wastegate controller PSD F 350 Dually

[isa540]

Hello,
I own late 1998 model [7/1998 is manufacturing date to be exact] PSD F 350 dually. I was checking turbo wastegate controller by hand and I noticed it is almost impossible to move. I thought I should be able to move it back and forth but it didn’t move at all. Is this normal? If not, what could be done to correct the issue? The truck runs fine, however turbo whistle is somehow less audible than it was before when you accelerate while driving at highway speeds.
Thanks in advance,
Isaac

[eschaner]

You can take an air hose and blow into the wastegate nipple. Be sure to set the air flow at 10-15 psi. So you don't blow the wastegate out. If the wastegate does not move at all, it is bad or let it go. It will give you more boost instead of opening. But you should have gauges to watch the boost psi. But if it is stuck open replace it. All the boost is going out the exhaust.

[isa540]

Thanks Eschaner, i will try your suggestion to see if it moves with 10-15 psi and will go from there.

[alabamafrog]

I believe your truck is an early 99 just like mine. You should not be able to open the wastegate by hand, it has a spring inside to hold it shut. A shut wastegate will not hurt anything, boost is regulated by fuel. Heck the 94-97 trucks don’t even have a wastegate. If you noticing signs of lower boost then it may be dust leaking by the factory filter and eating up your turbo impeller and engine compression. Take the intake hose off and visually inspect the impeller for good sharp corners and feel of it for too much play, also check inside the hoses for signs of dust trails. This is of course assuming that you haven’t thrashed the factory air box and put the DIY intake system on yet. (no info in your signature)

[alabamafrog]

Here is what a new impeller looks like for an early 99 and an old dusted one

[isa540]

I didn't even know that there was upgraded air filter for our trucks, i read it in some of the post here and ordered AIS severe duty filter 3 weeks ago and installed it last weekend. Frankly, during installation i did not check the condition of the impeller. I am planning on doing it soon to see if there is any sign of wear or bent.
Also, does it really increase the boost if i install after market waste gate [ATS or BD] they all claim that it will increase the boost and HP by simply changing the wastegate.

[alabamafrog]

You get boost from burning fuel, stock trucks boost around 15-18 psi under heavy load. Chipped trucks can get near 30 psi. The Ford AIS is a good filtering system but in my opinion the DIY is as good or better and costs around $40 to do. My truck had been dusted by the factory system before I bought it.