1.8T Sport - Snapped wastegate linkage?

[A4Chris]

I had the car over an inspection pit this morning and took the chance to have a look around. I noticed that the metal rod that goes from the wastegate actuator to the wastegate on the turbo body appears to be snapped.

Now, I am no turbo expert, but I assume this is not how it's meant to be! The rod certainly doesn't connect with anything and appears to have snapped at the section where it's threaded. I also noticed that the rod doesn't move in and out when the engine is revved. From my limited knowledge of turbos I had understood that the actuator should move the rod which in turn opens and closes the wastegate.

If the rod has snapped then the wastegate will not be functioning. What effect will this have? Presumably I am effectively running without a turbo? This would explain why the car has always felt a bit muted and has the following characteristics:-

• No real power until 4000rpm plus
• No whistles, hisses or whooshes from the turbo
• Reguarly get 36mpg

Does anyone have any experience of this? What might cause the rod to snap and how easy is it to fix? Presumably I would need to remove the turbo etc...? What is the likely cost of this?

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Chris

[lostmarbles]

Hi. Yes this will most likely be why your car is a bit flat!! You're right when you say that it works the valve, which in turn allows excess pressure out when you are up to full boost. If it is open all the time, you will not be getting the right boost at lower revs due to the pressure escaping too early. There are many suppliers of actuators around, so you would be best looking at the other threads to find a reputable vw tuning company, that will be more than happy to sell you an uprated one, and should be able to fit it and adjust it for you. It'll make a world of difference- youll be like a dog with two---- bones

[A4Chris]

Can anyone recommend a supplier of wastegate actuators (standard or upgraded)?

Thanks.

[A4Chris]

Just to update you, I bought a new wastegate actuator from Forge Motorsport (with standard spring - for now!) and fitted it myself over the weekend which was a reasonably simple job after taking the exhaust manifold off (which also required taking the air box assembly out for access). The old rod had indeed snapped and the wastegate was dangling in the open position.

With the new actuator fitted the car has found a new lease of life. Power delivery is now in a different league with the boost and acceleration building strongly from only 2000rpm and absolutely rocketing above 4000rpm. A lot of fun and great for overtaking slower traffic. On the down side, my MPG has dropped to an average of 32mpg. Oh well!!

Cheers

[Forge UK]

here you go
http://www.forgemotorsport.co.uk/con...duct=FMACVAG02