YotaTech Forums - View Single Post - Checking Vacuum Leaks

thook · 12-22-2008, 09:43 AM

Neither. Starting fluid is the thing to use. On the other hand, I've had vac leaks in the past and starting fluid didn't help track it down at all.

A propane torch is good because it will "smoke", so to speak. The air from the vac leak causes the gas to condense and appear as smoke. On the other hand, see above paragraph......third sentence.

The best thing, if neither of those methods work.....and you still suspect a vac leak, is find a mechanic with a vac leak detector. It purges smoke into the vacuum systems and smoke will pour out wherever the leak is. I had one at the cold start injector I couldn't find, and that found it in about 3min's......long enough for the smoke to fill the upper intake.

Oh, sometimes clamping all the hoses off.....one by one....at the source or termination of the line will do the trick. You've cut off the leak and the motor will either smooth out/speed up or slow down, depending on the behavior the suspected leak.