Volvo V40 ph1 T4: 18 psi actuator experience

[gazO2V40T4]

How did this happen

[edang]

Well, I'm not sure but I was driving on the highway in fourth gear doing 3500 rpm. Then I put the pedal down but all I got was slow acceleration, no push in the back and the boost meter needle stuck at 0 boost.

For some reason the actuator rod simply came out, got loose and the wastegate flap wide open. It looks like inside the actuator the nut came off, releasing the rod.

I've put back the old actuator, of which I thought was leaking, but it still works perfect! I adjusted the rod and gave it maximum turns until I could turn no further, now controlling boost with my foot . Rocket-time haha, can't put my foot down totally.


Whether I have bad luck or the Kinugawa's build quality is below expectations. I don't know...

By the way, with the Kinugawa actuator at 17-18 psi base pressure, boost peaked at 21-22 psi causing the engine to knock noticeably, that is what I have experienced. It's like you hear and feel a lot of marbles in the engine rattle. Below 16-17 psi, it is not noticable (not meaning it isn't there...). So ignition/combustion is going to be f*cked up if you mess with the boost too much.

[edang]

This is what happened:

[gazO2V40T4]

Looks like you will be getting your wallet out again just have done with it and order a forge actuator they are about £160 bit they are fully adjustable and serviceable they can even supply it with your chosen minimum boost level go for it you know it makes sense

[edang]

No, I'm gonna stick with the OEM actuator now. I feel nothing wrong with that one, even if you adjust the rod to the max. I don't doubt Forge will be ok, but I also feel the OEM actuator is strong enough to cope with the higher max. boost (until the opposite is proven).