Boost Leak Test - Tips, things to consider, etc...

[P1LAYA-ZN]

Good Day gents,

I am in the process of making up a Boost leak tester for my S3 8L K04
Are there any things to consider, tips when performing this test on my car.
eg. What pressure to apply, do i spray a soap soln. over pipes to make identification of a leak easier, etc , etc.

Any advice is appreciated.
Don't wanna make a problem an even bigger problem by doing the wrong thing.

Thanks..

[panic-mechanic]

Pressurise to the boost you run. So if you run 1.5 bar that is where you want to test.
Yes soapy solution on joints and wet the cooler too tomsee for leaks

[sbu.mah]

Not to hijack the thread, but will a whinning/whistling noise when accelerating be a symptom of a boost leak?

Sent from my Redmi 4A using Tapatalk

[P1LAYA-ZN]

Pressurise to the boost you run. So if you run 1.5 bar that is where you want to test.
Yes soapy solution on joints and wet the cooler too tomsee for leaks

Thanks Panic.
I wasn't too far off
Car just has Hardware Mods ie. FMIC, Samco TIP, R8 Coils, Full 76 piping, CAI. Was hoping to do SW last.
Not sure what stock boost is on these cars, I'm guessing between 0.8 - 1.0 Bar.
Any ideas ?

[Tman21]

Also, if you havnt considered. I would say use bicycle pump.
1. Applies pressure gradually
2. No other noise so you can hear a leak if it happens at a lower pressure.
3. Avoid crazy pressures to not stress the system.

[P1LAYA-ZN]

Also, if you havnt considered. I would say use bicycle pump.
1. Applies pressure gradually
2. No other noise so you can hear a leak if it happens at a lower pressure.
3. Avoid crazy pressures to not stress the system.

Thanks.
Haven't considered a bicycle pump, although I wouldn't know what pressure in applying.
I think I have a Footpump, with a pressure guage which would work.

Another thing, do I open the Oil Filler Cap when doing the Test and should I do it when the engine is cold ?

[panic-mechanic]

No boost gauge? Becuase you simply read it off there.
To do a test like this you block off the plumbing at the throttle body and out of the turbo. You don't pressurise the motor.

[Tman21]

Engine off as panic said. Also at running temp cos plumbing will losen/warmup/move/seat differently to when cold.

[Unobeat]

Where is Stompie(our resident boost leak detector.) when we need him.

[Dale]

So, in short, remove cai, diy a make shift piece of plumbing pipe with a valve and pump air into the system and listen for air leaks?