MK4 Golf PD boost gauge install help

HysteriaRunRiot · Apr 14, 2010

I feel really stupid here, but i looked around, and i couldn't find simple instructions, i know this isn't complicated. It's more that i don't know where to tie in the vacuum line.

Also, I got the Vent mount, if anyone has some pointers on that

Joester · Apr 14, 2010

you dont tie into any vacuum lines, you are reading the instructions for different types of cars. what you need to do is take out the plastic charge pipe from the intercooler to the 90 degree to EGR hose and drill/tap an adapter to the nylon tubing.

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa4/Giacomo_bucket/Image001-1.jpg

and check out the bottom few photos on this PDF
http://pics2.tdiclub.com/pdf/gauge_install_2001_VW_Golf_TDI.pdf

LNXGUY · Apr 14, 2010

Also, use the grey/blue wire on the dimmer and any ground....

HysteriaRunRiot · Apr 14, 2010

ahh gotcha, so, there's no way to tap into some other line?

also what is that adapter?

Joester · Apr 14, 2010

Napa and hardware stores should have it. It's like a threaded brass hex fitting with male threads on both sides. On side threads into the boost plumbing and the other gets a cap that hold onto and seals the nylon tubng. You can see it in the pic. The gold thing.

HysteriaRunRiot · Apr 15, 2010

no, i mean dimensions, that's a compression by male brass fitting, the tubing goes into the compression end, so i'm assuming it has to be 1/8" but what size is the end that goes into the whole I drill, or does it not matter

Joester · Apr 15, 2010

it doesnt matter, i just drill a hole a bit smaller than the threads and then just thread the fitting in there. it should tap itself. i just told you to tap it because tapping it is the correct way to go about things, but not completely necessary.

Joester · Apr 15, 2010

and yes. my autometer was 1/8th inch compresssion fitting and tubing. i dont know what kind you have.

Honeydew · Apr 15, 2010

1/8" NPT (National Pipe Thread) is the thread size. The correct size drill bit to use prior to tapping is 11/32".

HysteriaRunRiot · Apr 15, 2010

ook i'll stop by the hardware store later today, thanks guys

HysteriaRunRiot · Apr 29, 2011

this is going to sound very stupid, but which ground?

is there a more easily accessible one? i can't get my gauge to light

tomtom1989 · Apr 29, 2011

Your gauge may have 4 wires.

A permanent ground (-)
A permanent positive (+) to keep the settings if its a steppermotor gauge
A switched live from the ignition (so it knows when to turn off and on)
A supply from a dimmer wire so it knows when to dim its light when you put the lights on like the rest of the instruments.

I used the wires that feed the CD player, i did away with the dimming light function and left it out.

HysteriaRunRiot · Apr 29, 2011

yeah, i found a grounded bolt, that's all i needed, thank you though

Choddaboy · Jun 28, 2015

Hey sorry to open this thread up,

I installed a boost gauge connected to the intercooler pipe like everyone has shown.

Im not sure if this is normal but I get weird boost readings. When accelerating hard it will read up to 2 bars then the needle will start going down. Also it always makes an annoying rattle.

I can post a video if it helps.

Any suggestions? Would a bent/kinked boost hose maybe cause this?

Fix_Until_Broke · Jun 28, 2015

Likely two things

1) Most gauges are not damped and therefore will buzz due to the intake pressure pulses from the valves. Look at putting an orifice (0.020" or 0.5mm) at the intercooler pipe. If your fitting is brass, you can solder it shut and drill it out.

2) You likely have sticky vanes or a mis-adjusted actuator causing the 2 bar spike. Get this fixed (or stop stomping on the throttle) else you'll be putting a new turbo on soon

Vince Waldon · Jun 28, 2015

Fix_Until_Broke said:
2) You likely have sticky vanes or a mis-adjusted actuator causing the 2 bar spike. Get this fixed (or stop stomping on the throttle) else you'll be putting a new turbo on soon

And aren't you glad you installed a boost gauge, OP ?!

Gibby · Jun 29, 2015

I'm with the vanes thought..that's what was going on with me.

Choddaboy · Jul 1, 2015

Vince Waldon said:
And aren't you glad you installed a boost gauge, OP ?!

interesting, I dont stomp on the accelerator really. Im just worried if maybe the boost gauge is cheap quality and leading to poor measurements.

I am glad I guess cuz of all the extra hp it gives

Would the turbo go into limp mode if my vanes are sticking?

Vince Waldon · Jul 1, 2015

Absolutely.

Limp mode means the ECU feels it has lost control of the turbo and so shuts 'er down to avoid further damage.

Vanes that won't move, for whatever reason, definitely prevent the ECU from controlling the turbo.

Choddaboy · Jul 1, 2015

Ok because I did have that problem in the past where the turbo stopped working. I thought it was the actuator getting stuck. After putting God juice on it (3 in 1) the problem went away.

But with that said, wouldnt the car be going into limp mode if my vanes where sticking?

Choddaboy · Jul 1, 2015

basically, my car is not going into limp mode anymore.

BakoTDI · Mar 19, 2018

Fix_Until_Broke said:
2) You likely have sticky vanes or a mis-adjusted actuator causing the 2 bar spike. Get this fixed (or stop stomping on the throttle) else you'll be putting a new turbo on soon

Wait! you can detect sticky vanes on your turbo with a boost gauge?!?

MK4 Golf PD boost gauge install help

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