If you’re a car enthusiast, then you’ve probably heard the term “boost creep” before. But what does it mean? And more importantly, what effect does it have on your car’s engine? In this blog post, we will discuss what boost creep is, and how to diagnose and fix it if it happens to your car. So sit back, relax, and let us teach you all about boost creep!
Lets Take A Look!
How A Car Regulates Boost Pressure
A turbo wastegate is a valve that regulates the exhaust flow from a turbine in a car’s turbocharger. The wastegate controls the boost pressure in the car by opening and closing to regulate the airflow to the turbine. When the wastegate is open, exhaust gases can escape and bypass the turbine, which reduces the amount of boost pressure in the car.
When the wastegate is closed, all of the exhaust gases are forced through the turbine, which increases the amount of boost pressure in the car.
The wastegate is opened and closed by an actuator that is controlled by a vacuum hose. The vacuum hose is connected to a port on the engine that receives manifold pressure. When there is high manifold pressure, it means that there is high boost pressure in the car. This high boost pressure signals the actuator to open the wastegate, which allows exhaust gases to bypass the turbine and reduce the amount of boost pressure in the car.
When there is low manifold pressure, it means that there is low boost pressure in the car. This low boost pressure signals the actuator to close the wastegate, which forces all of the exhaust gases through the turbine and increases the amount of boost pressure in the car.
The turbo wastegate is an important part of a car’s turbocharger because it helps to control the amount of boost pressure in the car. By regulating the exhaust flow from the turbine, the wastegate can keep the boost pressure at a safe level so that the engine is not damaged by too much pressure.
What Is Boost Creep?
Boost creep is a condition in which the boost levels increase past what the predetermined level has been set at by the tuner.
Boost creep can be caused by a number of factors, but is most commonly the result of a fully open Wastegate not being able to flow enough exhaust to bypass the housing via the Wastegates itself. When this occurs, the boost levels will rise quickly to the predetermined level, but then continue to increase beyond that point as the engine rpm’s increase.
This is because at higher rpm’s there is more exhaust flow present for the Wastegates to bypass, which causes the boost levels to creep up beyond what was originally intended. Boost creep can be a nuisance for those trying to maintain a certain boost level, but can also be dangerous if not monitored properly, as it can lead to engine damage if the boost levels get too high.
What Can Cause Boost Creep?
The most common cause of boost creep is an exhaust leak. Exhaust leaks can occur anywhere in the exhaust system, from the headers all the way back to the tailpipe.
An exhaust leak will allow outside air to enter the exhaust stream, which throws off the balance of gases flowing through the turbocharger. This imbalance can cause the turbine to spin faster than it is intended to, which results in more boost pressure than what has been set by the tuner.
Another common cause of boost creep is a wastegate that is not opening fully. If the wastegate is not opening fully, it will not be able to bypass enough exhaust gas, which will cause the build-up of boost pressure and eventually lead to boost creep.
Lastly, boost creep can also be caused by an airflow restriction in the intake or exhaust system. If there is not enough airflow, the engine will not be able to breathe properly and will start to build up boost pressure. This build-up of pressure can eventually lead to boost creep.
How Can Boost Creep Damage An Engine?
Boost creep can damage an engine in a number of ways. Firstly, if the boost levels get too high, it can cause the pistons to come into contact with the valves. This can lead to bent valves, and in extreme cases, can even cause the piston to shatter.
Secondly, high boost levels can also cause the engine to run lean. This happens when there is not enough fuel being injected into the cylinders to mix with the air. When this occurs, the air-fuel mixture can become too hot, which can cause pre-ignition and engine knock. Engine knock is a condition where the air-fuel mixture ignites prematurely, which causes a knocking noise in the engine and can lead to severe engine damage.
Finally, high boost levels can also cause the engine to overheat. This is because the increased pressure in the cylinders causes the engine to work harder, which generates more heat. If the engine gets too hot, it can lead to piston seizure, head gasket failure, and even engine failure.
How Can You Tell If You Are Suffering From Boost Creep?
Boost creep can be difficult to diagnose without a proper monitoring system in place. However, there are a few telltale signs that you may be experiencing boost creep.
If you suddenly find that your car is making more boost than it did before, it is likely that you have an exhaust leak. Another sign of boost creep is if your car starts to make strange noises when under boost. These noises are usually high-pitched and can be heard coming from the turbocharger area. Lastly, if your car starts to experience engine knock or detonation, it is also a sign that you may be suffering from boost creep.
How To Fix Boost Creep
If you are experiencing boost creep, the first thing you should do is check for exhaust leaks. Exhaust leaks are the most common cause of boost creep, so it is important to make sure that your exhaust system is sealed up tight.
If you cannot find any exhaust leaks, the next step is to check the wastegate actuator. Make sure that the actuator rod is moving freely and that the wastegate is opening fully. If the actuator seems to be sticking or the wastegate is not opening fully, you may need to replace the actuator or adjust the spring tension.
Will An External Wastegate Help?
An external wastegate is a device that is installed outside of the turbocharger housing. The purpose of an external wastegate is to bypass exhaust gases around the turbine, which helps to keep the boost pressure at a safe level.
External Wastegates are not a cure-all for boost creep, but they can help to reduce the chances of boost creep occurring. If you are experiencing boost creep, it is always best to consult with a professional tuner to see if an external wastegate is right for your application.
