Boost Leak Test Question?
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Posting Guru
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From: Catawissa, Pa
Boost Leak Test Question?
hey guys..
after installing my van turbo, i wanted to do a boost test to make sure all was tight. Got the stuff yesterday and did it this am.
question...i pressured the system up to 15 psi and all i could hear was the air going from my hose to the fitting. when i unhooked the quick air connect the was a rush of air out the leak detector. does this mean it was holding air and all is good, or did i do something wrong. thanks...
after installing my van turbo, i wanted to do a boost test to make sure all was tight. Got the stuff yesterday and did it this am.
question...i pressured the system up to 15 psi and all i could hear was the air going from my hose to the fitting. when i unhooked the quick air connect the was a rush of air out the leak detector. does this mean it was holding air and all is good, or did i do something wrong. thanks...
Master of Strokes
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: CA
Did you hold the air in the system for long? What I like to do when I do a boost leak test is get a spray bottle of soapy water and spray it on the turbo where it meets the spider, all the boots, and the compressor housing on the turbo. That way if there are any leaks you will see bubbles 
9 ECHO 1
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Missouri
Did you hold the air in the system for long? What I like to do when I do a boost leak test is get a spray bottle of soapy water and spray it on the turbo where it meets the spider, all the boots, and the compressor housing on the turbo. That way if there are any leaks you will see bubbles
Here is a good test. Pump up the pressure to 10-15psi. Disconnect the quick release at the tester and listen for the turbo. You should hear it spool up as the air goes rushing out.
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From: Catawissa, Pa
all i did was set my compressor to 15 psi and just hooked it directly to the cap. i unhooked the filter and put the cap there. it just kept blowing air at 15 psi into the system. is that wrong? do i need to get 15 psi in the system and remove the air supply? i thought i understood the process, but now im not sure??
9 ECHO 1
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Missouri
all i did was set my compressor to 15 psi and just hooked it directly to the cap. i unhooked the filter and put the cap there. it just kept blowing air at 15 psi into the system. is that wrong? do i need to get 15 psi in the system and remove the air supply? i thought i understood the process, but now im not sure??
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Posting Guru
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From: Catawissa, Pa
oh ok...ill try that after the boy gets up from his nap. i was just leaving the compressor pump air into the system...what is the best way to cut off the air supply without letting air out?
9 ECHO 1
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Missouri
Set the regulator to 0.
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9 ECHO 1
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Missouri
The boost leak detectors usually only find big leaks, because some will always leak from the motor, (CCV, Oil dip stick, exhaust..). So another way to test is get on a road and go WOT. A stock truck will make about 25psi.
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Posting Guru
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From: Catawissa, Pa
mines not stock...im making the same boost as i did with my stock turbo...just installed a van turbo. thought etgs are a little high in low rpms, so just wanted to check. also did new up pipe donuts. will a leak detector leak air out of the up pipes?
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Louisiana
Also the intake system won't normally hold pressure. Like the others said use soap and water to check for leaks. Simple green is mildly corrosive so be sure to get it all cleaned off with soap and water! Don't believe me, try it!
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From: Catawissa, Pa
i actually was able to get it to work...i think...it took a little time to get to 15 psi and then i heard some air leaks...one at the spider to map line and one boot. tightened them up and the gauge held pressure for about 5-7 sec then went to 0..but i assume, thats from losing thru the engine, etc right?