So this morning my daughter and I went out for a quick shopping trip. I was driving the car like a normal sane person on a Sunday morning. But once, when I was in second gear, I gave it a little gas and got into the boost. Maybe 6-7 psi worth. However, when I got off the throttle (not WOT by the way), I noticed a long whoosh sound from the BOV, instead of the normal quick release sound. I thought it was a little strange but drove on.

I merged onto the highway and when I went to accelerate, I only got 2-3 psi at WOT. Ok, now I know something is messed up. I pulled over, checked all of the vacuum lines and such - everything seemed to be in place, so I drove on. I babied it to the store as I was almost there anyway.

I get back into the car and start for the drive home. Getting onto the highway, I know have NO boost at all and the normal turbo spooling sound is 'different' somehow. I can't really explain it better than that.

I get home, pop the hood and again inspect for any obvious damage. Nothing. Since I am not even getting mechanical boost, I wonder if the wastegate is stuck or something. I tried pulling on the wastegate actuator rod with a set of pliers (inline with the rod, I am not a complete idiot) and it doesn't move. Pulling and pushing give me the same result... no movement. I can't take the heatshield off right now because I am waiting for the car to cool down, but something is REALLY stuck.

What could have happened and how should I fix it??

 

you lost a coupler somewhere.

 

^+1

 

sure did. After closer inspection, the compressor outlet tube came off... I had to take some stuff off to see it which is why I didn't see it initially. You guys are the best.

 

Use a tbolt clamp and tighten it really good with a wrench. Screwdrivers ain't enough.

 

funny thing was it DID have a t-bolt clamp, but I guess it wasn't on tight enough. Hopefully I fixed that problem, but only time will tell. I had to reinstall the tube three times because it kept coming off. On the last try, I used some degreaser on the inside of the tube and on the outlet of the compressor to get better contact. If it comes off again, I think I am going to scuff up the tubing and the turbo outlet for more static friction.