Car hesitates when turbo kicks in?

[josephah2000]

Anyone know what are some causes of my car hesitating when the turbo kicks in? It almost seems like when I had a timing problem in another car, but only with a turbo. If that makes sense.

[brink]

If it's hesitating how do you know that the turbo has "kicked in", as you say?

You're not referring to turbo lag are you?

Would a lean condition do that, maybe?

[MRQtwinturbo]

when was the last time u changed ur ignition components??.....u could also have a exhaust leak...i used to have crazy hesitation when my manifold was leaking.....could never hit full boost.....

[Ratko]

josephah2000: Im having the same issue with my 91... it accellerates fine before it hits boost, and when boost kicks in it pulls hard for about a second, then the revs stop climbing and the car doesnt pull anymore - yet the boost pressure is still holding and the BOV works and everything...

I just bought new plugs, wires, cap, rotor, and fuel filter, and Im gonna install it this weekend and see if thats it. And im gonna try and check my timing and make sure its 10 BTDC, and not more... because if the timing is too advanced then there is a high chance that the knock sensor is pulling the timing due to preignition/detonation.

[mr2freak]

its probably caused by the knock sensor

[mr2trd]

i have a similar situation. when cold and accelerating, the turbo doesn't provide consistant or smooth boost. is this normal??

[MRQtwinturbo]

^^do u mean when its cold outside or when engine temp is cold...

[mr2trd]

when the motor is cold and not at optimum operating temp. the turbo boost isn't very smooth, kinda pulsating if you will. but after full boost, it runs fine. once the engine is warmed up, the turbo runs fine also. thanks.

[mr2trd]

my bad, i don't mean to say full boost...like at 9psi. i meant to say that when the turbo starts spooling smoothly like..at 3000rpms.

[MRQtwinturbo]

u have to let the car warm up and get to normal operating temp before u start boosting......

if the engine is still cold...the ECU will go in "limp" mode and won't let u over boost....

tell me u cool down the car also after u drive....simple lil things will prolong the life of ur turbo and engine....

[mr2trd]

yep, i do. got a GReddy turbo timer. usually i give it 20secs for normal easy driving and 40 secs for a little harder driving like freeway speed....not redlining every gear (i'd never do that!). is that sufficient? thanks.

[MRQtwinturbo]

don't even get into boost until ur car is at normal operating temps....u can tell by when ur temp guage reaches close to middle....take care of ur car...and she will take care of you...

[Piddy]

^ I think that applies to all cars. I believe if you let your car warm up you will have a lot better luck in the long run. There are always those times when you just have to GO!!! But I think adding a minute to your late time... (unless you get fired).

[josephah2000]

Ok, but what if it jerks a little.

[MRQtwinturbo]

^^theres still something wrong...boost should come on strong and smoothly if no problems......i know right away if something isn't right by how she drives and idles.....