North American Turbocoupe Organization



Boost Gauge Reading
N8 Offline
Member
#1
I just got my new IHI on and cleaned up the entire top end of the engine. The turbo seems to run really well, but my boost gauge never reads more than about 5 psi. It's been quite a while since I have driven it but it seems like it's producing much more boost than that. So, where's the most common place to check for leaks for the boost gauge?
N8, FLY FORD!
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Pete D Offline
Administrator
#2
Between the vacuum tree on the fire wall and the vac hose fitting on the back of the gauge. The line can come off or break
Pete Dunham


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N8 Offline
Member
#3
Does the gauge actually get boost pressure or does it work of vacuum? Also, is it scaled directly, ie 5 PSI on the gauge equals 5 PSI of actual pressure?
N8, FLY FORD!
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BoostedBirdie Offline
Member
#4
The Boost gauge works off actual boost pressue. If you removed the instrument cluster, you'll see a vacuum line running into the back of the assembly. The first thing I did with mine was install an Autometer gauge, because the stock one is notoriously inaccurate.

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1988 TC 88k orignial miles, 5 Spd, mostly stock, K&N and B&M Ripper. Looks a little rough, but thanks to this board, runs great.
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1988 TC 88k orignial miles, 5 Spd, mostly stock, K&N, B&M Ripper, 190LPH Walboro, Aeromotive adjustable FPR with gauge, exhaust coming soon. Looks a bit rough, but thanks to this board, runs great.

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Pete D Offline
Administrator
#5
The gauge gets both vacuum and booast but only responds to boost. Your gauge may or may not be accurate.
Pete Dunham


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N8 Offline
Member
#6
Well, it was reading about 12-13 PSI last March when my turbo died. Now with the new turbo installed. it only reads 5. And like I said, it feels like its boosting normally.
N8, FLY FORD!
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Qwertys Offline
Senior Member
#7
i would suggest getting a gillis valve and an aftermarket boost gauge. if that turbo was from an automatic the WG is set at a different pressure (auto's are set at 5-7psi i believe)
also, there could be a leak in your IC hoses. i had a small leak (lost 1 psi every 5 seconds when i tested it) and it lowered the boost a lot even though the turbo was pushing more. so the turbo may wind up to speed but its loosing air.

then agian, get an aftermarket boost gauge. i bought a cheap one that reads to 20psi for less then 30$ and it works well for what i needed.
'85 TC BPV and Ford FMIC
'88 TC Kirban AFPR, Autometer Boost, FP and A/R Gauge, 8.8 to 4.10 rear, Walboro 255lph Fuel pump, Garrett GT3071R T3/T4 Dual Ball bearing Turbo, Custom AWIC.
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Joe F Offline
Posting Freak
#8
I'm certainly no expert here, but I've read enough posts to know that if your wastgate isn't closing all the way you'll not develop full boost. Might want to check it out, especially in light of the fact that it's a new turbo.

As a good friend of mine used to say "Assume nothing and suspect everything"!

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Be Cool,

Joe

JR's Place - My 87 TC

[This message has been edited by JoeCool (edited 09-12-2004).]
JR's Place - My '87 Turbocoupe
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Pete D Offline
Administrator
#9
All Ford 2.3 WGAs were set to open around 9.5-10 psi. If you have a WGA that is opening at a lower pressure, it is because it has grown weak, not because it was designed that way.
Pete Dunham


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N8 Offline
Member
#10
So what kind of aftermarket boost gauges are you guys using? And, where and how did you mount it?
N8, FLY FORD!
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