No low end torque in 1 - 3 gears.

[Al Mc]

Got the "bucking" problem resolved. Now the car seems to have no power/low end torque. Seems low powered. Is it just me and its a 4 cyl or should it be quick. How can you tell when turbo kicks in and how can I test for turbo boost

thanks Al

[n20capri]

Definitely sounds like a turbo issue. You can hear the turbo whistle and you can definitely feel a surge in power. Do you have a boost gauge? If I drive w/o boost the car is a slug! lol

[kiwi]

Pull engine out and put a V8.

[Al Mc]

I don't have a gauge but can get one. Do not hear the turbo whine. How do I check.

thanks

[kiwi]

Are you serious? Hook gauge up to vacuum and look for boost?

[n20capri]

Yeah you really need to get a boost gauge on there to see what's going on...if the turbo is messed up that will hurt performance even more than a NA 4 cyl...

[Al Mc]

At the risk of sounding completely stupid, I have zero experience with the turbo charger. I have no idea where to hook up what to where....... I am going to buy a guage tomorrow, but don't know how to check it.

[n20capri]

You need to find a vacuum source for the gauge. There should be a vacuum tree on the firewall that will work just fine. What car are we talking about? Factory equipped 2.3ts had a boost gauge stock and you can fine a vacuum line for that under the dash/drivers side kick panel area.

[Al Mc]

I just bought a 79 Pace Car 2.3L turbo. I was told by PO that the Turbo had been "rebuilt" recently. It is (or appears to be ) all factory. I just have no experience with the turbo engine and am at a complete loss.

[n20capri]

Well get a boost gauge on there and go from there...not 100% sure about the early turbo cars but I'd imagine they should see around 9psi...hopefully someone with an older car will chime in...regardless you need a boost gauge.

If you have underhood pics that would help to for us to see if anything major is "out of place" so to speak...

[gr79]

Early carb turbo vary around 4#-6# tops, stock.
There is a decent added push felt when under full boost.
Should run like a V6 when under full boost.
Turbo spinning cannot be heard most of the time.

The green 'TURBO' indicator will light up under normal boost, 1-6 pounds.
Stays lit as long as there is normal boost pressure from the turbocharger.

-any higher
Green light goes off, and an over boost buzzer plus red engine light go off.

A vac/boost gauge is very helpful, but the green 'TURBO' light is already there.

A gauge can be connected to the intake vac tree in front and below carb.

You can try to advance base timing just short of spark knock under full boost.
If vac lines, carb, and other things are not just so, she won't run right.
It will run like a regular n/a 2.3 until boost kicks in.

[Al Mc]

Very helpful.....thanks to all of you. My next step will be to test the turbo as soon as I find a boost gauge. I have no green light or red light at all. All of the vacuum lines including those to the turbo are in tact. Only option now is to get a gauge. Local auto shops (O'Reilley's, auto Zone) don't have one. Guess ebay is the only option now.

thanks Al

[gr79]

On that pace car, the column of lights (brake, turbo, etc) and buzzers should go on briefly when key is turned on.
This shows they are in working order.

They go out when engine starts, per owners manual.

Unfortunately age, mods, can change that.

Most of those chain stores can special order most anything aftermarket.
The ones around here have many catalogs.
Summit, Jegs have em too.
An 'A' piller pod mount location works well with the small face ones.
Autometer is a good brand.

[mustangsvo]

What year is the car, fuel injected or carb?

Don

[Al Mc]

79 - carb

[FoxChassis]

TURBO light in the instrument panel bezel can be seen here (image C):

http://foureyedpride.com/fep_bild/d/309-2/pg18.jpg

[Al Mc]

Mine is not working and neither is the red over boost light. fuses OK.

[Al Mc]

can anyone recommend a good gauge with step by step instructions on how to test

thanks

[kiwi]

Turbosmart eBoost2 Gauge...