TurboSmart Kompact Plumback (Adjusting help)

Sixbanger

Specialist
Jun 20, 2017
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08 135I
Hello to all,
I installed the TurboSmart Kompact Plumback kit last night. I installed everything correctly, checked the vaccum lines multiple times, however the car is backfiring like crazy. In the instructions it says to add 2 shims to increasure spring pressure. Where do I add the shims? What do the shims look like? They don't show you this info on TurboSMarts website nor in the directions.
Myles
 

Sixbanger

Specialist
Jun 20, 2017
89
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08 135I
AsJ2f

S7ZQQ
 

RSL

Lieutenant
Aug 11, 2017
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Pics aren't working.

Dual port valves may need adjusting, but plumb back doesn't AFAIK. I use them, installed without the plumb back hoses connected and they work perfectly without touching anything in the valves. Did you buy them new? Are you using the stock CP? Did you take the CP off to install (o-ring to the t-body still in there/not ripped)? Are they installed in the correct orientation? Are they plumbed back? At what point do the backfires occur (WOT, shift, etc.)? You're sure the vacuum lines are all connected with no leaks and the nipple on the intake manifold isn't cracked?

Shims are little more than washers that go between the spring and base on BOVs to increase the tension.
 

Sixbanger

Specialist
Jun 20, 2017
89
20
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08 135I
Yes, I bought them new
Using stock factory CP for the time being
Took charge pipe off for other reasons, but not to install any o-rings. I checked both orings on each valve. all seems normal to me. Can you send me a pic of the correct position the o-sings should be sitting?
Backfires only occur at idle and in neutral when testing the diverter valves, low rpm range is when I get the backfiring
All vacuum lines are in place and I'll check the manifold port this afternoon.
I dont have any shims that are wide enough to sit on the base of the spring in the piston, maybe I didnt get any?
Thank you
 

RSL

Lieutenant
Aug 11, 2017
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Yes, I bought them new
Using stock factory CP for the time being
Took charge pipe off for other reasons, but not to install any o-rings. I checked both orings on each valve. all seems normal to me. Can you send me a pic of the correct position the o-sings should be sitting?
Backfires only occur at idle and in neutral when testing the diverter valves, low rpm range is when I get the backfiring
All vacuum lines are in place and I'll check the manifold port this afternoon.
I dont have any shims that are wide enough to sit on the base of the spring in the piston, maybe I didnt get any?
Thank you
I was referring to the o-ring at the connection between the charge pipe and throttle body, but if it's boosting OK, it's fine. If you bought them new and they're not dual-port (just plumb back) there's nothing you should have to do in the valve. Install and be on your way. Nothing should have changed physically if there are no leaks. Did you perform the same test with the stock DVs? If not, how do you know what you're experiencing wasn't there before or is normal?
Specifications

  • Adjustable - No
  • Colour - Black
  • Design - Piston
 

Sixbanger

Specialist
Jun 20, 2017
89
20
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Ride
08 135I
Here are the instrunces for installing and adjusting the valves. You turn the cap to increase piston pressure, but then it says to add shims if I'm experiencing backfiring in neutral at idle (light reving) http://www.turbosmart.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/BMW_Kompact_Kit.pdf
Im experiencing backfiring in neutral when doing a rev, but normal driving is fine but the throttle does feel terrible. I expect to get my vrsf pipe on Thursday. I'll see what my tuner says too.
 

RSL

Lieutenant
Aug 11, 2017
937
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Here are the instrunces for installing and adjusting the valves. You turn the cap to increase piston pressure, but then it says to add shims if I'm experiencing backfiring in neutral at idle (light reving) http://www.turbosmart.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/BMW_Kompact_Kit.pdf
Im experiencing backfiring in neutral when doing a rev, but normal driving is fine but the throttle does feel terrible. I expect to get my vrsf pipe on Thursday. I'll see what my tuner says too.
Right, look at top of page 5 in all caps-Adjusting your BOV (Dual Port Only). The instructions cover 2 kits: TS-0203-1050 (plumb back dual port BOVs) and TS-0203-1250 (plumb back DVs). There's no adjustment and no shims included for or needed with the plumb back DV kit. The dual port has a port vented to atmosphere, so adjustments may be needed. The plumb back single port does not, maintains all the air in the intake tract, so you're not losing any. If you have the single port and they're plumbed back in, they are not your issue.

So, I'm still not sure which you have or if you know which you have ;)

Dual Port BOV kit:
http://www.turbosmartdirect.com/Product-Categories/BMW-Kompact-BOVs/Kompact-Dual-Port-KIT-BMW.html

DV kit:
http://www.turbosmartdirect.com/Product-Categories/BMW-Kompact-BOVs/Kompact-Plumb-Back-KIT-BMW.html

Which one is on your car? I'm thinking what you're calling backfires may be overruns ("burble"), cam overlap or something else that's completely normal. Your tuner should definitely be able to tell you if something is amiss.
 
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TWilly

Specialist
Jul 7, 2017
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I have the plumbback kit and I didn't need to adjust anything when installed. Using a BMS charge pipe. I would check your vacuum lines to make sure there is no issues. Is the valve closed at idle? The only adjustment I have on mine is the top of the DV turns to tighten or loosen tension. Is it possible to put the stock DV back on to see if the problem is still present?
 

RSL

Lieutenant
Aug 11, 2017
937
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For reference...

TS-0203-1050 - Kompact Dual Port. They plumb back, but aren't called plumb back. They have a second port that blows off to atmosphere, which is why adjustments are required. This comes with shims and is adjustable (tops rotate and have harder or softer printed on them). This is what TWilly has from the sound of it.
TBS-TS-0203-1050_xl.jpg


TS-0203-1250 - Kompact Plumb Back. These have 1 port that connects back to the intake tract, do not come with shims and are not adjustable (top does not say harder/softer). I think this is what the OP has since he said no shims with the kit.
TBS-TS-0203-1250_xl.jpg
 

drunkentrader

Lurker
Jun 8, 2021
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^^for the single port plumback, do they offer different springs for different PSI ratings? Have these on my N54 and am going to give them cleaning/service tomorrow and inspect. I get a little flutter-like sounds at low load when letting off the gas or shifting at times. That, and sometimes my idle is inconsistently rough(I have all new index 12 injectors, plugs, coils, etc, but also have aluminum motor mount jnserts and stiffer trans bushing so the NVH can be pretty noticeable with the auto trans.)