Turbo Wastegate Actuator Arm broken. Serious Issue?

[ericmci]

HI,

So a couple of years ago the fastener on the wastegate actuator arm on my 1999 S70 GLT broke and the arm doesn't engage.
I was told it wasn't serious by a couple of mechanics that it would be nice to have but all that would happen is that I would lose some boost/hp

YouTube decided recently that I needed to see some videos of people destroying their engines because the wastegate wasn't working properly.

Is that a risk in this scenario for me? Is my gate stuck open so it's just lower pressure and no harm?
Did I neglect something serious?

Thanks!

[Clemens]

since it's a 99, you don't have the boost gauge. Honestly, if you plan to drive it for a long time, get it fixed. I wouldn't want to waste boost nor risk blowing the motor.

The first BMW Turbos in the 70ies had no wastegate, and beside the danger of that because it wouldn't release pressure before entering a corner, it worked.

A 99 GLT has a 13G if I remember correctly, so you will probably get away with it if you're not running a performance tune.

[ericmci]

Hi-

Not a performance tune- just stock and rarely do I even hear or feel the turbo engage.
Honestly, this is the only turbo I have had. My plan was to replace the wastegate at some point as the arm had rusted, but I just haven't gotten around to it yet.
I do most of the work myself and the family Volvo shop we go to for the things I don't work on said not to worry
about it as did another euro shop that noticed it for another repair.
But this particular Volvo tech has his own sort of philosophy based on his experience. Sometimes he is a stickler for factory specs and maintenance and sometimes will say certain things aren't an issue.

It has been this way for years now with the broken arm.
In your opinion have I been damaging this engine?
I definitely plan on keep this car running forever- It's a family gem.

[Sveedy]

If you're going to keep the car, then fix it. I can't see how you could have hurt anything by not having the wastegate working with a 13g turbo, but they are a precision part with lots of engineering involved, and the wastegate is part of it.
She'll thank you for it...

[ericmci]

Perfect answer.
Feels right on both levels.

If will be done.

Appreciate it.

[ericmci]

I got my hands down there today and I think it's actually stuck open.
So, while not ideal I should be even more a relieved that I haven't been dumping too much pressure into the manifold, correct?
Boost has been laaaaate for a long time.
I guess that would make sense.

[abscate]

Yeah, the waste gate actuator applies pressure to keep the gate closed, enabling boost. With the rod broken, the waste gate opens at exhaust pressure and boost is minimal

Cool thing on a 1999 is the ECU controls boost closed loop, hard to see how it could get damaged

[hausmeister]

Its a bit like driving a turbo car without a turbo, aka "no fun".

I'd fix it, just for the surprise of what it feels like when it is working
Not sure what is damaged, if its the actual wastegate that would mean a replacement housing. Just the actuator would be much easier.

[ericmci]

Just the latch at the end of the arm- rusted.
It is on the short list of upcoming repairs.

Thanks for the advice!