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Checking for vacuum leak

GTchris

Member
Think I have a vacuum leak keeping the car from idling properly. What's the best way to check where a leak might be coming from other than spraying crap all over the place.
 
Just spray the crap where you suspect the leak.

Yeah, I know but it seemed so easy.
 
spray brake cleaner and when the engine revs a bit higher , you found the leak.
best and fastest way IMO.
 
What do you use. Is it a pain to clean up, what does it do to painted surfaces?

I am hoping to avoid spraying stuff all over trying to find the leak.
 
brake cleaner in a spray can is easily appliable , doesn't harm the paint and evaporates.
 
just spray in short shots around the edge of the intakemanifold.
rear seal can be a cause of failure IMO.
 
"bigb427" said:
If you don't want to make a mess or damage any painted surfaces you can use propane in the same manner as spraying carb cleaner or brake clean. OTC makes a kit that is a little pricey, but you could probably rig something up that will work just the same. Here's a link to the OTC kit: http://www.amazon.com/OTC-7148-Propane-Enrichment-Kit/dp/B0002SR5N0

Thanks, I thought there might be another method other than squirting brake cleaner on the engine. Looks dangerous though.
 
While a certain amount of common sense is needed to do many types of repairs & diagnosis to ensure your safety and ensure nothing on the car gets damaged, the propane enrichment method is actually far safer than using aerosol spray type solvents some of which are extremely flammable and prone to flash fires depending on their specific formulations.

With that said, just make sure you don't have any open flames or arcing spark plug wires present and you'll be fine.
 
"bigb427" said:
OTC makes a kit that is a little pricey, but you could probably rig something up that will work just the same.

$91.38!!! You could make the same tool with a $20 propane torch kit. . .

Robert
 
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