Bad lag with new head

[TNTKNC]

Just had my 02 golf running great, malone stage 2 stage 2 cam. Got a check engine light for glow plug. Number 3 stuck in the head will not come out with what i have for tools. Have a new head so off it comes to put the new one on. Immediately notice it doesn't run very good on low end. Adjusted the actuator on the turbo because boost wasnt coming on till 3k rpm. I now have it boosting around 2 to 2200 rpm. However i have seriously bad lag between every shift no matter the rpm range and almost dangerous lag coming off a stop.
Any ideas or help is appreciated.
Thanks

 

[UhOh]

What's your vacuum readings like? I'd double-check hoses.

But, why all of a sudden did the actuator need adjusting?

 

[TNTKNC]

Haven't checked the vacuum since it still does boost its just not the same as it was before the swap. I have replaced lots of heads and never had this issue before. Never had to adjust the actuator, never had the performance suffer like this. So I'm kinda stumped as to what is going on.

 

[Nevada_TDI]

I would be 100% sure you haven't lost you minimum 22" going to your N75 valve. Just because you still boost doesn't mean everything is okay. If everything was still okay, you wouldn't have posted, would you?

 

[Franko6]

There is an actuator for one particular turbo that has a 'traded' actuator, and not installed at the factory, no paint. We got one and expecting it to be right, were surprised when the car became more and more sluggish. We found the turbo actuator's lock nut for the turnbuckle had not been tightened and the adjustment was loosening up. If that isn't irritating... So, we set it and got the number to 18 inches, as it should be when the actuator pulls the VNT arm against the stop nut. Boost returned as it was supposed to be.

I should not have to be doing adjustments for what is declared a brand-new factory turbo.

 

[TNTKNC]

I will check the vacuum hopefully tomorrow.

 

[TNTKNC]

Ok. So finally got around to checking vacuum. I figured it wasn't the issue but gotta check. So right out of the N75 to turbo running group 11, its pulling 23 inHg vacuum. Actuator moves freely and hits stop at 18inHg and holds position just fine. So I'm still chasing whatever issue is going on with this head. Like I said before I had just put this turbo on from a parts car and turbo isn't that old. Still is in very good condition, and car was running beautiful with little to no lag before swapping the head. I hate to pull the head again but may not have a choice. Would adjusting the actuator further possibly help with the lag?
Thanks

 

[TNTKNC]

So I shortened the actuator rod on the turbo even more and it seems a little better but not quite right still. I guess my question is how much can I shorten it or does it matter. I've lost count how many turns I've shortened it. But its a lot. Doesn't seem like it should be that far off. I've never had one do this before.

 

[Seatman]

Did you use the same thickness head gasket? I'm asking in case it could be lower compression due to a thicker gasket.

 

[TNTKNC]

No, same two hole gasket.

 

[meangreen]

Just a silly question did you check your injection pump timing after replacing head. And did vacuum hose on the n75 vent hose go to the air filter , not that it is kinked which will make it sluggish

 

[TNTKNC]

Yes IP timing is set correctly. Also vacuum lines are correct and i don't see any kinks. I'll keep looking to see if i can find anything.

 

[jasonTDI]

There is an actuator for one particular turbo that has a 'traded' actuator, and not installed at the factory, no paint. We got one and expecting it to be right, were surprised when the car became more and more sluggish. We found the turbo actuator's lock nut for the turnbuckle had not been tightened and the adjustment was loosening up. If that isn't irritating... So, we set it and got the number to 18 inches, as it should be when the actuator pulls the VNT arm against the stop nut. Boost returned as it was supposed to be.

I should not have to be doing adjustments for what is declared a brand-new factory turbo.

Experienced exactly this. Annoying to say the least.

 

[jasonTDI]

Try a new vacuum pump.

 

[TNTKNC]

23 inHg of vacuum isn't enough? I will give it a try as soon as I can get a chance to get back to it.
Thanks

 

[Franko6]

23 is a bit low. Check vacuum for the line going to the turbo actuator. It should be 18-20.
The vacuum line in should be 27-28. Check for cracked hose to brake booster hose and loose swedge for vacuum nipple in the Vacuum pump. If you wiggle the vacuum pump nipple and it shows a big drop in vacuum, either replace the V.P. or fix it.

All that could definitely cause delayed boost.

 

[Nevada_TDI]

Also make sure the one-way vacuum valve is still functioning properly.

 

[TNTKNC]

Thanks I will check. Been in the hospital with The wife this week, so haven't had a chance to look at anything. I will update when I can get her free.
Appreciate the help.
Troy