staff@slashgear.com (Joe Capraro)
2024-07-20 13:45:51
www.slashgear.com
The simplest checks you can perform to find a suspected vacuum leak require only a little patience and tools that are permanently installed in your head. Visually inspect your vacuum hoses for cracks, and make sure both ends of all your hoses are seated properly. It’s also helpful to start your engine and let it idle while you move your head around, listening for a telltale high-pitched whistle. Of course, be careful of moving parts like accessory belts and your cooling fan. Make sure to also keep long hair tied back, and your hands out of the danger zone.
Unless you have a big vacuum leak, the noise may be washed out by the sounds of the engine, and it might be hard to detect it using your ears only. If that’s the case, you can also try to pinch off some of your vacuum lines. This can help identify a leaky component like a brake booster or distributor vacuum advance.
Vacuum leaks can also come from a loose or cracked intake manifold. If you’ve recently removed the manifold, carburetor, or throttle body, it can be helpful to check the mounting bolts with a torque wrench like the ones available from Harbor Freight. This will tell you if the manifold is secured properly. If all the bolts are tightened evenly and to the manufacturer’s specifications, pass a mirror around and under the manifold to check for cracks.