Vacum leak?

[tHe StEeleR]

Im pretty sure that my 96 Gt 3.1L has vacum problems,
I was just wondering , what is the best way to find a vacum leak?
any tips or ideas, because it seems like everyone has a different suggestion

[GTP Dad]

The best thing to do is to start with each vacuum line and follow it with your hand while the engine is running. If there is a leak you should be able to feel it as you run your hand over the line. I would check at the brake vacuum booster first since that is the largest vacuum line. The one way valve to the booster often goes bad or the groment dries out causing a leak. If that is not the case continue with the other lines.

There is some talk that you can spray the line with carb cleaner and if the idle changes then that is where the leak is but I prefer the other method. The carb cleaner method will work well with intake manifold leaks though and may be the only way to find it.

[Knifeblade]

yeah, like GTP states, an excellent method. Another method is use a spray bottle with a soap-solution on the hoses, but that tends to work better for hoses venting out rather than in.

[tHe StEeleR]

Well ive tried soapy water, and my hands
i still have no idea where the leak would be, i think i'll buy some throttle body cleaner or something and spray the throttlebody/ intake gasket

I dont want to have to take it somewhere, but if i cant nail it down soon i'll have to ...

[GTP Dad]

If you have a vacuum line connector on top of the throttle body this is a good place for a leak to develop. I would check there. You may have to use silicone to keep it from leaking. Use sensor safe gasket maker for best results if that is in fact where the leak is.

[doobiess]

or do what i did buy a long roll of vaccum tubing and just replace it all.. then your sure and its cheap stuff

[Ridenour]

one more method is to take something like a straw or section of hose, put one end to your ear, and move the other end around the engine, listening for a change in the amplified sound.

[Hoags]

Why do you athink you have a Vac. Leak? If you give us some info we may be able to help narrow down some possible places to look.

[catback23]

Originally Posted by Ridenour

one more method is to take something like a straw or section of hose, put one end to your ear, and move the other end around the engine, listening for a change in the amplified sound.

lol poor mans tools, not making fun of ya though cuse we've all done the like.