check the radiator.

you said you could bui8ld boost still so its def not an intercooler boot.

are you sure it idles fine? you dont hear any slight popping at the intake do you? i bent a pushrod one night at high rpm and it was a loud series of pops, then i let off. after that while idling it was making a little popping noise at idle and you can really hear at the intake.

 

No TJ no wierd noises. I think that it could have been turbo bark cause im running a non wastegated turbo so it probably let down hard. I checked for water in oil and no signs, no oil in radiator, just that tiny seep of something at the front of the head. Been there sense I asked you what you were using for a gasket. Havent really got on it hard today. May got to 30psi so it still builds boost.

 

My truck was able to build 38psi (HX35) with 2 rows of the lower part of the intercooler being cracked off at the end caps.
The previous owner got into an accident and the 2 supports that are in front of the intercooler pushed them in and cracked the welds of the 2 lower rows.

Check for a boost leaks. Its easy a 4" pvc cap with a male air hose fitting screwed into it (make dure the fitting is off to the side of the cap or it will hit the alternator). Pump up the system with 20# of air and listen for leaks.

 

Ill try that today thanks