Ticking [After Installing Boost Controller]

[Chris138]

Had my Profec B Spec II installed today, although after being recommended not to play with the settings until I get a proper boost gauge, I have not yet boosted the levels.

Just for a quick play, I had these levels
SET = 20%
GAIN = 15%

Obviously no extreme boost levels there but i noticed that as soon as boost comes on (2.5k-3k rpm), a low-pitched but distinct ticking noise appears.The noise is coming from behind the glovebox. I'm assuming it's something to do with the turbo side of things.

With the assumption that it was something to do with the boost controller, i turned the boost pressure (SET) right down to 0% and GAIN to 5% so was basically running factory boost (5psi). Ticking noise disappeared when boost came on and even at high RPM, still no ticking noise!

The ticking doesn't happen when revving at idle.

After a quick google, I've noticed a few answers to other people's "ticking" noise. (Note, that none of these were relevant to skylines)
Answers that came up were
-Exhaust manifold gasket
-Factory solenoid coming into contact with the body of the car
-Loose turbo heat shield

Has anyone experienced the same or know what the definite cause to the noise is? Hopefully there's no damage to the turbo...

[Joe]

Thats your new boost solenoid buddy.. they can be damn noisy!!

I'm assuming you mounted it somewhere on or near the firewall or strut tower on the passenger side?

[Chris138]

Well I personally didn't install it but I'm pretty certain Shaun (HC Imports/Kensei) mounted the boost solenoid near the strut tower on the passengers side. Although it sounds ridiculously close to the cabin so I could be wrong.

If it's definitely the boost solenoid...easiest way of rectifying the noise? And howcome it only becomes loud when boost pressure is increased?

Thanks for clarifying!

[Joe]

The solenoid becomes loud when boost pressure is increased because its working harder to regulate the higher boost.

If its hard mounted to the metal structure of the car, it'll be super loud. If its mounted on the strut tower or firewall, you'll hear it through the dashboard.

If you can isolate it somewhat with a rubber mount, then it'll be quieter. Mine has a bracket which has a rubber-isolated stud which is what it mounts with.. and it still makes noise. I'd imagine it would be a whole lot worse without it though!

[TJ]

Easiest way to rectify is to remove it.

But since that doesnt help, maybe mount it in a small box or the like with some insulation inside.

[gazza750]

find some rubber grommets to mount it so its not metal on metal contact with boy of car

[Chris138]

Got some photos of the boost solenoid. It seems it's been attached to an existing bracket near the strut tower.

http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/121/l_1ad256acf1e944e593132c179579705b.jpg
http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/145/l_348c971872de4d659e14144f58139ec9.jpg

Best solution to this particular setup?

[cplagz]

Put rubber washers either side of the bolt head? The vibration is travelling through the bolt into the strut tower causing the sound.

[Chris138]

Will try that soon and see how it goes

[Crimson]

Worst come to worst, zip tie it to your plastic/rubber intake piping there. No way it'll transmit noise through your bodywork then. :P

[millzy_88]

Cable ties actually are the answer to everything. Stephen Hawkins should be looking at this, not black holes.

[Chris138]

Just put 2 rubber washes in between the bolt and bracket. Still making the noise and it sounds like it's definitely closer to the firewall so I could be wrong but I don't know if its the solenoid.

Could it be the wiring coming from the boost solenoid? Because that runs up all along the firewall and is only cable tied in one spot. The rest is hanging fairly freely. (See awesome diagram below)

http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/149/l_3d809151c22a4027b7c7619f74b6bff1.jpg

(Yes the photo is old hence the missing solenoid)

[cplagz]

Unlikely - take the solenoid off and zip tie it somehwere off the bodywork - go for a drive see if you can still hear it.

[Joe]

It will still be the solenoid.. mine is mounted on the strut tower in a similar fashion to yours (but on the drivers side instead), and I can hear it ticking very loudly from behind the dash

[RRob]

What setting is the "set gain" set at?

[Chris138]

Joe's right, its the solenoid. I unbolted the solenoid from the strut tower and just left it free hanging not making any contact with the body of the car. Took it round the block and there was no ticking.

I've only used 2 tiny rubber washers in between the bolt, bracket and body and they did nothing. Anyone recommend something a little more efficient?

RRob, the set gain is at 0. I've only touched the SET and GAIN.