the TSI I got has a boost guage in it but it is not working right. it shows vac. but when I am pulling boost the needle stops at zero. I know nothing about turbo charged cars this is my first one?

Is it the factory one in the gauge cluster or is it aftermarket?

aftermarket

Typicly you T the boost guage source line to the line going to your fuel pressure regulator.

I ran it off the same place I installed the gauge on my GST. It sometimes works when it's first started, and then will only read vac. Kinda goofy. I bought it used, but the fact that it is a mechanical gauge and it does work sometimes makes me think it has something to do with the boost signal at the fpr.

Bob, try changing the signal point. Remove the "T" from the fpr and extend it to the BOV line, and see if that works.

If your fpr isn't getting a correct boost signal, that's not a good thing either. Its rising rate to keep the boost pressure and fuel pressure at a constant offset from each other. If your fuel pressure doesn't go up when your boost pressure goes up, you'll be getting less fuel than you should and a poor injector spray pattern. If you get a good reading from that guage somewhere else, I'd definitely look for boost leaks in the vacuum lines.

would this cause the engine to cut out under full boost?

a lack of a rising rate in fuel pressure would probably feel like fuel cut.....Yes it would feel like the engine cutting out under WOT

I'm more inclined to believe it is an issue with the gauge. I experienced both spark blowout and fuel cut in that car, but never and unexplained misfire. However, things happen, and I suppose the boost lines could have gotten a crack or leak.

DSM's gotta love em

I am now on my 2nd boost gauge and this one won't read boost either. I can't find any leaks in the line any were I have got some new hose to install. but the main problem is the engine cutting out under full boost it's getting worst could the fuel pressure regulator be bad and causing both problems or are they not related?

That means you are not boosting. You probably have a MASSIVE boost leak.

now the car is sputtering at normal speeds if it makes it to normal speeds, has a rough idle and it bogs down when you step on the gas from a stop.

i'm boosting you can feel the turbo when it spools

Boost is positive manifold pressure. If the boost gauge is hooked up correctly and still shows only vaccum (i.e. negative manifold pressure) you are not "boosting". Have someone help you look for boost leaks (intake leaks) as that is more than likely the cause. Just because you can hear the turbo doesn't mean it's "boosting".

Which line does it get hooked up to, the one going to the fuel to rail or the one going to the manifold

I think I found the cause of the engine cutting out I have a dead plug wire going to get new ones tomarrow

^^^good idea to get spark plugs with those as well. Most people reccomend NGK wires and plugs and Eagle (Chrysler) reccomends Champion brand. I'd go with the NGKs.

what should I gap my new plugs at?

ok installed the new plugs and wires and found it to be my coil pack and still havent fix the boost gauge

how did you come to the conclusion that it was your coil pack?

a pic is worth a 1000 words

Only if it's clear.

I take it the coil pack was somehow melted or burnt looking?

you can't see the big a$$ crack it's plain as day

ok back on the topic, what vac line should I be taped in to the one that runs from the fpr to he silinoid or from the silinoid to the manifold

Manifold to solenoid. This will give you a reading of your manifold pressure.

thanx nate thats what I was thinking it's tapped in fpr to solenoid. are DSM's always this much fun

I now have a working boost gauge and from what I can tell no missfire