boost loss diagnoses??...

Johnny Lau · 04-05-2006, 12:24 AM

I was hoping that someone with 10 times the volvo turbo knowledge (that's most of you) could give me some sage advice. I apologize in advance for my fwd-ass....

My '97 850R (mods listed in signature) has lost boost over the past year. I can't recall a specific date, I figure it has just petered out over time. The interesting part (at least to me) is that is has only lost it in first gear - lower speeds. I used to get 2/3rds to 3/4ths into the white of the stock boost guage. Now, from a standing start it hits half, then drops to a third until it shifts into second (auto). It kicks back up to "normal" R boosting after that and almost seems to gain boost the faster I go. Boost hits 85 to 90% of the white at the top end of second gear. I might sound like I'm whining because it still gets up and goes but not nearly like it used to. I had a hard time keeping traction last year even with good 215 width yokohamas on dry asphalt. I'd like to do some minor upgrades (remap and exhaust) but I'm hesitant if these symptoms indicate a turbo on its way out. I've got 130k+ so its no spring chicken. I just had the 120k volvo service done (not at a stealership, I'm not that clueless) and no improvement. The only cheap hope I have left is to clean the aftermarket intake filter and pray that it's just been starved for air at lower speeds. Please share with me your thoughts and advice. Keep in mind that I'm a numbnuts with rusty craftsman tools that I got as a graduation present 15 years ago... thanks

Brickster151 · 04-05-2006, 12:51 AM

Checked for cracked intercooler hoses?....common issue.

Get some Samco Silicone hoses to replace those crap rubber ones. Also might as well replace the vac lines with silicone ones too before you dive in and get an ECU upgrade.

Hank Scorpio · 04-05-2006, 01:30 AM

Pat nailed it. The BCS's (boost controllers) for some reason like to crap out too. If you do all fresh hoses, and no change just go straight to an MBC.

Johnny Lau · 04-05-2006, 01:51 AM

I did have a slight oil drip from some "minor hose" near the intercooler a while back that the shop supposedly fixed. It had been dripping for quite a while. They had said it wasn't a big deal but something that I should get fixed at some point so I fixed it.

Would restricted flow from the intake dimminish boost only at lower speed. Higher speeds would create higher air flow into the engine compartment and intake so boost returns to normal?..

04-05-2006, 12:24 AM	#1
Johnny Lau Newbie Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Bellingham, WA	boost loss diagnoses??... I was hoping that someone with 10 times the volvo turbo knowledge (that's most of you) could give me some sage advice. I apologize in advance for my fwd-ass.... My '97 850R (mods listed in signature) has lost boost over the past year. I can't recall a specific date, I figure it has just petered out over time. The interesting part (at least to me) is that is has only lost it in first gear - lower speeds. I used to get 2/3rds to 3/4ths into the white of the stock boost guage. Now, from a standing start it hits half, then drops to a third until it shifts into second (auto). It kicks back up to "normal" R boosting after that and almost seems to gain boost the faster I go. Boost hits 85 to 90% of the white at the top end of second gear. I might sound like I'm whining because it still gets up and goes but not nearly like it used to. I had a hard time keeping traction last year even with good 215 width yokohamas on dry asphalt. I'd like to do some minor upgrades (remap and exhaust) but I'm hesitant if these symptoms indicate a turbo on its way out. I've got 130k+ so its no spring chicken. I just had the 120k volvo service done (not at a stealership, I'm not that clueless) and no improvement. The only cheap hope I have left is to clean the aftermarket intake filter and pray that it's just been starved for air at lower speeds. Please share with me your thoughts and advice. Keep in mind that I'm a numbnuts with rusty craftsman tools that I got as a graduation present 15 years ago... thanks __________________ Johnny Lau '97 850 R - Black and Bad EST intake IPD aluminum strut brace Bilstein struts 17" "Canisto" wheels (anthracite) Yokohama (summer) / Gislaved Nordfrost II (winter) relocated horn

04-05-2006, 12:51 AM	#2
Brickster151 LH 2.2'ing it up Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Santa Cruz, CA	Checked for cracked intercooler hoses?....common issue. Get some Samco Silicone hoses to replace those crap rubber ones. Also might as well replace the vac lines with silicone ones too before you dive in and get an ECU upgrade. __________________ - Patrick 1983 244ti SCCA ITE road race car [94' B230FT, gt3071r, t5, funstuff galore] 1979 Chevy Camaro Hobby Stock dirt track race car 1998 Dodge Ram 3500 Cummins Dually to haul ^^ 1996 850R m56 daily driver 1973 1800es restomod project I am building for my mom [b230ft, lh 2.2, 16t, t5 trans] never forget Doug Williams, Peter Gray & Matthew Dionne.

04-05-2006, 01:30 AM	#3
Hank Scorpio Chubfest 2009 Survivor Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The neighborhood with the ******* guitar player.	Pat nailed it. The BCS's (boost controllers) for some reason like to crap out too. If you do all fresh hoses, and no change just go straight to an MBC. __________________ Will trade guitars/guitar parts for go fast goodies or stuff I need. Just PM. www.kauerguitars.com the second best way to upset neighbors and alienate people. History: Car 1 \| Car 2 \| Car 3

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

04-05-2006, 01:51 AM	#4
Johnny Lau Newbie Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Bellingham, WA	I did have a slight oil drip from some "minor hose" near the intercooler a while back that the shop supposedly fixed. It had been dripping for quite a while. They had said it wasn't a big deal but something that I should get fixed at some point so I fixed it. Would restricted flow from the intake dimminish boost only at lower speed. Higher speeds would create higher air flow into the engine compartment and intake so boost returns to normal?..