Wastegate?

[Camaro5690]

Alright, got my XR registered today, took it out for its first ride (legally).

I have a problem......

When I first stepped on it boost shot way into the red, immediately let off. It keeps randomly overboosting, or not getting boost at all.

Only times it builds boost is in 3rd gear or higher, dont know why. First gear it is N/A Second Gear it is N/A till 3500 RPMs then overboosts if you step on it.

Im thinking its the wastegate, but please please tell me it is something else, dont wanna have to take the turbo off the car.

[Ed Lijewski]

Doesn't sound like a wastgate actuator issue. In any event, the wastgate actuator can be R&R-ed without removing the turbo. One or two of the bolts are not easily accessed, but with patience and some versatile use of wrenches, and then when the bolts are out maneuvering the wastegate actuator creatively you can remove it.

YMMV

[SARON81]

I'd say your wastegate itself (not the actuator) is sticking.
Pull the actuator arm off, and see if it swings freely.

[Camaro5690]

I'd say your wastegate itself (not the actuator) is sticking.
Pull the actuator arm off, and see if it swings freely.

And if it doesnt? Just clean it with like carb and choke cleaner? Im assuming it would be carbon buildup that would make it stick right?

[Ray]

Yeah it sounds like the WG itself might be sticking, but you'd still get boost in first and second gear.

[Camaro5690]

Yeah it sounds like the WG itself might be sticking, but you'd still get boost in first and second gear.

First gear I can go all the way up past 5 grand with no boost.
Second gear it starts to maybe build just as I shift.

[Ed Lijewski]

You may a vacuum/boost leak somewhere; needd to check all/ALL vacuum hoses/connections.

YMMV