Scoobiidoo

The blow test as prescribed by the tuner - sealed off the air filter hose end with a cap or can, take off the hose connecting to the BOV and blow into it, listens for leaks. If no audible leak, seal the hose off with your thumb and hold it for 5 seconds or so, put it up next to your ear and let go of your thumb. Should hear the air swooshing out of the hose. Not saying the O2 sensor is going bad. I was saying we are going to look for exhaust leak pre O2 sensor since that's the only thing left to check that we worked on. The downpipe was dropped but I don't think exhaust leak post O2 sensor would affect lean idling.

No pill because I installed an ECBS. I sealed off the air filter hose end and blew into the BOV valve hose and no leak.

Just finished installing new turbo, stock uppipe, PCV, upper intake manifold gaskets and turbo intake hose. Did the blow test for leaks between MAF to blowoff valve hose and it was airtight with no leak. Loaded the tune from Mike Tuning Alliance and started it up. It was idling steady and solid but AF correction is 15% and AFR was 17-18. We are going to check for exhaust leak pre wideband O2 sensor tomorrow. Any tips for checking for an exhaust leak? Anything else that can cause the lean reading? Thanks

Talking to Mike at Tuning Alliance now, I am installing a Grimmspeed ECBS so no pill needed

Got it out from the top after the turbo was removed. The turbo is actually in good shape, the wastegate was seized in the open position. Removed banjo filter was pretty clean. I am also replacing the turbo intake hose, upper intake manifold gaskets and spark plugs so everything is off the car now. Yes, I have a new oil return line and all the copper washers

Thanks. Yes, it is an OEM catless uppipe and I will be removing that last banjo filter with the turbo out.

I am replacing the turbo tomorrow and was wondering if the uppipe can come out from the top with the turbo removed. Thanks

Where/who do you guys get your tune/tuner from for the VF52? Thanks

Thanks. I have seen a lot of posts and videos on the "Leak Detection Sensor" mod, is it something I should do/can do and still pass visual? I have a Tactrix cable to delete/turn off notifications if needed.

The techs who used to smog my 80s BMW said it is not legal under CARB rules. I don't really want to take my chances so I went ahead and ordered the OEM hose. I also heard OEM is easier to install. Just can't find any DIY instruction for it. Thanks.

Thank you all. This car is taking up too much of my time. Been chasing vacuum leaks and putting off installing the VF52 and STi Uppipe. Now I just found out the turbo inlet hose may be the source of the leak. Can you guys tell me if an aftermarket silicone turbo inlet hose is ok with the visual inspection? Thanks.

I second @covertrussian. The filter is probably wedged on the valve and stop it from turning out

Thanks. Didn't think about swapping sides to see. Going to do that tomorrow, that way I can save the "good" one as a spare. Stupid question, when the label says AVCS Left does it mean looking at the front of the car/engine and it is the left side?

I am new to the Subaru scene so please excuse me for asking stupid questions. If your car is tuned but remains stock looking, can you pass the sniffer test? Thanks

I have been cleaning mine and logging/watching the data from the Cobb APV3. It definitely makes a difference as mine was laggy before the cleaning. I use carb cleaner with the nozzle first followed by PB Blaster. Gently working the mechanism while spraying. After that, carb cleaner again and then fresh oil gently working the mechanism and reinstall. While you are at it, remove the banjo bolts and take out the filters if you haven't done it. Mine were not clogged but definitely sludged up. Btw I am replacing mine, just waiting for the parts to get here. The dealership here in the desert carries nothing and takes forever to get stuff here.

Lol, I figured the hoses are just for venting and nothing complex. $15 total instead of $55 for fixing both cracked hoses plus leftover hose(s) for the next oops

Subaru ones were $28 to $34 a piece. I am thinking about just snipping off the cracked part, use a hose coupler and add the generic hose. Sorry but I am cheap

Thank you @covertrussion for this writeup. Unfortunately, both breather hoses cracked and I am having a hard time finding the right part number for them. Anyone have the part number handy? Or can I just use generic evap oil grade hose instead? Thanks