Boost Loss

Chaps,

I seem to have lost some of the lovely boost I had. When preesing the go pedal I can only get the needle to about 1 o'clock and I'm sure it used to go further. This happens no matter how hard I floor it.

Car is a '94 T5 auto with no modifications which has covered 106,000 miles. There are no strange noises or smoke to indicate a problem with the turbo but I was wondering if this was the wastegate not doing what it should. I was thinking about a bleed valve to try and increase the boost but would like to try and get to the bottom of the cause first.

If anyone has any thoughts I ideas they would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Adam

'94 850 T5

[Dan F]

Unfortunately you may just be suffering from a lack of initial observation.

Are you SURE your dial used to show more?

Try to time your car doing 0-60 etc and see if it is as per specs. If it is then nothing is wrong.
However if it is a second or 2 slower, then you may have a clogged air filter or your spark plugs may need changing.
Are you using different fuel, or getting it from a different station?
There are so many variables, but without knowing for sure if it is underboosting compared to earlier in its existence, then you are really on a high road to no-where without a previous set of data to back up your suspicions.

Cheers,
Dan.

Dan,

Is the 1 o'clock position about normal then? I haven't checked any 0-60 times as I'm usually too busy enjoying it to be able to time it as well (looks like a job for my other half). I recently switched back to Optimax (used Tesco for a while) and it seems to be better, unless that is simply a psychological factor.

I'll check the plugs & filter anyway and see how things go.

Thanks for he reply.

Adam
'94 850 T5

Just another thing to do - if an engine is producing less power because it is poorly - don't add a bleed valve to make it work even harder!! Wait till you have sorted the engine out first (if it needs sorting out)

[Dan F]

Hi Adam.
Optimax is definitely the one to go for in turbocharged cars if you want to make best use of the cars abilities and safeguard the engine.
Even if Volvo only recommends 95 RON for yours, 98 will not hurt it in the slightest, all you have to do is justify to yourself if it is worth the extra cash, if your car is not modified and the manual says you don't need to use it. :-)

I am not entirely familiar with the gauge you are talking about. Sorry.

0-60 times etc are just a good way to determine if you car is doing what it should.
Obviously you may not get 'bang on' figures but if you are a second or 2 slower than spec you *know* something is not right.

Cheers,
Dan.