What are the available ways to detect a vacuum or boost leak? I have heard of people using an air compressor and pressurizing the system. Has anyone done this? I have also heard something about starting fluid. Would I just spray it around suspected leaks at idle? Would this cause a rise in RPM's when it is injested? Just looking for some help, I think I have a leak, but I am not sure.

 

you can introduce a type of smoke (not sure what source or how) into the vacuum lines...if any leaks, you'll see the smoke leak out...

somebody else may have some more details on this method

 

Cigar smoke works well, so I am told.. I remember watching a guy smoke a fat cigar and blow it into the intake filter on a BPU++ supra to find a vacuum leak; whether it worked or not I don't remember, but it looked like a good idea.

 

you can introduce a type of smoke (not sure what source or how) into the vacuum lines...if any leaks, you'll see the smoke leak out...

A vac leak would be sucking air into the engine, could'nt see it. holding a carefully held heat source like those smelly incense punks would tell if a vac leak existed..

 

a smoke machine perhaps? donno how safe the smoke produced by it can be for the engine though...

go to a lighting / sound store that rents equipment ask them to lend it to you for an hour or two...

 

The smoke thing won't work to well considering a boost leak leaks under pressure not cigar smoke. You're going to have to pressurize your intake system and listen for leaks, it's pretty simple and straightforward. If you have a compressor and an air gun disconnect one of your vacuum lines and start to pressure it in short small bursts to see if you can hear the air leak out.

 

I dont think that would work...as the air is going to make its way out the intake. YOu need to seal off the intake pipes, then try the pressure technique.

I would use the brake cleaner method...spray it all over the place and listen for engine surge....it usually works.

 

I used a bike pump or if the leak is too big I use an air compressor. I pump through where the filter goes. works like a charm

 

I have used one of these http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=41966 in the past to track down all sorts of things. It should easily be able to find a leak.

 

[QUOTE=Sharif@Forged]I dont think that would work...as the air is going to make its way out the intake. YOu need to seal off the intake pipes, then try the pressure technique.[QUOTE]

How would I seal off the intake pipes? I had the entire intake off recently to put on my return fuel system. I want to make sure that my gaskets are sealing. I tried pressurizing with my air compressor and regulator set at 15 PSI, but it was escaping through the valves. I searched a little more and found a method using a PVC cap and a valve stem from a tire. I may try something like that. I guess if I seal off the intake tube at the throttle body, I can pressurize the entire system from the output of the blower through the intercooler. I am still wondering how to test out the intake plenum gaskets. I will try the starting fluid.

 

I disconnected the intercooler pipe right before the BOV . Connected a 6 inch piece of pipe that was capped off on one end , and in that end I tapped a air hose fitting into it . I then capped off both sides of the exhaust . Hooked up the air hose a put in about 25psi of air . Found ever leak in seconds . All were on the plenum . I had to add 2 more gaskets to seal it up . I have the V5 crawford

 

I see, so I would seal off my tail pipes and then pressurize it. I wasn't sure if sealing off the exhaust would be good enough. I know what I am doing this weekend.

 

Yup...if you dont seal off the exhaust it will not work . You have a couple intake and exhaust valves open all the time and the air goes right out the back if you dont

 

would take some time to do, but dam good idea booger!! looks like i know what i am going to do when i get my car back to. that is pretty much fail proof.

 

specially if you blew some smoke in first, lol