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With this boost leak tester you'll be able to pressurize and listen for leaks with the engine off, simulating the same conditions as the turbo spinning and making boost. Installing the tester kit on the turbo inlet or another convenient test location lets you pressurize the charge air path and test every connection that usually sees boost pressure — clamped connections, faulty intercoolers, BOV or bypass valve diaphragms, throttle body, weld joint cracks, injector seals, check valves, old & cracked hoses, vacuum lines, gasket and seal surfaces, plus many more.
A motor with boost leaks can cause a loss of fuel economy, check engine lights, increased intake temps, knocking, and offset air/fuel ratios. Depending on the size of the leak, overspinning the turbo to compensate can overwork the bearings, causing shaft play and ultimately turbo failure. Large leaks are obvious from whistling and power loss and get fixed quickly — but smaller leaks are the silent killers of turbo bearings, going undetected while destroying a turbo over time. Once the bearings are compromised (shaft play), the compressor or turbine wheel becomes imbalanced and starts contacting the housing, getting chewed up. Inevitable turbo replacement and possible engine damage are the result. Best to catch leaks before the turbo develops shaft play.
Your boost leak tester comes partially assembled. When connecting the silicone hose to the end cap, slide the silicone up to the top edge of the end cap and tighten the clamp down onto the end cap. See image above.
Rotating the boost gauge for better visibility — do not rotate or adjust the gauge by hand, it will damage it. Use a 7/16" or 11mm wrench at the base of the gauge to rotate.
T-bolt clamps — do not over tighten, as this could cause the clamp to fail and the tester to pop off under pressure. If you're not comfortable working with compressed air and pressurized components, please visit a shop or consult a professional.
1. Remove intake from the turbo charger inlet (in some cases the turbo is difficult to access and you will test before the turbo).
2. Secure the boost leak tester to the turbo or other location of choice. Use safety goggles and face protection, and always stand clear from the tester in case it pops off under pressure. Tip: always remove the oil cap to vent any built-up pressure in the crankcase system when pressurizing — this relieves pressure off the cam/crank oil seals in case of an internal boost leak into the crankcase (usually through a bad check valve).
3. Set your air compressor to a low pressure (about 20 PSI to start) and attach your line to the boost leak tester to fill the system. Increase compressor pressure as needed to achieve about 5 PSI in the intake piping. Tip: if you're finding it difficult to fill the system, increase