golf 1.8t 20v turbo probs can anyone help!!!

[isetta]

having problems with the turbo it is not kicking in.
only seems to go quicker when red lining it.
can anyone help.
also does anyone know what it means when the t badge on the car is coloured blue.

thanks

[A4Chris]

I have the same engine in my Audi and also have to rev it quite hard to get any decent power. Firstly, check all the pipes to and from the turbo for leaks where boost could be escaping.

All pipes are okay on my car so from looking through the forums I reckon the MAF (Mass Air Flow Sensor) needs cleaned or replaced (see thread by STICKY on changing MAF - slightly different in his car but same principle). I haven't got round to doing this yet as I am waiting for a K+N direct replacement air filter to arrive so will do at the same time as fitting this. I will let you know if this improves the power delivery.

To test the MAF, try disconnecting it and seeing if it drives better although don't keep it like this too long as turbo boost will not be regulated and damage may result.

Finally, remember that at best (in standard tune) these engines only put out 150bhp so the car will never be rocketship quick. There should be fairly decent power in 2nd and 3rd gears though.

Hope you get fixed.

[isetta]

thanks for getting back to me i will try what you advised. whilst i'm on the subjuect the badge on my car at the back the I is coloured in blue do you or anybody else know why, does it mean anything.

thanks again

[nick_a4t]

hi mate, i have a4 1.8t 1998, this worked on mine- try disconnecting the battery negative lead for more than 30 minutes, this forces the ecu to reboot and if its a sensor problem, should give you full power back for a while, my a4 had loads of work done by previous owner but wouldnt boost until i did this to reset the ecu. also, the maf sensor might just need cleaning with some spray carb cleaner. it worked for me! dunno why your badge is blue, just an aesthetic thing probably as i dont think it means anything on your car. all the best! nick

[nick_a4t]

hi chris, i have a4 1.8 t sport 1998 with new turbo, k&n, and bailey dv26 dump valve, i bought it cheap cos it wouldnt boost, all i did was clean the maf sensor with carb cleaner and reset the ecu by disconnecting the battery for over 30 mins, mine was off for about an hour, it boosts amazingly well now from around 200rpm to the redline, maybe give it a go on yours, if it cures it great but if problem happens again you should take it to an independant garage with diagnostics to get the fault code read to identify which sensor is causing the problem. my maf is stamped 1997 and it seems ok still after a good clean. all the best! nick

[nick_a4t]

2000 rpm not 200 - typo!

[A4Chris]

Hi Nick

Thanks for this. Unfortunately I have subsequently discovered that my wastegate actuator linkage is snapped and dangling about doing absolutely bugger all. I am therefore effectively running with 0 boost although I am told that some boost will be created when revs get up very high (explains why power kicks in more notably above 4000rpm).

Currently trying to source a replacment actuator but as standard replacement is nigh on impossible to find the cheapest option seems to be to get a replacement from Forge Motorsport. Whilst I'm at it, I will fit a forge dump valve as well. Then I should be developing some decent boost - I always felt it should pull strongly from 2000rpm like yours does! Ahh, the joys of running a nice car!