Abstract: A turbocharger (10) has an improved wastegate valve assembly (32) wherein a valve member (35) moves freely within a lever arm (34A), and therefore, is displaceable sidewardly across the opening (28) of the wastegate port (28). The valve member (35) and associated seat (36) respectively have male and female forms so as to sealingly engage with each other when the valve body (35) is in the closed position. As such, the valve member (35) can move freely as it engages the seat (36) to provide a tight uniform seal therebetween. Additionally, the seat (36) may be formed as an insert which fits within the wastegate port (28) and is also free floating in the direction extending across the port (28) which further assists in self-centering of the valve member (35) and seat (36).

Abstract: A turbocharger (10) has an improved wastegate valve assembly (32) wherein a valve member (35) moves freely within a lever arm (34A), and therefore, is displaceable sidewardly across the opening (28) of the wastegate port (28). The valve member (35) and associated seat (36) respectively have male and female forms so as to sealingly engage with each other when the valve body (35) is in the closed position. As such, the valve member (35) can move freely as it engages the seat (36) to provide a tight uniform seal therebetween. Additionally, the seat (36) may be formed as an insert which fits within the wastegate port (28) and is also free floating in the direction extending across the port (28) which further assists in self-centering of the valve member (35) and seat (36).