Wastegate Wiggle - the wiggle bit...

[JossElan]

Hi all,

Background. I've been having some rough running issues with my Elan - the engine loses power and the engine light comes on as soon as the revs get to the point that the turbo is kicking in. (Interestingly, I don't get an error code when conducting the paperclip test - just the 12 code.) I therefore assume it is a problem with the wastegate(?) I've followed the steps outline in the Wiki articles for the wastegate wiggle; I've removed the heat shield (sheering a bolt in the process! ), and released the actuation pressure pipe and diaphragm bracket. However, I haven't removed the circlip from the bottom of the peg at the end of the actuation shaft.

Issue. What is it that I'm actually supposed to wiggle? How much and in what direction/plane. The article says the following, but I'm finding it hard to transcribe this to the real world:

"This then allows you to move the whole diaphragm and rod from side to side (Wiki Wastegate Wiggle), which soon has it running silky smooth. Make sure the wastegate shaft is turned over it's full range (approximately 90°) as there is often evidence of sticking at the extremes of travel."

Am I supposed to move the actuator rod left and right, along the axis of the rod, (or back and forth, towards and away from the engine) in order to force the wastegate shaft around both the turbo and actuator rod pins? The shaft seems pretty unwilling to move so don't want to force and damage anything. Do I also need to wiggle the diaphragm end? Any advice would be very gratefully received. Don't suppose anyone has a video of them do it?

Thanks

[Simon_P]

Assuming that the actuator rod is free to rotate about the actuator rod pin.
The wastegate shaft rotates in the Wastegate/Turbo housing, so your main effort should be to rotate it. As it is a fulcrum, to make it rotate your action should be to push and pull on the actuator rod. If it is really stuck it would be better to remove the actuator rod. Use plenty of easing fluid.

[JossElan]

Many thanks - Will have another look now...

[Rice crispy]

Where are you maybe someone local who can come and have a look

[epipete]

What is is that I'm actually supposed to wiggle? How much and in what direction/plain. The article says the following, but I'm finding it hard to transcribe this to the real world:

"This then allows you to move the whole diaphragm and rod from side to side (Wiki Wastegate Wiggle), which soon has it running silky smooth. Make sure the wastegate shaft is turned over it's full range (approximately 90°) as there is often evidence of sticking at the extremes of travel."

Am I supposed to move the actuator rod left and right, along the axis of the rod?

Yes, as I understand it, it should move from Right to Left - use some grips of some sort, clasp the actuator rod and slide it from right to left and back again a few times!

[JossElan]

Thanks for the posts. The pin at the turbo housing end of the shaft seems pretty loose; however the pin connecting the actuator rod is stuck fast. I've tried to ease it off but its bloody difficult to get any purchase on it and no too keen to grip the rod in case I bend it - any thoughts?

(I'm near Bedale in North Yorks)

[GeoffSmith]

Personally, I'd remove the capsule from the turbo housing. The first time I did mine, it quickly seized up again. It was only when the capsule was removed that i could feel that it was sticking at the extremes of travel (or wastegate fully open and fully closed) and it took a lot of exercising before it eased off over the whole range of movement.

[JossElan]

Personally, I'd remove the capsule from the turbo housing.

Hi Geoff,

By 'remove the capsule' do you mean do more than unbolting the diaphragm bracket and actuation pressure pipe? I've done that and the wastegate capsule is now only attached by the actuation rod.

The shaft only seems to be moving around the turbo housing pin but I can't get full rotation because the other pin at the rod end is stuck. It seems like a funny thing to become stuck - is it usually the turbo housing pin that gets stuck?