How does the turbo, wastegate actuator work, function, information, testing, etc. - VOTD

In this video I share my knowledge about the turbo wastegate actuator. If the wastegate actuator is bad, it can cause severe damage to the engine.
Wastegate actuator replacement: • Turbo wastegate actuat...
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Disclaimer: • In this video I share ...
Basic car care KZbin channel: / rspiwin
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Visit my Website for special tools, my wish list and other helpful information: www.RobertDIY.com
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[@cthulhu-san9563]

I absolutely love the way you're explaining everything and take time to make some parallel on the global functioning, superbly explained, very great work sir!!

[@RobertDIY]

Thanks for watching

[@joshuakinard8607]

Man every time I need an explanation on something you are always the one to perfectly explain exactly what it is I need. Good job and I Appricate it very much. Yes I agree why take out the turbo gauges

[@RobertDIY]

Thanks for watching.

[@Mr330d]

@@RobertDIY what to check if there’s not enough vacuum reaching the actuator ?

[@cruzfernandez4554]

@@Mr330dI am still learning. But if this helps you. Check for vacuum leaks, throttle body gasket, vacuum lines, and even better, use a smoke machine, etc.

[@NtokozoMvalo]

Hey bro. You are so good in explanation. I understood everything you explained. And it makes me feel easy to DIY my wastegate tests. Thanks a lot brother.

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome

[@doctorash27]

GREAT JOB ROBERT! ALWAYS APPRECIATE YOUR PASION FOR VOLVOS AND WILLINGNESS TO SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE

[@RobertDIY]

Thanks for watching

[@mr.marcosotero1509]

Now I know why my 2008 Volvo S60 bent connecting rod #1! Replacing motor today! Thanks Robert!

[@RobertDIY]

Ouch

[@erichartzell1338]

This was probly the most informative video on KZbin. That's man, really helpful

[@RobertDIY]

Thanks for watching.

[@rayvenrvramos3395]

This Help us a lot observing our Actuator in Our Hyundai Grand Starex. Thanks a lot to this Video it really help us a lot. Here from the Philippines

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome

[@petemitchell7099]

Hi Robert, when I have a load on the engine say up hill, my car seems like it surging, I did notice that when I kick it in the guts, the turbo needle went right to the end of the white section on the gauge. So thank you for answering my problem with this video.👍🏻

[@RobertDIY]

Thanks for watching

[@TheHungrySlug]

Cheers mate. Just had this problem occur. waste gate actuator diaphragm broke. Luckily my 96 model diesel triton\L200 has an intake manifold over pressure release valve. So thanks for an informative video. Much appreciated.

[@RobertDIY]

Good to hear

[@cruzfernandez4554]

I hope you’re doing well and producing more content. Thank you so much for your contribution and sharing your knowledge

[@RobertDIY]

Thank you for watching, I will.

[@WOW-ed8pi]

Great video. Explained in detail how it all worked and what to look out for. Fab job , THNX!

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome.

[@nagrain]

Thank you I really like the idea of plugging it up with a finger to test the diaphragm. I don’t have a pressure hand pump so this will do.

[@nagrain]

I just tested it and the diaphragm is wasted. Was not able to hold pressure at all.

[@RobertDIY]

That's actually a bad test. The pump is the best.

[@heatheraldridge2238]

THANK U< THANK U!! Now I understand what the service department at my dealership is talking about!!

[@RobertDIY]

cool

[@michaelchitwood6226]

Good information on testing the wastegate actuator, the rubber diafram.

[@RobertDIY]

Michael Chitwood It's best to use a pressure pump but hey, the finger plug test is a start. LOL

[@youpagan]

Wow - you are a brilliant educator - thank you

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome

[@youpagan]

@@RobertDIY too much of youtube basis quality on number of views. This is quality - you have cleared any confusion I had from watching videos by others.

[@nickedik]

You could be a very good teacher. Good job!

[@RobertDIY]

+Elvin Safarly thanks for watching.

[@TheFrenchPug]

Super clear explanation for Wastegate Dummies like me :). Thank you sir.

[@RobertDIY]

😁 You are welcome.

[@steverichardson4808]

thanks for taking the time to make this easy to understandvideo

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome.

[@MrLatimer91]

Awesome video clear and simple thank you so much I learned from this video please keep them coming

[@RobertDIY]

ok

[@ChristopherPuff]

Very informative. Taught me about the basics of why my turbo spikes.

[@RobertDIY]

Thanks for watching.

[@georgeeidie6899]

this is by far the best video

[@RobertDIY]

Thanks.

[@kman5711]

Great video that's very easy to understand. Thank you sir!!

[@RobertDIY]

+kman5711 you are welcome.

[@joeharvey4080]

Thanks for the information...I learned something today...

[@RobertDIY]

Glad to hear it!

[@phillipforbes1173]

Thank you man got this problem on my ISX CUMMINS BIG DEISEL ENGINE

[@RobertDIY]

ouch

[@phillipforbes1173]

@@RobertDIY now I am finding out no air is flowing from the Genuine Holset Cummins ISM11 Turbo Air Control Valve 3770742 OEM

[@bccapone837]

Poeple need to take a leaf out of your book on explaining themselves 🤣. All other youtubers just love the sound of there voices and talk rubbish , you the man

[@RobertDIY]

Thank you for the kind words.

[@JIA725]

Excellent video! Great quality. Thanks.

[@RobertDIY]

+Jay Tary thanks for watching.

[@megamanski8183]

I am definitely not a turbo volvo guy (yet) but this is informative !

[@RobertDIY]

Mega Manski Thanks for watching.

[@cebi11]

Thank you so much. This was very clear and nice video.

[@RobertDIY]

+cebi marrudhappan thanks for watching.

[@r1freak1]

Excellent description and information sir !!

[@RobertDIY]

thanks for watching.

[@csebastian71]

Okay, now I seriously need to get that gauge! I have a 98 S70 T5, which has the 16G turbo. I have read that you can tweak the turbo a little by adjusting the rod length. They disconnect the pin and add a certain amount of pressure to the wastegate, at that moment they turn the top of the rod so that it can slide back around the pin. Have you ever done that or do you just keep everything stock, as is? Has anyone else done this? What pressure did you use? Finally, cheers to another great informative video!!

[@RobertDIY]

Sebastian Schwarz Man, turning the wastegate arm to make it shorter (a turn or two), which would keep it closed a little longer may be ok if the wastegate is getting weak and needs a little help. I like keeping things stock because it's safer and will last longer. Also, messing with the wastegate is the best way to cause a bad fuel/air mix which is bad. I would rather install a MBC (manual boost controller), it's a little safer.

[@juanx7492]

I think the finger method is not valid for all actuators. On one of a Garrett turbo, with compresed air it worked fine, but moving the stick out and pushing the finger in the little tube, it don´t keep the possition, it goes back. Only a little amount of air is manteined. Great video!

[@RobertDIY]

+Juan X correct, pump is best

[@RobertDIY]

+Juan X correct, pump is best way to test them.

[@RobertDIY]

+Juan X correct, pump is best way to test them.

[@Dead-Goldstar]

Great video lots of god information thanks for making this video.

[@RobertDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@brianclark1990]

Great explanation!

[@RobertDIY]

Glad you think so!

[@keyandaneshmand9915]

Thanks sir it’s very good explanation

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome

[@time.528]

Why couldn't you be my neighbor

[@RobertDIY]

Lol

[@BiIlDipperIy]

Or at least live in my state 😂. I swear nobody in my area is knowledgeable with tuned/turbo cars..

[@FishMan-gm2op]

Really informative,thanks.

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome.

[@heraniowagayen]

Thank you

[@RobertDIY]

you are welcome.

[@adamwest4987]

FANTASTIC video! Thank YOU!

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome

[@zx8401ztv]

Smashing closeup data robert, you made that so clear. :-) I dont know the psi required but i bet a bicycle pump with the built in gauge could be modified with a valve+stem to fit, if closer testing was required. Its a daft thought lol :D

[@RobertDIY]

zx8401ztv Thanks for watching. The pumps that they sell at auto parts stores are outrageous. They do loan the hand pumps out so it's not to bad.

[@burtonlankaster1972]

thanks for the info man . outstanding

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome.

[@SamTjivera]

Hi my BMW x5 e53 3.0d 2003 sounds like its fitted with dump valve or blow off valve please help... in fact we need people like u in the engineering industry,, thanx

[@RobertDIY]

How can I help you with that? Post a new fresh comment.

[@abelflores3752]

Thanks you've been very helpful

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome.

[@jian5A]

Wow great video man! Very informative keep them coming!

[@RobertDIY]

+Watchmaster ok

[@shizukesajdm]

Excellent video, thank you!

[@RobertDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nancyfanz7695]

You got me mate...

[@RobertDIY]

thanks for watching.

[@josephvallejo2094]

great job brother very clear

[@RobertDIY]

Thanks for watching

[@garyskinner2422]

Very informative ty love from England ♥️ i have a problem with my actuator according to my garage but i have a low boost problem? Not more power, they say the actuator arm is getting stuck

[@RobertDIY]

If you can afford it, replace it. A bad actuator can bend a rod.

[@emmanuelmavunga1680]

well explained thank you very much.

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome.

[@MrHenecy26]

Hello, thanks for your video…..

[@RobertDIY]

Thanks for watching!

[@dylanson]

my audi a5 just starts speeding up at low speeds could this bee the problem

[@RobertDIY]

No, probably be idle valve.

[@gwiggy8793]

Excellent ! Thank you

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome

[@josephstevens4032]

You are a very knowledgable mechanic. I own a 2000 c70 and I love it. I have a question if I may. When adjusting the actuator arm, how many full turns of preload should it take to be adjusted correctly? I don't have a gauge to check right now. Also, can a stiffer spring be used in the waste gate or an aftermarket one be used to achieve at least 12 psi of boost with no harm or over boost condition?

[@RobertDIY]

Boost is controlled by the computer. So you'll need a tune for that unless you want to go rouge and bypass the system using a manual boost controller.

[@armunro]

Nicely described; thx for the info.

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome.

[@orkan1714]

My Alfa Romeo 166 2.4 jtd has no power under 2500rpm. After that it accelarate normaly. I will change overboost valve tomorow i hope it will solve my problems.

[@RobertDIY]

any codes?

[@garfieldburke2531]

Excellent teacher I love the way you explain everything by the way do you know how difficult it is to remove a turbo charger from a 2013 Ford fusion if you have any videos on that I would love to take a look at it since I have to change my own

[@RobertDIY]

I do not. Never looked into it.

[@abbasmuhsen2715]

Great job done easy to understand. Thanks bro Is possible in future to use Gscan2 scanner to see pressure reading at different engine load (live data)

[@RobertDIY]

Not on my car. It does not report the boost pressure through the OBD2 port... Well, I have a new ECU with a boost map sensor installed. Let me see if the Scan Gauge will read it. I may have to use my laptop.

[@abbasmuhsen2715]

@@RobertDIY Thank you so much for fast reply I did my question because I have Europe Toyota hilux model 2015 which have so many parameters in live data Thanks again my dear bro

[@dusty28flip]

Hi Robert, I have a engine light that says lower wastgate (P0245)! Can you tell me what exactly means , thanks.

[@RobertDIY]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKfEaX1plpJ_nJY

[@RobertDIY]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/naWcqGCQiN2mb6s

[@victor789012]

Gracias amigo . blacks and browns together are stronger

[@RobertDIY]

🙌🏾

[@dontdropthesoap6919]

Where does to vacuum line on the turbo Actuator lead to as my line has broke off.

[@RobertDIY]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/naWcqGCQiN2mb6s

[@tboneproductions2453]

Excellent video sir. Thanx

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome.

[@rickhilliard2545]

Where does the vacuum line go to from the wastegate.

[@RobertDIY]

Yellow on the BCS

[@dangatto8666]

I can't get any boost. Changed the actuator, cleaned the wastegate, replaced all the hoses. I ordered a N75 pressure solenoid. Maybe that will be it.

[@RobertDIY]

probably has a open pressure tube. Could also be the solenoid. Then the turbo could be busted.

[@RobertDIY]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYPadZablKZ_oc0

[@bobford9320]

Great video 👍👍

[@RobertDIY]

Thanks for watching

[@dsrosser]

Great video. Can I swap the waste gate actuator from a 13t to a 16t? are all waste gate actuators the same, or is each specific to a specific turbo?

[@RobertDIY]

Specific.

[@mark.r8900]

Great demonstration. So can the arm still move with a torned diaphragm? My actuator doesn't hold pressure but however the arm still moves when air is applied. Is this possible? I am thinking if the arm can't move out then the wastegate is closed give an overboost. But I am getting p0299 underboost. Please any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[@RobertDIY]

I don't quite understand your problem.

[@axxisblack]

Noob question, please help. Internal wastegate, actuator has a nozzle, but nowhere to connect. Now where to, does a wg need boost or vacuum? Do i drill a nozzle in the charge pipe? I tried sucking on the nozzle and moved, when blow nothing, I'm confused by forums and other explanations. Thanks

[@RobertDIY]

I have no idea what you are talking about???

[@mikekelley7852]

Can a wastegate stick open creating low boost

[@RobertDIY]

Yep

[@keith691969]

Hey i my waste gate accuator was turned the wrong way to hook up my hose. So i jst took the two screws out the bottom of the cup and its spring activated and i just turned it so i could hook up my hose and then put the screws back on. Is that ok

[@RobertDIY]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYvXYpKLjLZ-m8k

[@cpd686]

What causes the turbo to whistle? If no whistle does it mean the turbo is defective?

[@RobertDIY]

Rogelio Dela Cruz Usually the speed of the turbine turning and pressurizing the air. In most vehicles the turbo is pretty quiet unless you are boosting over 8 psi.

[@cpd686]

Robert DIY Thanks Robert!

[@gruff7594]

@@RobertDIY do you have a contact number?

[@HealthvsWealth4me]

Thank you for this topic. I may have to diagnose my actuator too but I have a question for you. Since I will not be removing it from the car, Can't you also put a vacuum (brake bleeder tool) on the nipple end and see if it holds pressure?

[@RobertDIY]

You need a pump not vacuum.

[@ezekiellee1856]

Nissan navara 2007..can the Watergate adjustment cause whistling turbo noise....turbo is ok...power is good...actuator is good...thanks

[@RobertDIY]

I have no idea.

[@user-dj4jn1jd9h]

Thanks for teaching. How much P.S.I max should the Westgate get during effort?

[@RobertDIY]

Depends on the turbo.

[@robertedzria324]

Very good help me alot t y

[@RobertDIY]

you are welcome.

[@deniaz336]

Will it help if I install additional Blow Off Valve to replace Defective Waste gate??

[@RobertDIY]

I'd say no.

[@mark.r8900]

Hi, the actuator for my wastegate is not holding pressure. The wastegate flapper is shut closed. But the actuator rod does move and open the wastegate when I applied pressure to the actuator. The flapper has no play and sits tight. Can a stucked CLOSED wastegate flapper cause P0299 code. I am getting a P0299 with closed wastegate flapper. Is this possible? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

[@RobertDIY]

The arm movement controls the flapper movement.

[@shamashussain2132]

I have an evo 6 under accleration it is jerky and hesitates like a consistant boost/fuel cut at soon as boost come in could this be the wastegate actuator?

[@RobertDIY]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJnXhouQidqlsNE

[@Snoopsy100]

Top man, thank you

[@RobertDIY]

eric braithwaite Thanks for watching.

[@WOW-ed8pi]

My Mazda Marvie Proceed is not boosting enough and struggles to go uphill. Could this be the wastegate actuator or is it the Turbo itself?

[@RobertDIY]

I have no idea. You need to troubleshoot the problem. Is the CEL on?

[@Chrissurf]

Any thoughts on a code stored but no check engine light? P0234......

[@RobertDIY]

The light bulb is likely burned out.

[@Chrissurf]

@@RobertDIY nope.....it's on every time w ignition one position. That's why I personally think it's very odd

[@brianolivera7705]

Hey my turbo doesn't seem to do anything I have a 1.8t volkswagen golf GTI mk4 with a ko4 turbo the problem is it did work and now it doesn't what could it be ??????

[@RobertDIY]

Bring it by and I'll check it out for you.

[@casi5290]

Just one mention.the actuator by this kind of turbo doesnt work with vacuum. With vacuum is only by vtg turbos and not by wastgate ones.

[@RobertDIY]

Correct, thanks for reminding me.

[@devious3174]

Do you think I could replace a tumble flap actuator with one of these?

[@RobertDIY]

I have no idea.

[@tamerunver6852]

i have a question. i hanged my turbocharger and also the wastegate aktuator on my smart car. but since than the car exxelerates not in a straight line but like waves. i hold the exxeleration pedal constandly but the car exelaretes like i m doing the pedal up and down... cant that be a problem with the wastegate aktuator?

[@RobertDIY]

Yes

[@tamerunver6852]

@@RobertDIY hmmmm...and wahat is to do? is it too weak? can i test it sone how?

[@illitero]

I have been curious to find specific information on how easily the actuator arm should move. I noticed that the one in my 850R is amazingly tough to move in and out. Based on what I've seen in this video, there's something wrong with mine and it would be a good idea to get it replaced. It feels sluggish until it is rolling, but even then doesn't feel as fast as I expect it really should.

[@RobertDIY]

illitero I doubt that's the problem. If a wastegate is stuck closed, the car will build more boost and be faster. You have some other issue like a torn bypass valve, or the BSC is hooked up wrong. You could also have a torn boot pressure hose.

[@illitero]

Robert DIY When I received the car, was overboosting like crazy and the ECU would rev limit the engine (I have a video on my channel about it). I never had a turbo car before, so it took me a short while to figure out how the systems work and where to look. So I finally found how the previous owner had the actuator disconnected from the vacuum system and the line blocked off with a bolt. When I was poking around with everything, I disconnected the actuator arm from the turbo itself and checked the action on everything since the port was just open to the atmosphere, and the arm was _very_ tough to move in and out. So I've just never known if that's normal or if it's in need of replacement. As far as everything else you've touched on, I wouldn't doubt it needs some attention. I've been out of work because of disability for over a year and a half, so I haven't really had the money to put into getting it healthy since I first picked it up earlier in February. I'll definitely try looking into it all, though. Thanks for the feedback!

[@RobertDIY]

You're welcome. Hope things work out for you.

[@melvinbritton-el9430]

Awesome

[@RobertDIY]

thanks for watching.

[@winstonholman7603]

Great video sir, please could i ask about the fact that I get a surge and then i also get low boost, to no boost? So i tend to get an all or nothing! any thoughts?

[@RobertDIY]

I'd start with looking for a boost leak. Have it smoked.

[@willfry5331]

Hey Robert, how do you set preload on your w.g actuator? Mine holds vacuum but the arm over extends the nub on the waste gate without vacuum on it. From the little I've researched on it it should be slightly negative to where you have to slightly pull it forward to sit it on the nub.

[@RobertDIY]

pressure pump

[@lesmac007]

I have just purchased a car and the actuator vacuum hose was not connected, when i connected it, the car would not drive over 15 mph, when i took the hose off, it was OK, but the turbo does not kick in ! any ideas what may be the problem please...

[@RobertDIY]

I don't even know what kind of car you have. 😕

[@bassmob808]

So I’ve recently had a check light come on saying that WGA in my 2014 Kia Optima sx was malfunctioning I’ve noticed I’ve lost about half the power in my engine and my car is noticeably slower + no functioning turbo. Can a faulty WGA cause an engine to lose power?

[@RobertDIY]

Yes but in your car it's probably the turbo.

[@chancethagapper]

My Wastegate is stuck closed, I did the test for the diaphragm and it was good. So why does my engine light still go on and off? Why does my car feel slower than normal. I don't have a boost gage, and I got a code from AutoZone P2261. I have a 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0turbo

[@RobertDIY]

If your wastegate is stuck closed, it can/will cause over boosting which will likely damage the engine internally. Other than that, not sure what to tell you.

[@m00n_d0ll]

I got my epc light come on today and the error code being p2263 I keep on looking for a solution but my question is if this not working would it let out this code? I’ll check my turbocharger in the morning for I was wondering if it could be this arm malfunctioning.

[@RobertDIY]

I don't even know what kind of car you have???

[@m00n_d0ll]

@@RobertDIY ah sorry it’s a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta s I’m going to look at it later today

[@sstevocamaro]

What would cause a high pitch whistle?

[@RobertDIY]

Worn turbo or a vacuum leak.

[@sstevocamaro]

@@RobertDIY Thanks

[@3DPeter]

That is weird, because my actuator was shot, but i didn't experience more power, so how do you explain that?

[@RobertDIY]

+3DPeter I don't know. Must have a fail open function to prevent overboosting.

[@taiptran1]

i have a 2012 hyundai sonata 2.0t when outside temp under 60 degree it not take off normal lack of power.if i restart the car than it run normal its the the waste gate problem too or not if you could let me know i thank you so much

[@RobertDIY]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJnXhouQidqlsNE

[@jonnatancontreras1425]

I’m not full boosting , don’t have the same power , and I can’t get over 4-5k rps. Have any idea ? Got a Wrx 2005 .

[@RobertDIY]

Sure bring it by.

[@tyronpaynes7858]

Do the actuator stay open all the time.

[@RobertDIY]

no

[@cad-tastrophe3012]

Where can I purchase a new wastegate actuator for my '96 850 (Mitsubishi td04-15g turbo)?

[@RobertDIY]

+matt powell Hmmm, I guess you can get one from the dealer. Not sure of any other sources that sell quality parts. Maybe do some research.

[@rsleitner]

Where would you hook up a boost gauge on a turbo that didn't come with one. I have a catapiler 3126 in a RV.

[@RobertDIY]

You should tap into a vacuum that is connected to the intake manifold.

[@rsleitner]

Robert DIY Thanks, could I use a "T" in the vacumn line that goes to the waste gate actuator?

[@lanceclothey4091]

+Robert DIY I have a 2000 s40 with an over boost problem. It has spiked to 15 psi. It's throwing a P1241 code. I replaced the waste gate actuator cause my old one wasn't holding pressure. It's still over boosting could this a tcv problem or maybe even a bps ?

[@RobertDIY]

Usually a waste gate issue. Is it working properly?

[@bonniegarcia7608]

Would this cause a car not to start? I have an intermittent problem with a Saab that has a turbo. So far mechanics have got it wrong. Replaced ecm and fuel injectors. Still same problem. Once in awhile it doesn’t want to start but will start with gas pedal to the floor. It will let out some smoke and smell like gas and idle rough a few minutes then it’s fine. Engine light is on and it’s throwing out one of the codes for a waste gate solenoid. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[@RobertDIY]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5qzcoOrYrBrhas