<VV> 66 Turbo Troubles

[FrankCB@aol.com]

Sam,
       First I'd strongly suggest you make the "big" $20 expense of buying 
the Basics Corvair manual from CORSA or many of the Corvair vendors.  In it 
there is a chapter on Turbocharging that covers just what you are asking:  
"Where's the Boost?".  First off, it recommends that you disconnect the plastic 
tubing from the back of your stock (and mostly useless) Corsa manifold vacuum/boost 
gauge and hook it temporarily (rubber tubing is fine) to a large so-called 
"tune-up gauge" that shows boost pressures to 10 psig with every 1 psi 
indicated.  Position the gauge where you can easily see it while driving, or, better 
yet, have your passenger provide readings to you.  Now you can see IF you have 
ANY boost, HOW MUCH, and WHEN it becomes available.
       Lack of boost is usually caused by relatively small leaks in the 
exhaust system UPstream of the turbo.  Also you don't get any boost until the 
engine and exhaust system is fully warmed up.  And it takes quite a few seconds at 
full throttle for the boost to develop.  Get out on the highway and, safety 
permitting, run full throttle up a long steep hill for at least 10 seconds.  If 
you still don't get any boost, you definitely have a problem.  Consult the 
Basics Manual to follow up on solving this problem.
       Good luck and let us know what you discover.
       Frank "likes turbos" Burkhard    

In a message dated 10/12/04 12:46:35 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
Jim.Duane@digitalnet.com writes:

> Hi Sam.
> 
> I wasn't sure anybody answered your question.  Is your boost/vacuum
> gauge operating?  Maybe you're getting a modest amount of boost and are
> expecting a "kick".  Since the Corvair turbo is not wastegated, the
> designers chose to use the turbine/impeller combo to limit boost.  Any
> leak in the exhaust (the "Y" pipe to input pipe is a problem I have) or
> an engine not warmed up enough to expecting boost in first gear is
> suspect.  
>   Oil consumption can be the result of high RPM on your boost
> attempts.  It could also be a result of a leaky carbon seal (you would
> see smoke) or a bad exhaust seal.  
>   I'd try to get a gauge on the manifold.  Even if it's a Loong
> hose snaked through the window, you need to see...
> 
> JED
> '66 180 CVT
> Colonial Corvairs
> CORSA
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: virtualvairs-admin@corvair.org
> [mailto:virtualvairs-admin@corvair.org] On Behalf Of Sam &Marissa
> Andolino
> Sent: Monday, October 11, 2004 9:10 PM
> To: Virtualvairs
> Subject: <VV> 66 Turbo Troubles
> 
> We are having trouble with our  '66 Turbo.  We had the turbo rebuilt by
> a
> reputable company, but it will not kick in.  We warm the engine up and
> then
> stomp on the accelerator, but the engine seems to just accelerate
> normally
> without a turbo boost, even going uphill.
> 
> Also, while trying to using the turbo, the car loses oil.  It does not
> lose
> oil under normal driving conditions.
> 
> Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
> Sam &Marissa Andolino
> mandolin@rochester.rr.com