boost leaks detection

[yotamhks]

i recently encountered with boost leaks with a car i tuned.
the map sensor reading were stable, but, a faulty idle speed valve was sending the boost through.
that car was poorly built and didint recycle it's ISV into it's intercooler piping.
the map sensor read about 3 psi of boost, also the other mechanical gauges attached to the vaccum hose junction
read the same. i have replaced that valve and got a new boost reading so i understand it's malfunction.

the thing is, how can it be detected, without pressure testing the boost pipes?

[DarrenR]

That sort of leak would be fairly difficult to detect electronically while running.
The only way i could think to do it is to use an air mass sensor and map your MAP, Eng RPM, Air temp etc. to do a comparison. A small leak probably still wouldn't show up...

[stevieturbo]

Sounds like the ISCV was causing a massive leak if you wqere only seeing 3psi. Surely this would have been clearly audible ?

[yotamhks]

the car actualy run about 5-6 psi, and no, it wasnt audiable, the car has open exhaust piping and it
could not be detected by ear.