Electronic Valve Controller and Turbo Timer

[dkeating]

Hi All

 

I'm a bit of a mechanical novice (but keen to learn more) and just bought a 1997 Subaru Forester Turbo from Japan.

 

On the dashboard is a control panel with a digital display, an adjustment knob, 4 buttons and the words "Electronic Valve Timer". Unfortunately the car came without an English Manual. I'm completely stumped as to what the thing does or how to make any adjustments or what any adjustments might do. I'm pretty sure it's a modification to the car. Can anyone put me in the know?

 

Also, I was advised that if the car doesn't have a turbo timer, that I should let the car run for 5-10 minutes after parking. What is a turbo timer and if I don't have one is the above procedure necessary?

 

If anyone is able to shed any light on the above for me, it would be much appreciated.

 

Daniel

[jimpomm]

Thats to cool off the turbo unit after driving, anyone who has had a turbo and does not cool it down learns the hard way - by having to replace the turbo.

[Nuwan]

Electronic Valve Timer

 

If you meant electronic valve controller this is an electronic boost controller that has been installed on your car aftermarket. I'm assuming the display (on one of its many possible settings) will display boost (either psi or bar), the knob would adjust the boost level but you may have to hit some of those buttons to change it. I'd be careful with the controller since you don't really know how much boost you'd be running until you figure it out. If you can't get the display to show boost maybe you should pick up a boost gauge as well.

 

 

 

Also, I was advised that if the car doesn't have a turbo timer, that I should let the car run for 5-10 minutes after parking. What is a turbo timer and if I don't have one is the above procedure necessary?

 

The turbo uses oil from the engine and coolant to lubricate its bearings and cool itself. During operation a turbo can spin upwards of 80,000rpm and it doesn't stop once you turn off your car, it will gradually slow down. If you turn the engine off oil stops getting pumped as well as coolant. Convection currents allow cool coolant to cool the turbo long after shutting the car down but the oil doesn't really do the same. This isn't a problem during light normal driving but if you were to come off the highway or take a break after doing a few laps at a track you'd want to allow the car to cool down on it's own by letting the engine idle for a few minutes (ie: providing fresh oil and coolant to the turbo). Use a short "run down time" on the turbo timer when your taking it easy driving, and when you push the car hard add a minute or so as you see fit. It also helps to drive a little slower for the last couple of minutes before parking the car but isn't neccessary now that you have a turbo timer.

 

 

Hope that helps, sounds like you have got yourself quite the nice car, any pics available?

 

take care