wastegate on stock MSM turbo
 

My system is bleeding off boost somewhere and I am suspicious of a stuck wastegate or stuck bypass valve (after checking most everything else). My question is should I be able to move the actuator arm of the stock turbo by hand and if so with what kind of resistance?

Thanks

(in case it helps to answer the question)
Begi CAI system and TB intlet
Fab9 FMIC
Turbosmart BPV set to recirculate
mixture of stock and custom FMIC piping
MS2

when you say bleeding off, what do you mean?
also have you done boost leak test?
you can move it with hand if you're strong enough, so it really depensd

The ego in my fingers that climb a whole lot would say I should be able to move the WG arm. I'll give it another try, I just don't want to hurt the wastegate.

There is a steady hiss of venting air at half to WOT from any rpm in addition to the annoying blow off when I lift to shift (my STi was worlds quieter than this set-up). This hiss has not been there before and there feels to be a loss of power. It is a different feeling and sound from when an intercooler line pops off its hose clamp (I had two different loose clamps at my last track day so I know what that feels like on this car).

the BPV spring seems to be fine after poking in there.

I will log to see if he car is hitting target boost and where vs. it's dyno tune as a means of problem solving but I wanted to get a sense of how easily the WG arm moves.

I dunno on the wastegate, but if you hear an unusual hissing sound, boost leak test time. Also I'd check every hose and make sure they all have clamps and aren't loose or touching anything sharp/abrasive.

I've always needed to make a boost-leak checker.

I've never been able to move my actuator by hand. With vice grips though I could.

I can move mine by hand. Easiest way to check is to blow some compressed air into the wastegate port. It will move.

So tell me, is that reason enough to finally get a compressor?

Msm bypass valves are none to leak. Luckily mine hasn't yet but I would check that out somehow

see first post: "Turbosmart BPV set to recirculate"

Anyhow, got the wastegate to move and it does not seem to be sticking but that is with the car sitting still. Pulled the front fender liner out to check the boost hoses again going to the intercooler and they are fine. So the search goes on.

all the nipples/vacuum lines on the IM are good?
also the valve isn't stuck open?
clogged cat can also cause similar symptoms.

dunno just spitballin here
leak test is 1 priority

ah, now that's actually an idea to consider. all the more reason to run a v-banned 3" exhaust with a take-out cat for when I run high phosphorus oil at the track.