Further on Re: <VV> Turbo charger problem

[Kirby Smith]

You may also want to check that oil is getting to the center section and 
that it drains correctly into the r.h. head.  The turbine and compressor 
may be free to move by hand, but won't turn well if not floated on an 
oil film in the middle section.

kirby



FrankCB at aol.com wrote:
> Cliff,
>        At least 2 things to consider.  First is that it takes TIME and LOAD 
> to build up boost.  A stock Corvair turbo car driven from stop light to stop 
> light will rarely whow ANY boost.  To show boost, get the car fully warmed up 
> and on the open highway.  Run it up a LONG hill at FULL throttle for at least 5 
> seconds (preferably longer) and you should certainly see some level of boost 
> develop.  Secondly, even a SMALL exhaust leak can eliminate any boost at all.  
> You could have a cracked exhaust manifold inside the shrouding (as I did) that 
> would leak away enough exhaust to eliminate boost.  It sometimes takes 
> careful and prolonged searching to find the souce of the leaks.  It may well be a 
> number of rather small and seemingly significant leaks that are affecting your 
> turbo.  Keep looking.
>        Incidentally, I would recommend at least temporarily replacing the 
> stock manifold pressure gauge with a much large "tuneup" gauge that shows vacuum 
> and pressure (up to about 10 psi).  These have markings at every ONE psi (mine 
> has every 1/2 psi) and so give a much better indication of just how much 
> boost you are actually getting, if any.
>        Let us know what you find out.
>        Regards,
>        Frank "tracer of lost boost" Burkhard
> 
> In a message dated 5/6/2005 11:10:55 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
> cliffdar at sbcglobal.net writes:
> 
> 
>>Frank
>>
>>I get none of the indications that I would expect when getting "boost," 
>>(spin up of the turbine).
>>
>>1) A boost in horse power
>>2) A turbine whine
>>3) Positive pressure on the manifold gage (it tested ok)
>>
>>I have taken it out on the freeway numerous times trying to get the "boost"
>>
>>I have also removed the turbine and and partially disassembled it, all looks 
>>good with the right clearances (I have the GM Corvair shop manuals).
>>
>>I can find no leaks in the exhaust, and tried with the muffler off to 
>>eliminate a clogged or a wrong muffler.  I've run out of ideas, other than the 
>>wrong exhaust housing.  Still trying to find out what identifies the early and 
>>late housings.
>>
>>You have a manual?
>>
>>Appreciate any ideas.
>>
>>Cliff
>>