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Interesting. In a fit of WhatHaveIGotToLoseitis, I hooked up the PC to see what the jammed Turbonator actuator is doing. Sure enough, jammed at 65% position. Then I swapped in the previous actuator which I had opened up and lubricated while it was out. A quick test with the PC hooked up showed it has full range of motion. Then I opened up and lubricated the most recently jammed actuator. Hooked that up to the PC and it too has full range of motion!! I have not gone on an extended test drive yet to see if it will jam when hot. What conclusions would you draw from this information?
Might just be that the clones aren't made well enough to handle the forces involved. The Hella actuators are popular with people who retrofit S300Vs in to their TDIs... I think a legit one would prob work better. Sounds like you have one on the way?
I’m hoping it’s legit. They assure me it’s genuine Hella and the price is certainly legit but it’s still coming from China. I have not been able to find an official Hella outlet for these things. Have you?
Cooked some grease? Not sufficiently tolerant of temps?
@oharal I'm guessing the latter part of your statement is what's going on. The actuator jammed after ambient temperatures got above 70 for the first time in months. Now the question is how to fix it.
Leonard, we talked briefly about this via text, but have you thought any more on an air duct or heat sink option?
I know you have a big intercooler, but perhaps a small intake cone (thinking zoodad style) funneled into a 2" or smaller tube that is pointed appropriately will help keep the actuator cool while moving.
Perhaps you were going to conduct further testing regarding the relationship between ambient temperatures and actuator failure.
