Can someone tell me what the factors are that determine the amount of boost generated? Assuming no leaks in the charge air circuit, is it possible for an exhaust restriction like a plugged cat to cause low max. boost numbers? I'm curious cause I can't seem to match the max boost many of you are getting with similar setups. I can't get over 28#, even with the wastegate "stuck" closed.

 

[quote author=cowpie link=board=7;threadid=9461;start=0#90585 date=1042209341]
is it possible for an exhaust restriction like a plugged cat to cause low max. boost numbers? [/quote]

Yes,
Anything restricting the exhaust will slow it down, therefore slow down the turbo.
How long have you had the #5 plate?
How much black smoke (soot) are you blowing out?

I'd be willing to bet your's has a clogged cat, or at least, partially restricted.
Soot tends to block them up pretty quick.

Why they ever put a catalytic converter on a Diesel is beyond me, dang them environmental types.

phox

 

Sounds like a good excuse to lose the cat. I put the #5 plate in 6mo. ago. It was smokin' big time then. Shortly after, I lost my wastegate actuator, took my darlin' to a local Ford Truck garage, (I know, I know) to have it looked at cause the local Dodge ******* has a bad rep. around here, which they richly deserve. Anyway, I asked them to check the timing and set it at 15.5 degrees. When I picked it up the next day, they said they found the problem with the turbo boost, (actuator) and they proudly stated they &quot;fixed&quot; my smoking problem. The service writer was not sure how the smoking &quot;problem&quot; was fixed and the mechanic was not there. I checked the AFC starwheel, it was right where I left it. The torque plate also seemed to be in its original spot, (now full forward). I'm wondering how they made it quite smoking. Would retarding the timing do it? It still won't produce smoke, even with the starwheel all the way backed off. I wish I had a way to verify the timing, I suspect foul play here. Do these symtoms sound like anything anyone has seen before?<br>By the way, Dittos on the envirowienies. Nothing like junk science to justify expensive and un-necessary mods for &quot;the greater good&quot;. ;D ;D

 

This is more reading then I need to do about turbo boost but if ya need to know ??<br><br>http://dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/FAQ/turbo_faq.htm

 

Cowpie, After looking at your sig and the mods on the truck I was curious if you still have a stock clutch? <br><br>When my power level exceded my stock clutch's holding power I didn't notice any really big slipping of the clutch but did notice a drop in the max Boost I could generate. The clutch was slipping but not to the point it would make the rpm's rise. <br><br>Just something else to thing about. <br><br>DB