Turbo waste gate ?

[CHASTER]

I've got a sneaky feeling that my turbo waste gate may be stuck closed and not be operating.
With my limited knowledge, I'm guessing that its actuating rod should move towards the front of the engine to open the waste gate ! I also suppose that when the engine is off, I should be able to move the rod manually (with mole grippers). However, the rod SEEMS to be stuck fast and immovable.
The car runs very well, with plenty of get-up-and-go; just a whiff of grey smoke on starting and no smoke at other times.
However, I believe it might be possible for all to appear to be well but for there to be a likely risk of turbo over-pressurising, manifold gasket blowing or other sinister happenings :?
Any info or advice would be welcome.

 

[Toolbox]

Yes you should be able to move the rod and open the valve in the direction of the cylindrical part that houses a diaphragm and spring.
It is possible that in the past the rod has been adjusted and lengthened to the point that it will not open because the spring is fully compressed.
You could try disconnecting the rod from the valve lever and then see if the lever will move.

 

[CHASTER]

Waste gate valve.

Thanks for that TOOLBOX. I'll give that a try as soon as her indoors will stop finding me other "important" jobs. :|

 

[Deleted Member S]

If it helps mine seems stuck fast aswell but i'm sure the turbo is kicking in as at 1800-2000 Revs it starts to pull harder :? The linkage & adjusting nut has been marked with what looks like green paint I think from the factory :roll:

 

[CHASTER]

Waste gate valve.

Thanks for the info. Threw a spanner at the subject valve today. Detached the rod from the valve operating arm and valve moved quite freely. Found the rod moves rearward against spring pressure and needs CONSIDERABLE effort to make it move but it can move the valve quite a few degrees with much persuasion.
Pressure pipe from manifold enters operating cylinder from front end , hence the rearward operating travel direction I suppose. This seems to be at variance to TOOLBOX's description-- wonder if I have got a "funny" one :?
Have never heard any turbo noise nor felt any sudden surges of power as described by others.
She still goes well with plenty of gusto despite my meddling.I guess the turbo must be working otherwise I would perhaps leave a smokescreen and have little power :?:
Still learning :roll:

 

[Deleted Member S]

Re: Waste gate valve.

This seems to be at variance to TOOLBOX's description-- wonder if I have got a "funny" one :?
Have never heard any turbo noise nor felt any sudden surges of power as described by others.
:

I don't think you have from what you've said it's the same as my TDI :roll: I have also never heard the turbo or felt a kick but I think thats the way this engine works, it's a plodder not a racer :roll: I'm in the same boat as you, i've never had a turbo charged motor before let alone a dirty D :lol:
I'm thinking of fitting a turbo boost gauge to see what the boost preasuse is on one of these & to see when it come in :smile:

 

[jace]

its grunt youll get outve t2 think off two tonne of metal a lotus it aint lol should feel power up hills really pulling strong! no point red linin ol girl shes made to tow bleedin great caravan or horsebox!

 

[Toolbox]

CHASTER,

There is nothing wrong with your waist gate, that is correct and more or less the operation I was trying to explain all be badly.
The valve only needs to move a couple of mill to do its job in reliving excess pressure in the inlet manifold and does not control when the turbo kicks in, basically the turbo is working all the time producing more pressure as the engine works harder.
It is very unlikely you would noticeably feel it kick in I don’t in mine and very unlikely you will hear it with such an exhaust system fitted as standard

 

[Toolbox]

its grunt youll get outve t2 think off two tonne of metal a lotus it aint lol should feel power up hills really pulling strong! no point red linin ol girl shes made to tow bleedin great caravan or horsebox!

Jace,
I think you have hit the nail squarely on the head there.

 

[CHASTER]

Waste gate valve

TOOLBOX, SWEETY and JACE.
Many thanks for the info and enlightenment. With your help I now realise that all must be well with the valve and turbo. My old gal(car) is probably still working almost as well as when new, despite the 117K plus.
I wish I was still young and agile enough to get under and REALLY dirty. I've only had her 18 months and enjoy learning about it/her.
After 50 years plus of motoring /towing and quite a few cars, I find it has the most character and gutsy attitude of all. A good workhorse with plenty of style thrown in. Is it true that they go on forever?:smile:
Thanks again.

 

[jace]

if you look at ian douglas avtar hes 170k plus now and still performing well!