Checking for Vacuum leaks/carb clearner

rdharper · 11-11-2006, 05:54 PM

I have a very mild rpm hunt, or oscillation... barely noticable, but always there after warmup. 4Runner runs fine otherwise.

The preferred method seems to be the use of carb cleaner that doesn't affect sensors. So I have a couple of questions.

1. I picked up a can of Gumout Carb + Choke cleaner. Its say it won't harm O2 sensors, but be careful of plastic and wiring. Is that the ok stuff?

2. Some people are concerned with the flammability. But I've not heard any reports of fire. Common sense use may be all that is necessary, but at my age I seem to worry alot. How "safe" is the carb cleaner on a warm engine?

3. I understand what we are looking for is an increase and steadying effect on the rpm's. Is that because we temporarily seal the leak, or because some gets sucked in (I suppose depending on which vaccum hose) and makes it way to the air intake? Just what is the theory?

Thanks

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yota_krazy · 11-11-2006, 07:09 PM

Your theorys sound ok to me. Just dont spray around or at the distributor/wires and you will be fine.

89dlx · 11-11-2006, 07:50 PM

I'd say use throttle body cleaner instead. Be sure to use the "small hose" that comes with the can so that you can pinpoint the leak.

fthertime666 · 11-11-2006, 08:21 PM

how bout a propane torch? The carb cleaner Ive used shoots out at about a
million psi.

dcg9381 · 11-11-2006, 09:03 PM

I've never had luck with propane.. It's too hard to get in the cracks. with carb cleaner, my point and shoot is much more accurate.

11-11-2006, 08:21 PM	#4 (permalink)
fthertime666 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: the fire center, lawton ok Posts: 216	how bout a propane torch? The carb cleaner Ive used shoots out at about a million psi. __________________ US ARMY 63B, 94 toy PU, bj spacers, Downey adjustable front shock mounts, lo-pro bumps, 2in lift in the rear, 2inch BL with poly mounts, POS 22re, 4.88s with rear ARB, 33x10.5 BFG MTs, Bigrocks front and rear bumpers, Siege Engineering OBA

11-11-2006, 09:03 PM	#5 (permalink)
dcg9381 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: austin, tx Posts: 1,825	I've never had luck with propane.. It's too hard to get in the cracks. with carb cleaner, my point and shoot is much more accurate. __________________ http://www.22REturbo.net

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11-11-2006, 07:09 PM	#2 (permalink)
yota_krazy Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 137	Your theorys sound ok to me. Just dont spray around or at the distributor/wires and you will be fine.

11-11-2006, 07:50 PM	#3 (permalink)
89dlx Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Branford, CT. Posts: 932	I'd say use throttle body cleaner instead. Be sure to use the "small hose" that comes with the can so that you can pinpoint the leak.