supercharger boost gauge red line whenever i touch the gas

[Rcassetty77]

I have a 2001 SSEi whenever i touch the gas the supercharger gauge goes in the yellow (all the way) also when I'm driving and go into to the Passing gear the motor sputters and loses power. Any ideas?

[nos4blood70]

Sounds like a clogged cat. The lack of flow may be making your boost stack.

[Rcassetty77]

Ok. Is there any way confirm that? Should a ses light be on?

[nos4blood70]

You can get under the car and tap on the cat with a screwdriver or whatever. If it rattles, it's bad.

Also, at night. After driving the car, take a look under it and if the cat is bad it should be glowing.

[Rcassetty77]

Ok. Thanks. I'll check that out. Im gonna try to have it replaced tomorrow if i can. I'll let you know how it turns out. Thanks for the help. Much appreciated.

[Rcassetty77]

Well cat is good. Changed plugs and wires. No change. Frustrated

[crash93ssei]

I see you are in Flint, I am about an hour away from you just outside of Midland. If you ever make it up this way I could take a look at it for you. How did you test the cat?

Have you checked fuel pressure?

[Rcassetty77]

No. I haven't checked fuel pressure. That's a good idea. I took the car to mufller man. They blew a hole in the pipe and checked it.?. If i can't figure it out by the weekend maybe i can come see you if you have time look at it. I appreciate the offer.

[crash93ssei]

I will actually be working this weekend 6 am - 6 pm so that wouldn't work very good. I have Thursday and Friday off though if that helps at all. I can't promise anything as I am no mechanic but I have done more wrenching on these cars then most here except maybe one or two people wouldn't cost anything but gas money though.

[Rcassetty77]

Ok,No problem, I'll get back you on whether i can make out up there Thursday our Friday. I'll be working till 2:30. Ids daylight a problem? I wouldn't be able to get up there until about 5

[crash93ssei]

Not a huge problem, I have a flashlight so that should work to do what would need to be done.

[Rcassetty77]

okay. I will get back with you tomorrow and let you know for sure if I can make it and which day.we can also switch numbers then and i can get your address if that's ok. I really appreciate all the help.

[redzmonte]

any chance you have a mechanical boost gauge around to verify the boost readings? Fuel pressure has no relation to boost levels but can bog if you are low pressure and high boost. Any modifications to the car or is it stock? testing cat can also be done with a digital temp gun.. should raise ~150* from the front to the back.. higher then that will be plugged cat and lower then that will be bad cat.
There are only a couple things that can raise the boost:
* Smaller Pulley on S/C (or larger crank pulley.. not something thats done on a 3800 tho)
* Plugged Exhaust (causing boost stacking as stated above tipically plugged cat)

Stock at sea level you should be seeing Aporx 7-8 PSI stock.. I would verify with a boost gauge if you are getting more then that. MIGHT (big might) Be a stock boost gauge not reading accurate then if thats the case then you will be looking more at fuel.. Filter, Pump to get spuddering and bogging.

MIGHT also be helpfull to spend 30-40 bux to have a shop diagnose it... depending on what needs to be fixed it will would be a well spend money to save the time and headache.

If your boost gauge maxes out when you barley touch the throttle then i also would put money on a plugged cat.

S

[Rcassetty77]

I've only had the car for three weeks now. The only upgrade i have installed was a cold air intake. Whether the person before me changed the pulley or installed a 180° thermostat i don't know. What is the stock pulley size? I will take it to a that my friend recommended on Fri. I will have them check it out. Thanks for the advice I will post the results as soon as i get some.

[redzmonte]

Stock pulley is 3.8" (on the ribs) and is pretty destict looking.. usually has a blue dot on it. and the end of the stock pulley has a breather that is made of stone in the center.

[Rcassetty77]

Stock pulley! Can they leak out of the pulley area? There seems to be some thick dried up oil on the inner side of the pulley and on the back side puff the nose cone that i didn't notice before now. That being said i know the sc has oil in it and what would happen from it having a low oil level?

[Rcassetty77]

I'm going to have it changed. Should i change the coupler while I'm at it or should i not fix something that isn't broken?

[redzmonte]

Yes, the snout seal can leak. mine leaks a little (not bad). just keep an eye on it and make sure it doesnt dry up and damage the bearings/coupler. should take about 2 bottles of GM SC oil to bring the oil to the bottom thread of the fill plug. they are slightly lower then that stock but filling to the threads is what everyone does so it apperently dont hurt anything. if there is crud on the back of the pulley and snout, wipe clean with a rag and spray some brake cleaner to clean off. not a big deal.

If the coupler is not rattling then dont worry about the coupler. Suck out the old oil threw the fill plug hole and fill to the threads with new oil... FYI it FUKN Stinks so might wanna try not to spill any on you and hold your breath... made from animal fats and other stinky stuff.

S

[Rcassetty77]

Really? Wtf? I heard it stinks but didn't know was like that. As far as i know it's never been changed. I'm sure 140,000 miles of churned animal fats is gonna be ripe! I really appreciate the help. Its nice finally get some on the supercharger.

[Rcassetty77]

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