[ddk632]

So, I have the Pure Turbo inlet pipe -- the solid metal one which connects directly to turbo and air intake without any plastic or other connections.

It has 2 o-rings in it on the turbo end, and is designed to stay in place by only fitment - yes, I called Pure Turbos and they confirmed this - it does not get fastened to anything. Does not reuse the 10mm thread/nut that the stock inlet was fastened to the turbo with.

First time I installed it, it had not cleared the 2nd o-ring, and came out after some miles. That was when I called Pure Turbos.

I re-installed it and got it as flush as possible, and it was so far in that at the top, it was touching the cylinder head, meaning, it could not possibly go in any further! See photo of fitment at turbo end below.

It still came out.

I'm wondering if it's possible that

(a) I over-tightened the 2 clamps and rubber tube that connects the inlet pipe to the air intake, and vibration and the snug fitment causes the air intake to pull it out. Going to test that theory

(b) This pipe is defective in some way?

(c) It's just a bad design and doesn't function as it's supposed to.

Does anyone have experience with this pipe and/or any other ideas on what might be going wrong?

[heavyD^2]

I'm not exactly sure why they wouldn't have just added a flange to be secured to the compressor housing. Engines move around and shake so I don't feel 100% confident that O-rings alone may suffice as a seal under positive pressure in this type of installation.

[cecaa850]

I'm thinking (.c) It looks like it could use the factory fastener. I wonder why they left it off of that pipe?

[Pray for Mojo]

Mine hasn't moved, although verifying that is difficult, the plastic accordion intake elbow should keep it in place.

[ddk632]

I spoke to Pure Turbos and sent them the photo I posted here, and was told that the tiny gap is the problem, it has to be completely flush, not just clear both o-rings.

Will try it again and see if it doesn't come out.

[cecaa850]

Originally Posted by heavyD^2

I'm not exactly sure why they wouldn't have just added a flange to be secured to the compressor housing. Engines move around and shake so I don't feel 100% confident that O-rings alone may suffice as a seal under positive pressure in this type of installation.

Wouldn't it be vacuum if anything?

[ddk632]

Originally Posted by Pray for Mojo

Mine hasn't moved, although verifying that is difficult, the plastic accordion intake elbow should keep it in place.

If it backs out even a little bit, you'll hear a metallic whistle whenever you accelerate into boost, and it'll back out pretty quick after that, making the whistle louder.

So chances are, if you're not hearing a metallic whistle, it's still in perfectly.

[NitroBMW]

Originally Posted by cecaa850

Wouldn't it be vacuum if anything?

Under acceleration - The intake tube with filter up to the turbo compressor inlet is at a lower pressure than atmospheric pressure or vacuum. This is mainly due to the restriction of the air filter.

Under deceleration - and just momentarily the intake tube track would be higher than atmospheric as the same amount as the restriction back through the intake filter.

Question is - is this residual back and forth pressure/vacuum enough to overcome the resistance of the o-rings and tension of the plastic intake tube.

And add to the equation above the factor of 200*f heat and vibrations.... hmm

[cecaa850]

Originally Posted by NitroBMW

Question is - is this residual back and forth pressure/vacuum enough to overcome the resistance of the o-rings and tension of the plastic intake tube.

I thought he got the solid metal tube, not the insert that's used with the stock plastic tube.

[ddk632]

Originally Posted by cecaa850

I thought he got the solid metal tube, not the insert that's used with the stock plastic tube.

Correct. However the solid metal tube is connected to the plastic stock air intake tube via a rubber tube and 2 clamps and that definitely puts tension on the metal inlet pipe, especially since the intake is forced toward the front of the car by that grommet right above the grilles.

[3t3p]

Not good to hear, was contemplating this mod.

[ddk632]

Yeah kind of bummed and frustrated.

I took the pipe out today, oiled it up, adjusted the position and got it in further but it still had a tiny wiggle, and a short 2 mile test drive I still hear a faint whistle.

Driving 1400 miles tomorrow so I will know if it backs out or not. Will keep checking at gas stops and have tools on me in case it comes out and I need to fix.

Basically at this point, I am having a hard time trusting that it will stay in.

I'm bringing the car to IND for a roof install, might ask them to take a look while the car is there to see if I'm crazy or not.

[3t3p]

Hope you get some insight at IND. I'm put off this now, I mean it doesn't even attach properly its just floating in effect?!

[Pray for Mojo]

It fits tightly if installed correctly and will stay in with the intake tube. There's no way it should be catching on the cylinder head, the flange is narrower than the turbo's.

[Bee Pee]

Op

Sorry to read about your problems with the all metal one piece inlet pipe.

FWIW I have 2 part plastic/metal - aka type 2 - inlet pipe - no issues. Had the same on my m135i - again no issues.

BP

[Rondavouz]

Having the full metal one and no issue. Sits really really tight and was a pain getting in.
Last time I was under there to fiddle with the ewg it was still sitting as it should.

[ddk632]

Thanks guys

So, I think perhaps I might have accidentally pulled it just enough fo get loose when I put back the air intake.

I'm going to redo it one more time and try again.

1400 mile trip yesterday, it had the whistle from the beginning (hence why I think it was my error wrt air intake reinstall) but this time it never fully backed out and the car was OK for the full drive.

It seems like if you pull on it just a but too hard it will get loose enough to back out.

Just my inexperienced thoughts. Glad to hear others are having none of these issues which makes it more likely user error on my part vs the pipe itself.

[ddk632]

Originally Posted by Pray for Mojo

It fits tightly if installed correctly and will stay in with the intake tube. There's no way it should be catching on the cylinder head, the flange is narrower than the turbo's.

Yeah, I think the first time I installed it, the angle was too far back.

Can you post a photo or two of the top of your engine where the inlet pipe is to show clearance with the engine?

I know posting photos can be a Pita. If anything PM me and I'll give you my phone number or email. Would really help me out to see one properly installed.

Thanks!

[ddk632]

Originally Posted by Rondavouz

Having the full metal one and no issue. Sits really really tight and was a pain getting in.
Last time I was under there to fiddle with the ewg it was still sitting as it should.

I would really appreciate also if you can post a photo of the top of engine, how it sits/angle, and clearance to engine.

[Pray for Mojo]

Originally Posted by ddk632

Yeah, I think the first time I installed it, the angle was too far back.

Can you post a photo or two of the top of your engine where the inlet pipe is to show clearance with the engine?

I know posting photos can be a Pita. If anything PM me and I'll give you my phone number or email. Would really help me out to see one properly installed.

Thanks!

I'll see if I can get one tonight, truth be told I'm not sure I can see it through all the cooler hoses. Mine is also the two piece that BeePee is alluding to, you probably want to see the 1 piece setup you have. They didn't offer the 1 piece when I did this last summer.

[ddk632]

Originally Posted by Pray for Mojo

Mine is also the two piece that BeePee is alluding to, you probably want to see the 1 piece setup you have. They didn't offer the 1 piece when I did this last summer.

Ah ok don't worry then, yeah I want to see the 1 piece. It is visible right at top of the motor so much easier to take a pic also.

Thanks anyway!

[Rondavouz]