R32 Gtr Stock Turbo Question

[swith]

Hi guys,

I have a bit of a noob question.

Was cleaning around the turbos today and saw something that looked like someone has welded the waste gate shaft to the turbo housing. Both turbos are the same (see pic below)

Is this normal or does it mean my waste gates are welded shut?

Cheers

[Ben C34]

Wow! That's not normal!

What boost are you running?

[swith]

apparently running stock boost. I've only had the car for a few weeks and have not taken it up to red line (mainly because I am still discovering the car not sure if its safe to rev it up all the way)

The only boost gauge is the factory one in the center console. So cant say how much boost its exactly making.

But normal driving at around 3000-5000 rpm feels normal with the factory boost gauge going up about 3/4 of the dial.

[swith]

Can someone with stock turbos please look in the bonnet and confirm if their turbos have this weld spot (or not) please? The reason is that after reading some web information, there are some articles that suggest this is normal and what you see could be just the housing for waste gate pin spot welded on to turbo housing to hold in position. If that is the case, this weld spot is normal and will be in all stock turbos.

Will appreciate it very much if someone can confirm this to me...

Cheers

[Ben C34]

Can you move the actuator by hand?that would instantly answer your concerns.

[swith]

I tried it when I first discovered this but could not move.

After all the reading last night and your suggestion Ben, I just tried it again this time with long screwdriver to give me more leverage and yes it moves

the actuator spring is very strong!

So this seem to be normal. The weld is indeed on the waste gate pin housing, holding it in place.

Thanks for trying to help me mate