I installed a boost controller some time ago, and have been experimenting with the ALDA adjustment screw. I started out with a half turn, then went another half turn, then went another half turn (all counterclockwise of course), but then decided to go clockwise one half turn. So the net of it is that I turned it 360 degrees counterclockwise. I read a lot in the archieves about how these ALDA's can fail sometimes and I realized that if it failed, I probably wouldn't know what to look for. So, I pose the question to you all; how do you know when you have a bad ALDA? Thanks!

Alex

__________________
1983 300D (parked for four years)
2012 VW Sportwagen TDI Manual
2001 Miata SE
1962 Chevrolet Corvair Rampside

Hey DieselHead!

We haven't talked about boost for a little while now! Tell me more about your boost controller install. Did you have any problems? Which one did you get? Anyway, onto your question. An easy way to adjust the ALDA properly is to turn it counterclockwise (gently) until the screw stops, and then turn it half a turn clockwise. If your turbo boost is at the upper limit of factory spec, you will see no noticeable increase in smoke. But the difference in acceleration is amazing.

If you have broken the ALDA, the injection pump will not see any "boost signal" and you will have the performance of a non-turbo engine. I'm sure you'll be able to feel the difference. (hideous lag at initial takeoff, 0-60 takes longer than 15 seconds, etc.)

I didn't quite turn my ALDA screw counterclockwise until it stopped. I figured that because it's a pretty sensitive part, I didn't want to overdo it. I don't get much smoke now, a little under full acceleration at high RPM's. The boost is set at about 13 to 13.5 psi max. The off the line acceleration is much much better now, but I'm assuming that that's a result of the ALDA being adjusted. At highway speeds, the car is a little better but I don't know if I would call it amazing. I can definitely get going to 60MPH on highway onramps. Maybe I should turn the ALDA another half turn counterclockwise? When I had it set like that, I thought I noticed a bit more smoke, and that's why I turned it back in a half turn.

The installation of the boost controller (I got the same one you did from dawesdevices.com) was fairly straight forward. I used your guidelines but didn't copy it exactly. The vacuum hoses and adapters/connectors were slightly different.

How high can I dial in the boost to? Do you think 15 psi max is pushing it?

Thanks

Alex

__________________
1983 300D (parked for four years)
2012 VW Sportwagen TDI Manual
2001 Miata SE
1962 Chevrolet Corvair Rampside

hey fellas, I just installed the Dawes Devices boost controller and JC Whitney gauge this morning and locked the boost in at just under 13.5psi @ 3500 rpm - my '84 300D is quite a bit quicker, now, from full stop and at cruising speed.
To install the boost control, I did not find it necessary to purchase any extra tubing or fittings - in fact I even threw asside the silver tubing that was included from Dawes. I simply cut a 2" segment from the existing line, inserted the device, and used the tie wraps that came with the controller as hose clamps. Worked fine.
Speedy, I'm scared of the ALDA! Is it really worth it? Bringing boost into spec. is one thing...; I would like to see what my new (to me) 300DT can do though.
Anyhow, I'm glad that the mod. was so simple to perform!