Symptoms of a boost leak

[thecalstanley]

Hi,

What are the general symptoms of a boost leak?

I’ve noticed over the past few days the turbo sounds a bit like a hair dryer when boosting. Might be nothing and I’ve just not noticed it before but like all things, best to find them early to prevent a massive repair bill if there is a problem.

Not down on power or got any engine warning lights or any smoke from the exaust.

Suggestions appreciated!

 

[Legojon]

I would have said down on power... or erractic power delivery... when I had a boost leak on my FR it felt like as I was booting it, someone just cut the fuel from under me causing massive drag back before I was thrown back into the seat again.

 

[Gokiwi64]

If it is starting to whistle or scream it might not be a boost leak but the bearings starting to fail in the turbo, both can sound similar.

 

[thecalstanley]

I might have just sussed this out... Just been out and give the car a good blast, didn't hear the noise once until I turned on the fans.

Both time's I've heard the noise has been when its naffing freezing and I've got the fans on (I normally don't have them on). I'm thinking the fan speed increases slightly when I'm accelerating and makes a sort of whistling noise.

Could be wrong, going to continue to test this out over the next couple of days and see how it goes. Feel like a right plonker for posting this thread if it is that!!

 

[Legojon]

I'd be pleased for you if it is that. I took my car to the garage 3x for a rattling on acceleration. On the 3rd journey there it was so loud I started pulling all the trim out to look for it. Turns out the armrest has a hidden compartment and the previous owner had left about 100 pennies in it.

I confessed I'd wasted their time and am forever known as "that guy with the coins in the armrest". But now I can listen to my passenger door rattle in peace.