what are the symptoms of a bad or malfunctioning blow off valve. sounds like mine is open all the time.

If the valve is open all the time you will not build any pressure. If the valve is stuck shut you will get pressure spikes when you shift, or lift off of the throttle.

What makes you think it is bad?

when you are taking off its not building much boost and its loud like the valve is open. sounds like it is blowing off the whole time its trying to build boost

Have you checked for leaks in the intake system?

yeah i have checked all the intake pipes and clamps but maybe there is one i couldnt see or get to. i ordered a better blowoff vavle wanted an hks to replace the turbo xs one so we will see

It's not hard to make a boost leak tester out of PVC and a air chuck fitting from home depot/lowes, as long as you have an air compressor to use.