New year,same problem stuck at 23 Psi.

[CSXT802]

I have stock large can wastegate actuator on my car and I can't get more than 23 psi. I have my manual boost controller set at 30 psi. I check this with 30 psi compressed air and the wastegate actuator would just start to creep open. I don't have a boost leak. So my only guess is that the wastegate flapper is lifting off the seat. But why.? I know people have run more than 23 psi with a stock large can wastegate actuator.

[Tony Hanna]

Maybe a weak spring? I'm sure they vary a little from one large can to another. Have you tried shimming the bracket to add a little preload?

[Mario]

I have stock large can wastegate actuator on my car and I can't get more than 23 psi. I have my manual boost controller set at 30 psi. I check this with 30 psi compressed air and the wastegate actuator would just start to creep open. I don't have a boost leak. So my only guess is that the wastegate flapper is lifting off the seat. But why.? I know people have run more than 23 psi with a stock large can wastegate actuator.

That's true, however they vary a lot. You may want to invest in a brand new one. There's quite a difference between most used ones and a brand new one. You can also try using some springs for some assistance. You could also make your current actuator threaded, which would make it adjustable. You could also put some washers underneath it too, before you mount it.

[Anonymous_User]

I think just adding an external spring is easiest, but any of the above should work.

[CSXT802]

Maybe a weak spring? I'm sure they vary a little from one large can to another. Have you tried shimming the bracket to add a little preload?

I tried shimming, one washer each side net gain was maybe 1 psi . my goal is 28-30 psi so 5-7 washers is not going to happen.

[Tony Hanna]

I tried shimming, one washer each side net gain was maybe 1 psi . my goal is 28-30 psi so 5-7 washers is not going to happen.

Well, in that case, you're only other options were listed by Mario and Anonymous. Either buy a new can or add an external spring.

[CSXT802]

Well, in that case, you're only other options were listed by Mario and Anonymous. Either buy a new can or add an external spring.

Will the typical throttle return spring work.?

[Anonymous_User]

Yes it will. You will want to try different spring strengths until you are happy.

I prefer to run the spring from the flapper arm to the wastegate bracket so it pulls in the same plane as the wastegate. The hardest part is getting access back there to do it.

[CSXT802]

Yes it will. You will want to try different spring strengths until you are happy.

I prefer to run the spring from the flapper arm to the wastegate bracket so it pulls in the same plane as the wastegate. The hardest part is getting access back there to do it.

Ok, I'll try the spring tomarrow. If that does not pan out, I'll have to pony up with the $100 to get A new adjustable one. Thanks guys.!

[cordes]

Try a couple of washers. One won't make much of a difference, but two or three will really cause a jump in preload. I don't think it is a linear curve as you would suggest.

[GLHSKEN]

Try a couple of washers. One won't make much of a difference, but two or three will really cause a jump in preload. I don't think it is a linear curve as you would suggest.

^^^ yep it will. I used to run 2 1/8" washers on my car.

[Tony Hanna]

The only problem I've ever run into shimming with washers is taking too much travel out of the can to get the preload high enough to reach target boost. The result is you end up with a very high "minimum boost" and can run into boost creep problems because the wastegate can't open far enough to get the job done. This was trying for 30 psi with a small can though, so probably not an issue in this case.
If you try the external spring route, most parts stores sell an assortment pack of springs in the "Help" section with various lengths/diameters. Something like that would let you experiment with different springs until you found the right one.