VNT turbo actuator changeout

This forum is for TDI (Turbo Direct Injection) questions/posts. Non-TDI Motors (Including the 1.6, and 1.9 or other variant turbo diesel motors) should go in the VW Diesel General Forum

Moderator: Fatmobile

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sgnimj96
Turbo Charger
Posts: 259
Joined: Thu Feb 20, 2014 2:08 pm

VNT turbo actuator changeout

Post by sgnimj96 »

How many gaskets do I need to get to change the turbo actuator in an ALH? (doesn't hold vacuum)
Just the manifold and downpipe, or is there a few more that I should get?
I may need to clean up the turbo inside as well after I take the assembly off, never messed with a turbo before.
81' Scirocco 1.6D (conversion)
86 Golf 1.6D
85' 300TD
Fatmobile
Global Moderator
Posts: 7564
Joined: Wed Oct 30, 2002 10:28 pm
Location: north central Iowa

Re: VNT turbo actuator changeout

Post by Fatmobile »

I suppose when a VNT-15 is on a TDI
it's hard to get to without removing the manifolds.
Probably can't just come at it from underneath.

I'm not much help with this one yet.
Though I do own a TDI project,
I'm just starting to figure these out.

I have pulled several of these vacuum motors apart before.
On the rabbit VNT-15 projects I switch from vacuum to boost actuated.
'91 Golf gasser converted to a 12mm pump, M-TDI.
'84 1.6TD Rabbit with a VNT-15 turbo, still setup to run on vegetable oil.
'84 GTI with 1.7TD pistons and intercooled.
2003 TDI wagon
2000 TDI Jetta.
sgnimj96
Turbo Charger
Posts: 259
Joined: Thu Feb 20, 2014 2:08 pm

Re: VNT turbo actuator changeout

Post by sgnimj96 »

I'll be pulling the whole manifold, there is an exhaust leak going on too. I have to keep the a/c blower on recirculate or smells of exhaust inside a bit.
81' Scirocco 1.6D (conversion)
86 Golf 1.6D
85' 300TD
sgnimj96
Turbo Charger
Posts: 259
Joined: Thu Feb 20, 2014 2:08 pm

Re: VNT turbo actuator changeout

Post by sgnimj96 »

well after removing the actuator, the turbo vanes weren't sticking at all - so I decided to keep it simple and not take more apart than needed.

finally got the new actuator
Vacuum still wasn't making it to the new actuator - turned out the vacuum check valve was stopped up with crud?
cleaned it out and it didn't work anymore as a check valve but allowed vacuum and turbo works now. Got one coming from oreally's (uro version $9) - those things are WAY overpriced.

I do need to hook up a temporary boost gauge since I don't have vagcom. I'll worry about the exhaust leak later, I didn't see any visual evidence while under there..
81' Scirocco 1.6D (conversion)
86 Golf 1.6D
85' 300TD
Fatmobile
Global Moderator
Posts: 7564
Joined: Wed Oct 30, 2002 10:28 pm
Location: north central Iowa

Re: VNT turbo actuator changeout

Post by Fatmobile »

Glad you got it working.
Sounds like a simple fix.
'91 Golf gasser converted to a 12mm pump, M-TDI.
'84 1.6TD Rabbit with a VNT-15 turbo, still setup to run on vegetable oil.
'84 GTI with 1.7TD pistons and intercooled.
2003 TDI wagon
2000 TDI Jetta.
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