My car is coming up due for a service... I am experiencing a loss in performance and fuel economy, which did kinda happen last time it was due. This time though I can actually hear what seems to be a bit of a leak, or loose nuts/bolts, or a kinda scratchy turbo! I'm wondering who has had issues with the bolts working loose or the cooler piping coming loose and what you experienced when it happened? Sounds? Response? Economy?

I used to get well over 500 to a tank but now it's down to about 450

Almost at 60000kms

Steve

450 sounds about spot on for me, though that's mainly city driving (your drives are a bit longer afair) and the expected norm of at a minimum of two to three good hard squirts a day. Others have had problems with boost leak either through the bolts loosening, or from plumbing clamps coming loose (or blowing off all together). I'd probably tend to check the plumbing first for a couple of reasons. First, it's the easiest and second, you've got an aftermarket IC.

im just guessing but if you can hear a leak then its probably a crack in the piping.

I remember reading that it was happening to a member near one of the hose clamps maybe??

I had exhaust leaks and you can really smell that when the car is stationary so id say that writes that one off..

havent expierenced drop in power or economy even with exhaust leak btw.

hope that helps!!

My turbo sound is kinda scratchy and I only measured 4.5 psi from behing the BOV. Ive always suspected a leak after the new engine, cos the last engine was quicker. Plus my aircon radiator and thermo housing was missing bolts. God only knows what else has gone walk-a-bouts!!!!

Steve, I dont know if using the back of the BOV is a reliable source of boost pressure (I would assume it is?) but we can always do a before and after boost check if you like and also do a comparison between cars???? would be interesting!!!

Yeh definitely, I'm keen! But it will be going in for service in the next week or so...

newl: its a stock intercooler

give me a yell anytime if your up my way before your service and we'll do it, doesnt take long.

The hose clamps could be stronger because they blow off at 250rwkw.

Steve, I've had 2 leaks in my 'T'

First the rubber collet connecting the cross-over to the throttle body split between the hose clamps, and of course underneath so it wasn't immediately obvious

The second I only found when upgrading my intercooler, as it was underneath the right headlight, where the aluminium pipe joins the top hose from the intercooler.

The area under the headligth was smeared in oily dust, and the hose was only hanging on by about 10 mm.

Hope this helps

I'll get it all checked out properly, it really does sound like exhaust leak though cos I can hear it when it's under boost and it sounds like there is a hole (ie engine noise, instead of rushing air)