Bendix TF550 boost leak at inlet

The fitting where the air comes in is leaking between it and the head. My detoit makes up to 45 lbs of boost. This sucker was off only maybe a couple years ago and has been leaking for a while. What are my options here?

- Run silicon instead of the obviously crappy gasket?
- Lap the surfaces?
- Run a bigger compressor (TF750) but run the inlet off atmosphere instead?
- Turn down the engine?

It's a PITA because I have to take the compressor out and that makes me cranky! The inlet is well hidden on the back side. It's leaking REALLY bad. Could be a cracked head even it's that bad. From 20 PSI it leaks down to nothing within 2 seconds.

 

Looking online you can upgrade to the BA-922 as it's designed NOT to be used with a turbo. But it doesn't sound like a straight swap.

 

Good thing I was stubborn, turns out it was just the hose. But air does leak through the compressor. Will charging the system make a difference? I'm not sure it will. I bet air is getting by the rings which is to be expected.

 

I swear I hear some going past an intake valve too. Rockers are off.

 

So just to be clear I have to plug the line to eliminate air going past the rings on the compressor? It's always exposed to intake air no matter what? That just seems goofy to me because it will leak boost into the crank case when it is not compressing.

I'll get a better measurement as to how much the compressor is leaking, plug it, and try the other way. The leak I previously fixed is many multiples larger though. We're talking 20 psi to 0 in 3 seconds.

I see your point there though, air going past the compressor could show up in other areas throwing me for a loop.

 

I also tested the duralite cac and it held 30 psi for 30 minutes without moving the needle.

 

Compressor fitting plugged in manifold and it still slowly leaks to about 10 psi. It does not leak at the manifold gasket and is leaking enough that I would notice. I definitely hear it by the intake valves but cannot isolate if its coming through the seals or by the valves itself. It's impossible to isolate even with a mechanics stethoscope. All seem to be doing it an equal amount so it wouldn't surprise me if this was normal.

I'm still thinking about doing something about the compressor. I'd imagine once it's warm the amount of loss decreases quite a lot.

I also found a bolt missing from my governor!