Gotcha, thanks for that, this is my first turbo car so I wasn't sure about that. I Definitely have to test for boost leaks then.

 

Alright, so I did the boost leak test with the tennis ball, and I don't know if it's "the" issue, but I did find 2 significant leaks.

The first was the round check valve under the intake cover. It was cracked on the bottom side that I couldn't see. And the second is the big thick hose that is directly underneath the intake manifold that had a big crack.

So I'm gonna replace those and check the boost leaks again to see where that leaves me

 

my catalytic converter blew off the turbo earlyer this week. took the exaust system out and got it rewelded. but when i was looking inside the exaust side of the turbo my wastegate swing valve was shredded. I ve looked every where to find a new swing waste gate with no luck. has anyone removed a k03 internal wastegate. i m losing boost and its kill my mpg. 1999.5 AEb b5 1.8t quattro

 

Give these guys a call http://g-popshop.com/

 

i gave em a call. i have to replace the whole exaust side of the turbo. +$250.lame

getting the cat off was lame, getting it back on even more so. and now i get to do it again and pull the turbo in freezing cold. Maybe that ko4 might be an option.

fyi any one with a 1.8t passat or audi and is having transmission problems. check those check valves. i went to u-pull it today and a sweet passat was junked do to a bad trans. i found the melted inline check valve. whoops look like the shop didnt catch it. $15 part could of kept that car running

 

What you need is a stubby ratcheting wrench (i.e. GearWrench) and a half moon wrench for that. It won't be too bad with those.