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96 Volvo 850T5 turbo actuator question?

Help, Advice and DIY Tutorials on Volvo's P80 platform cars -- Volvo's 1990s "bread and butter" cars -- powered by the ubiquitous and durable Volvo inline 5-cylinder engine.

1992 - 1997 850, including 850 R, 850 T-5R, 850 T-5, 850 GLT
1997 - 2000 S70, S70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70, V70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70-XC
1997 - 2004 C70

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redbeak1
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Year and Model: 850t5 1996
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96 Volvo 850T5 turbo actuator question?

Post by redbeak1 »

Hello, I am trying to find out why my Turbo gauge is no longer going into the white zone during acceleration.( It stays in the middle) At first I thought it was because I screwed up the turbo gauge when I was changing the odometer gear years ago. Luckily Robert Spinner was making his rounds around the USA and stopped by to help me troubleshoot. He also spotted that a rodent chewed through a hose.We thought that would do it, but it was not the problem. We also installed an IPD Bypass valve and IPD turbo control valve. Still no boost as it should show on gauge. Robert suggested that I replace the actuator since the adjustment on the car was rusted. I just purchased a Kinugawa which is supposed to be a replacement made for the turbo on my car which I believe is the TDO4HL 15G. Before I install it and possibly blow up my engine, I want to check with you guys since I have no experience in Turbo troubleshooting. On the IPD video it states that the stock actuator on my car should start to open at 1.8 psi. With my Mityvac I checked this new actuator and it starts to open at around 15 psi and opens fully at about 1/2 an inch at a little over 20 psi. I have not checked the one on my car yet. Do I have the correct replacement, or is the spring too hard inside the unit? Sorry for the long story but any suggestions would really be appreciated. The car is running great, and the turbo is spinning well with no play or leaks. It is stock with 151,000 miles.

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FLXC90
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Post by FLXC90 »

due to the magnitude of disparity in the break pressure, I would do further research before running that set-up. The Kinugawa is a knock-off, not a "replacement" for the Mitsubishi/Volvo part. I would consult with a reputable turbo rebuilder/tuner like Robert's buddy "Turbo Tony" Since you have worked with Robert, it may get you the intro that is needed. Otherwise, it's a bomb about to go off under your hood.
Current Volvos:
1998 V70 T5, 112k sat 5 years, still in mechanical coma (finally at the top of the pile )
2004 XC90 T6 AWD: 186k, 60 on transaxle ( traded in )
1998 POS70 N/A: DD/training aid, 236k but really about 240k, I think...ABS module( passed on to son who sold it)

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wizechatmgr
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Post by wizechatmgr »

To me it sounds like you have an HPT turbo mailed to you. Are you supposed to have a HPT on that car or a low pressure? Check the actuator on the old one for giggles. Worse comes to worse, move the actuator over which I believe you can do.

It could be that the only problem your having is the gauge/sensor. Do you have any codes stored in the car? What other than that gauge makes you think the existing turbo isn't functioning?

Have you checked and verified the turbo control valve is functional?
Wisdom requires knowledge as a prerequisite, but knowledge can be developed due to a lack of wisdom.
In order to learn how to fix something, you must first learn how to break it.
1999 V70 XC AWD 2.4 T -- ~231k miles
1998 V70 2.4 NA -- ~184k miles

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