Resolute1

Have searched and can't find anything on this.

My 3.3 Turbo started losing boost around 5200 RPM the other day.

After some inspection it appears that my plastic/rubber intake pipe (PN unknown) is collapsing under boost. Pic attached for reference.

So, has anyone had experience with this or seen it? If so, what can be done?

Secondary to the above - aside from it just becoming weak what would cause this part to collapse? Could there be some diminished airflow causing this (a la drinking straw in a thick milkshake {best I could do})

As always, thanks in advance for useful input.

Resolute1

Here is a pic of the part I'm referencing

Metal Guru

There should be a metal support (think of a pipe within a pipe) at both ends to prevent that from happening. I would surmise that that reinforcement is missing. In that event you will need a new pipe.
To remove it you will need to get under the car and loosen the clamp between the pipe and the 90 degree silicone elbow to the compressor. Every time I've accessed that joint I've had my bumper off. Otherwise access is tight there.
Up top you will need to remove your intercooler to have room to work.
Part number is 964-110-279-20.

Resolute1

Thanks once again. Clearly you have a strong knowledge with these cars!

My problem developed on dyno on 3rd pull. The good news is she made great power 310/300 hp/tq at the wheels after replacing an actuator. Cheers.

Mike

C2 Turbo

Paul should change his name to " 964 Turbo Guru"

Yes he's right and the metal ring that he's referring to has probably fallen inside that hose.

Metal Guru

You guys are too kind
I've had my car apart so many times for different things (my OCD) that I've memorized every inch of it, unfortunately.

Resolute1

Well, it wasn't the metal rings as they are still in place as shown.

Does this tube weaken over time or any other ideas?

Thanks again!

urquattro20Vt

My last toy car was like that. If I saw even the smallest bolt on the garage floor I knew where it went. Worked on that car a lot.

This car...luckily I haven't yet had to be so intimate - been such a good car. Just driving it. That said it looks like I'll finally just pay to have this oil leak fixed - not comfortable re-timing one of these motors without an experienced mentor (with all the right tools) in the garage with me. So Paul if you feel like visiting Denver..!

urquattro20Vt

Back to OP - why do you think it's that tube? Isn't it a fairly hard plastic? Sure it's not a boost leak?

Resolute1

We watched it collapse. Have pressure tested entire system with no leaks.

~ Mike

peterpullin

this is the sucking tube that fills the turbo with air, right? not the preasure tube going to the intercooler. so if this colapses, the turbo sucks more air as this tube can deliver. why? may be your airfilter is shot or something blocks the incoming air in your car. may be a mecanic left some paper or parts in your aircleaner assembly.

urquattro20Vt

huh. Well that just seems odd to me - but if you've seen it happen then it's hard to argue with that and at least you know the problem. Just a matter of replacing - and it will be interesting to see your comments on how the new one seems to differ (more rigid, more supporting metal rings? etc) from the old one...

Metal Guru

I'm in Frisco today but just passing through.

Metal Guru

The pop rivet heads won't let those pipes seal correctly. I would remove them.
The flange above isn't exactly round. That needs to be fixed too.
I vote for checking the air filter for cleanliness as Pete mentioned.
Were you seeing any black smoke from the exhaust or stumbling during acceleration before the pipe collapsed? That would be a sure sign of a dirty air filter.

ralt

Let me go out on a long limb and say no way is the intake tube the problem. It is solid plastic. The elbow above it with the shut off valve is much softer.If you are seeing to tube collapse under pressure than it must be made of FUNNY STUFF! I would look elsewhere.
Must now wait to see if limb breaks.