Noise Coming from under the hood

[FreshBubble]

I have a 94 Caprice, and recently I've noticed this noise coming from under the hood. The noise is hard to describe, but I can only really hear it at low speeds and when Im idling. It sounds like a whispering type sound or like something is sucking in air. The only things I know the car needs is an oil change and a tune up, and I didnt think the car would make that noise because of those.

Any ideas on what it could be?

[silicon212]

Vacuum leak, perhaps?

[FreshBubble]

Thats possible. My car failed emissions for hydrocarbons, and they gave me a list of reasons it could have had a high reading. One of the reasons is a vacuum leak in the system. Im about to go outside and open the hood and start the car and try to see where the noise is coming from. I'll repost when Im done.

By the way, how much would it cost to fix a vacuum leak?

[wrightz28]

Usually it will be a piece of rotted hose, sold by the foot, and fixed for under $5.

The perfect situationis a hose is knocked off, then it costs $0

[FreshBubble]

Alright, I started the car and popped the hood and tried to find out exactly where the noise is coming from. When I popped the hood, it sounded like it was coming from where the drive belt is, or in that general direction. Although, the noise didnt sound like air was being sucked in after I opened the hood, it sounded more like a squeeky type sound. Its hard to describe. It could be a vacuum leak, but Im not a mechanic (yet, im starting school to be one in Oct.), so im not sure.

So after this description, is there any other things it could be?

['97ventureowner]

I have 3 vehicles currently in that age range, and each one has experienced a small problem with dry rotted vacuum hoses. These hoses are subjected to high under the hood temperatures combined with differing outside temps, and here in NY with the large swing in temps, the rate of deterioration is accelerated. My guess would be to thoroughly check your vacuum lines as suggested above.

Where are you going to school for mechanics? I see you said you start in Oct. I have an 18 year old nephew who is also starting mechanics school this Oct. He will be going to Barrons (?) in Conneticut for a one year program.Good Luck.

[FreshBubble]

Im going to Lincoln Tech in Columbia, MD.

But yea, Im going to check into the vacuum hoses first, and then work from there.

[corning_d3]

Check the air filter element to make sure it hasn't slipped or otherwise lost it's seal while your at it..

[capriceowns]

if you dont feel like working as hard, take some carb cleaner and just spray it around all the vaccum lines and stuff, if the engine bogs or revs up when you hit a certain spot, theres your leak.

off topic--->it worked on my 87 and you think youll have it bad with stuff "rotting" out, lol. I aleready had a fuel line, low pressure powersteering line, and some hose of my cat rot out.

['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by capriceowns

off topic--->it worked on my 87 and you think youll have it bad with stuff "rotting" out, lol. I aleready had a fuel line, low pressure powersteering line, and some hose of my cat rot out.

I see by your profile you also live in "The Rust Belt" where salt is used on the roads in the winter. 2 years ago I had to replace the fuel lines and brake lines on my 1990 Lesabre,only to turn around a month later and do the same to my 1994 C1500 pickup. I can't believe in the past 6 years or so how much stuff I had to replace on the underside of my vehicles.Stuff like exhaust systems,Factory pre-bent fuel lines, and brake lines are EXPENSIVE. Not to mention gas tanks. I get jealous when I see the undercarriage of vehicles that are from the South as they still look brand new , some still have the factory paint on the underside.