How to test for boost leaks on the LUV/LUJ Chevy Cruze and Sonic 1.4L turbo engine.
Common areas to search for boost leaks:
– Turbo to charge pipe connection
– Charge pipe to intercooler connections (both sides)
– Intake manifold gasket
– Throttle body gasket
– Intake manifold check valve (see https://youtu.be/En4WO7DYsTk)
– Wastegate actuator hose
– Bypass valve hose (passenger side underneath intake manifold
– All sensors on the intake manifold and charge pipe
If you still have a boost leak but can’t find it, mix a liberal amount of soap with some water in a spray bottle and spray your connections around your engine and look for bubbles.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Boost leak testing your engine will also pressurize the crankcase, which is only supposed to be under 11-18 inches of vacuum at all times. As a result, you will push oil through places it shouldn’t be, namely turbo seals, piston rings, the PCV system, and probably somewhere else.
After a dozen or so boost leak tests, I started my car to find smoke coming out of the exhaust and some trickling out of the turbo. Had to drive for a good 15-20 minutes to get the smoke to completely stop (doesn’t help that I run AMSOIL which is very resistant to heat).
So just in case you have the same experience, don’t freak out. It eventually stops.
Order a 1.4L Turbo LUV/LUJ Boost Leak Tester kit:
http://www.cruzekits.com
Note: The CruzeKits.com site is new so it may not load the first time you go to the site; if the link doesn’t work, hit it a second time and it should show up.
Be sure to join our Facebook Groups for more discussion, performance modifications, technical help, and great community!
Cruze: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CruzeTalk/
Sonic: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SonicTalk/
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