GM 1.4L Turbo Boost & Coolant Leak Testing Kits

48077 Views 31 Replies 9 Participants Last post by frankh, Dec 4, 2020

XtremeRevolution

Discussion Starter · Aug 29, 2018 (Edited)

GM 1.4L Turbo Boost & Coolant Leak Testing Kits

Overview
I've created a kit that can be used with an air compressor to test for vacuum leaks, boost leaks, and external coolant leaks on the 1.4L Turbo LUV, LUJ, and A14NET engines. This kit applies to the following vehicles with the 1.4L Turbo:

2011-2016 Limited 1.4L Cruze
2011-2018 Chevy Sonic/Aveo
2015+ Chevy Trax
2015+ Buick Encore
2011+ Opel/Vauxhall Corsa (Turbo only)
2009+ Opel/Vauxhall Astra J (Turbo only)
2010+ Opel/Vauxhall Meriva B
2011+ Opel/Vauxhall Zafira Tourer

Here's a video showing how to boost leak test this engine:

Here's a video showing how to coolant leak test this engine:
https://youtu.be/RhyNvvXpUH0

The boost leak test kits plug into the intake manifold while capping off the turbo. Make sure the clamp on the turbo cap is tight. You will need an air compressor regulated to no more than 25 psi (or be very careful opening the valve) in order to boost leak test this engine. To pressurize the cooling system to imitate full operating temp running pressure, some additional fittings are included to adapt the kit for coolant testing use. The boost and coolant leak tester kit uses a high quality, accurate 60 PSI gauge with brass fittings and an air hose connection to test with and comes with everything pictured below. Note that the air tool plug used is a common M-Style plug that will need a compatible coupler.

Common areas to search for boost leaks:
- Turbo to charge pipe connection
- Charge pipe to intercooler connections (both sides)
- Intake manifold gasket
- Throttle body gasket
- Intake manifold check valve (see https://youtu.be/En4WO7DYsTk)
- Wastegate actuator hose
- Bypass valve hose (passenger side underneath intake manifold
- All sensors on the intake manifold and charge pipe

Common areas to search for coolant leaks:
- Crack in the surge tank/reservoir
- Water outlet
- Water pump
- Thermostat housing

Purchase Details

Orders are now handled on my website, where the Boost/Coolant leak test kit and the coolant-only testing parts can be ordered:http://www.cruzekits.com/

Note: The CruzeKits.com site is new so it may not load the first time you go to the site; if the link doesn't work, hit it a second time and it should show up.

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21 - 32 of 32 Posts

Blasirl

· #21 · Oct 1, 2019

XtremeRevolution said:
Just because the nipple is there doesn't mean it doesn't leak, or that it's not cracked behind.

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So do you have an idea where the leak may be coming from - reference the video.

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XtremeRevolution

Discussion Starter · #22 · Oct 1, 2019

Blasirl said:
So do you have an idea where the leak may be coming from - reference the video.

Can't tell from the video but it's a huge leak. Start spraying everything in the engine bay with soapy water and see where it starts bubbling.

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Blasirl

· #23 · Oct 1, 2019

XtremeRevolution said:
Can't tell from the video but it's a huge leak. Start spraying everything in the engine bay with soapy water and see where it starts bubbling.

Sent from my BlackBerry Key2 using Tapatalk

It occurs when I hit 13-17 psi, but only with constant pressure. When I drive it only happens on occasion and I can tell because the engine bogs a bit.

On my second try, I did spray soapy water and no bubbles. It does get louder as get closer to the bottom of the throttle body spacer though as seen at about 2:20-2:30

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Andy6968

· #24 · Oct 25, 2019

Blasirl said:
It occurs when I hit 13-17 psi, but only with constant pressure. When I drive it only happens on occasion and I can tell because the engine bogs a bit.

On my second try, I did spray soapy water and no bubbles. It does get louder as get closer to the bottom of the throttle body spacer though as seen at about 2:20-2:30

Hi Blasirl,

Did you ever found the leak? Asking because I might have a similar if not the same one lol.

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Blasirl

· #25 · Oct 27, 2019

No I have not and because of that I will not do any mods that increase my boost pressure.

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Andy6968

· #26 · Oct 28, 2019

Are you getting any check engine codes?

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Blasirl

· #27 · Oct 28, 2019

I have since then, but have corrected them so far. I do not think they are related as the leak is not something that occurs at normal boost levels.

The 171 was from when I checked on the orange nipple and accidentally pulled the clip out too far and subsequently lost the plastic ring when it and the o-ring fell out.

I've cleaned the MAF &, Turbo Boost sensors as well cleaning and re-oiling my air cleaner and that has cleared the other two.

P0420, p0171, P0?? I forgot the last one, but it was like P0129 if I remember correctly.

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Blasirl

· #28 · Jul 1, 2020

ChevyGuy said:
Unfortunately, not all of us are in a position to have a compressor. Is this something that could work with a small tire pump? Perhaps one of those small ones powered from the cigarette lighter?

I know this is older than dirt, but it just occurred to me that you could possibly use a portable air tank with the hose modified to attach to the leak tester. I bought mine from Menards for $20 or so.

This is one from HF: 5 gallon Portable Air Tank

With this coupon good for the Holiday it will be only $23.99

Or if you can't make it this weekend, this one is good to the end of the year:

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frankh

· #29 · Nov 29, 2020

An old post I know but I finally got around to boost leak testing the 1.4 turbo... wow! Throttle body connection was leaking like crazy (fixed by tightening the clamp) and a significant leak along the front of the valve cover gasket.

I didn't get to the soapy water test as I have probably found most of my leaks and the valve cover gasket was spitting oil at me. So I'll fix that first.

No underboost codes even with these leaks so I assume my turbo is working well, even at 120,000 miles.

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frankh

· #30 · Dec 3, 2020

OK so valve cover gasket replaced with a Felpro blue silicone deal.. Much better, and no leaks. The old gasket came out in pieces.. Yes a genuine GM gasket.. geez.

Now the oil filler cap is leaking (no biggie), fixed some leaks where I connected up my home made fitting for the PCV bypass kit.

I have one leak at the base of a fuel injector.. These are just standard O rings yes??

I need to jack the car up to get to the intercooler connections but I ran out of time.

The thing is certainly holding a lot more boost than it was!

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