replacement is required. I'm am not positive if this works the same way on the ECU for an S2 but I know it is that way on ECU's from a 10v turbo engine. I only ask because if the gentleman you gave that advise too decides to use your test to help solve his problem wouldn't it be wise to inform him not to exceed a certain (PSI) on the system with the air compressor if damage to the sensor inside the ECU can occur? I have absolutly no idea if this applies to his application, I am only attempting to raise awareness if it does.

20vTurbo,
Good luck resolving your issue, please keep us posted once the cure has been discovered.

[audiman]

Same as paul really, although Mihnea tends too pressurise the whole system including the PCV hoses. Im not sure this is an ideal way of testing. But it certainly shows any leaks On some chipped cars, Overboost protection doesn't work(like mine),so you have no idea unless the leak is huge.