Vanes Stuck or Completely Disconnected?

In the process of cleaning my vanes with oven cleaner.

I got everything off and the vane lever feels like it's not connected to anything... I can move it about 1/4", maybe a little less but there is absolutely no resistance.

Are the vanes completely disconnected?

I was getting an overboost issue going up hills in 3-4th gear. First and second would spike to 22psi (scangauge).

New turbo needed?

https://youtu.be/4D2a_h_k6aw

The only resistance usually is the actuator itself, could be it at fault rather than the turbo. I'd start there, get it off and get a look at it.

I see. My actuator was off. So you're saying it should feel like there's no resistance at all?

Thanks

Only moves 1/8"? Seems to me you're meeting resistance after that 1/8" and you're only feeling the play.

Even a hammer to a screw driver to the vanes lever won't make it go any higher. Even slightly bent the lever and had to bend it back.

The vanes are jammed

Here's a video half way into the cleaning. There was slightly more movement after but not significant at all

https://youtu.be/4D2a_h_k6aw

Sticking vanes isn't just about carbon buildup. Sometimes the backing plate gets warped, which may or may not be correctable. Time and materials (oven cleaner) will resolve any carbon buildup issue. If still sticking then perhaps there's a more fundamental problem, such as the backing plate.

How many miles (on the turbo)?

170k miles

The 2nd link in this thread shows the vnt movement, it's an .avi file

caideN said:

I see. My actuator was off. So you're saying it should feel like there's no resistance at all?

Thanks

Click to expand...

Basically yes, there's nothing to resist unless it's really filthy or something is damaged.

I missed the video link last night

Does that amount of movement look normal? I can't view that video linked by Bob

caideN said:

Does that amount of movement look normal? I can't view that video linked by Bob

Click to expand...

No....that is not enough movement...should be 2/3 to 3/4 of an inch or so.
To me it looks like maybe the vanes are seized and what you have there could be just play. If it is play its way too much.

Personally from my experience fooling around with these stuck/sticking turbos is usually a waste of time.
Often even if you do get it freed up they will have issues again before too long.

If you want a reliable daily driver I would just buy a new garrett vnt15 or a new Mahle vnt 15.
https://www.idparts.com/vnt-15-turbocharger-038253019c-mahle-p-4608.html
And replace the oil lines too.

Stay away from any cheap aftermarket turbos!
....my 2 cents.

I adjusted the actuator and made it a few threads longer and it seems fine now...

If the vanes are seized would it just boost or not boost all the time? as if the actuator wouldn't be controlling anything....

caideN said:

I adjusted the actuator and made it a few threads longer and it seems fine now...

If the vanes are seized would it just boost or not boost all the time? as if the actuator wouldn't be controlling anything....

Click to expand...

Usually late boost, overboost then limp mode unless you have a boost leak too in which case you find out when it pops lol


Looking at the vid again the travel does look a bit short, I think ideally you'd pull the turbo and get a proper look at what's going on in there. If it's ok for wear then just a good clean and you're good to go.