How To Find And Fix Vacuum Leaks Fast!

In this video I go over all the different symptoms and things you can use to find vacuum leaks on your car, a vacuum leak can cause a rough, low or high idling car and its important to find an fix because it can damage engine components but also cause poor gas mileage. There are also a few things that get overlooked when checking for vacuum leaks like the EGR Valve, PCV Valve and the Power Brake Booster which I cover in this video.
Links to Tools and Products Used in the Video:
Propane Regulator: amzn.to/2b76gpi
Propane Cylinder: amzn.to/2b76P2e
Starting Fluid ($3 Shipped): amzn.to/2b779Oz
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Here are some other video's you may find interesting:
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How to test a throttle position sensor: • How to Test a Throttle...
How to test a Mass Air Flow Sensor: • How to Test a Mass Air...
How to test an Ignition Coil Pack: • How to Test an Ignitio...
How to Completely Restore a Faded or Hazy Headlight: • Ultimate Guide on How ...
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If this video helped you out please don't forget to subscribe, give it a thumbs up or if you are feeling generous leaving a tip by clicking the " i " button on the top right corner of the screen. Thank you very much for your support!
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Ratchetsand Wrenches, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. Ratchetsand Wrenches assumes no liability for any property or personal damage that may arise from doing a repair on your vehicle after watching any of my repair video's. Due to factors beyond the control of Ratchetsand Wrenches, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Again Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Ratchetsand Wrenches.

[@exPHIL]

My dude!!! Thank you for this video. I’ve been going crazy trying to figure out a vacuum leak on my 2011 forester and was getting stalls and could not figure it out for the life of me. Your demonstration of stalling the vehicle by removing the intake hose made me realize that when I was working on the car I had removed mine to make room and just didn’t have it connected properly! Seriously thank you so much for this video

[@adonismilidonis6448]

Excellent video thank you

[@francisco5434]

Great instructor: detailed information on type and severity of vacuum leaks with differing symptoms, associated systems, causes, and tests to use. Awesome.

[@v1nchynoobs]

I stalled my car this morning, which is fine whatever everyone does it. Except oh, it's an automatic :P

[@vloneshot7036]

hahaha

[@BlindRamb0]

Pro gamer move

[@dylbo6229]

😂😂

[@Miattatas]

Ngl you had me in the first half

[@tyblackburn5914]

I did that too first time driving my mustang, when I was test driving it

[@Joserocha-wm9de]

And 6 yrs after this video still the best video on KZbin explaining vaccum leaks .. Great/gold information brother tyvm 👌👌

[@rns011]

How can anyone give this guy a thumbs down?! The cause and effect explanations are wonderful. KZbin has changed the world for the better and you are part of that. Awesome Dude!

[@stevew278]

they thumbs down probably because he talked like he has marbles in his mouth

[@ho5zk]

@@stevew278Get your hearing checked, Stevie.

[@stevew278]

@@ho5zk maybe you and him can enroll in an english class together?

[@ho5zk]

@@stevew278 What’s wrong with my English? I really want to know because unfortunately it’s the only language I know.

[@heelspurs]

@@ho5zk Funny thing is, you didn't make an english mistake but steve made 4 mistakes in 1 sentence.

[@kennethatkins1912]

Very simple to learn from. A sincere teacher. Love his “no nonsense” approach…

[@corninyourpoop]

You are a gift! Thanks for being so thorough. I am going to check for mine when the weather cools. I do have EGR issues, so the more I watch videos on my vehicle, the more it all makes sense. Thank you thank you thank you!

[@Cavemaaaan]

As a technician of the electronic repair persuasion with foot-steps in alot of different areas over the last 30-yrs, this guy knows what he's talking about - the quick tutorial on using a small propane-supply versus starting fluid is SPOT-ON. I'm watching and learning here too :) Thanks R&W Guy :-D

[@annakessler9372]

should engine be running while testing with propane?

[@gened7443]

Very appreciative of the explanation on vacuum leaks. Had a rough idle on my 2009 Honda CRV. Started looking for leaks, didn't notice any hose problem until I removed the manifold top cover. Then found the leaky hose right on top of the manifold.

[@MrAcer4]

Dude everyone of your videos are great!! Helped me in school for mechanics and 5 years later still on my project car! Thanks!

[@vasylmagura3280]

You truly have a talent for teaching. Out of all youtube repair videos I have watched, you are actually a professional that knows his stuff.

[@JohnSmith-xl4sx]

Awesome methodical explanations! Not just one sentence answers but explaining why and how each effect causes and effects other systems and simulating the problems! Thumbs up!

[@javierherrera8782]

John Smith affects or effects?

[@bikemannc]

@@javierherrera8782 Your replied question was written as a phrase and vague as well. Why are you attempting to teach ppl grammar on a Comment page? Especially when our presenter is doing such an excellent job of instructing us in finding and repairing our rough idling engines!

[@caspernotsofriendly1803]

You know your videos are so much better than others because you cut to the point and explain very carefully and in a sense that others can understand and listen too. 1 out of 10 I would say your vids are 8.5 to 9.0 that's really high up. Good job. My 350z has a lot of new mods and I have lots of vacuum issues from bad torque sequencing and over seen loose hoses. So I will try you method.

[@ArtemLokhovitskiy]

One thing to mention for those who couldn't find a vacuum leak but idle is still rough: Clean maf/map sensor, check spark plug gap and overall condition and check coil packs. The last is harder than the rest but sometimes even visual inspection can tell that they are busted: the core can look burned or wire connection is loose/broken. More sophisticated way is to test them with multimeter. Next step I would say will be fuel injection cleaning. And if your car has fuel filter built in fuel line then replace that. It's cheap and relatively easy job.

[@dannyflanagan2681]

The video isn't about why your car has a misfire. The video I watched was about how to find a vacuum leak. He has videos about fixing a misfire. try to keep up .

[@matc21]

​@@dannyflanagan2681lmao savage my guy

[@joebays8831]

😊

[@johnnysmith2465]

Man iv been trying to figure out my problem on this 2010 mazda 3 for almost a year now and watching your video helped me learn my issue is a vacuum leak. From me running it that long result in engine failure ? And i replaced the spark plugs and MAS sensor recently. Haven't found the vacuum leak yet but thanks to you i am now blessed with honest knowledge ! Much appreciated

[@gregmoore9917]

Dude!! U rock!! This helped me sooo much. One thing you should mention in the video though is that a vaccum leak can effect youre brake booster if its large enough. My brake pedal wont come all the way back up when im going beyond 40mph. I have to stick my foot under the pedal and tap it back up. I couldn't figure out where the leak was so im really glad I seen this video. Thank you

[@doughawkins5588]

I learned ALOT from this video, Thank You.

[@bamaasbury328]

I like the way you go over and explain problems. You cover them great, keep it up.

[@dannyflanagan2681]

I have watched all of his videos i believe. He is in my opinion the best source for automobile info. Very easy to follow and understanding of the entire subject. YOU are the BEST.

[@pattjon12]

Thanks for being thorough, gives us other ways to identify future problems! Always learning.

[@ronyago6890]

Thanks! You really explains this process in a very easy understandable way! It was very helpful to me! Im going to try this and save me some money. I was just going to have my Oxygen sensors changed. Thanks to you and KZbin I can do some checks myself. Thanks again! Great job!

[@michaelkoelzer6584]

Because of your video I found my problem and replaced a leaky hose. Thanks man....very helpful!

[@peterjones6131]

Oh how I long for the days of plugs , points ,Carburetors . Life and engines were so much better in every way. Thanks for the great sharing of knowledge. Very good and informative.

[@Ryan-Fkrepublicnz]

this is the most complete video I have found in days of looking regarding vacuum leaks. Excellent work.

[@dougl409]

Great video! Thanks for the help. I loved the line when you were explaining the propane torch, "Don't light it obviously!" :)

[@anthonycosta1617]

Very helpful and informative video.

[@Sticky_Ricky]

This is a massive sigh of relief man, thank you so much. My symptoms match exactly with a large vacuum leak.

[@isnay2003]

Been looking at a good amount of video's and I have to say this is the best explanation so far. Thanks a ton!

[@JupitersLuck]

I have a similar kind of sound in my vehicle. I am not sure yet if it is a leak. Great video. Now I have some idea how to diagnose my issue.

[@omaryahya7589]

Very helpful. Thank you man!

[@leahbiagi]

I'm so grateful for this video. I was starting to become hopeless but your teaching is wonderful. Thank you!

[@johnbentham255]

Best video I've seen on finding a vacuum leak. Thanks!

[@1tgneverquit684]

Thank you man!!!i love how you performed simulations do describe different problems😃😃🤟helped me a ton.🙏🙏🙏

[@TheFunklin]

Thank you for this, because you went through and showed the symptoms of different types of vacuum weeks I was able to figure out that I had a large vacuum leak, and a simple inspection of the large intake hose revealed a crack right at the connection, you saved me hours of time and frustration with your video. So thank you very much

[@russellwaring2354]

I just had a vacuum line replaced and the symptoms were all as this guy describes. Nice work!

[@bigfan1364]

Absolutely the best tutorial on vacuum leaks here on KZbin. Thanks sir for all of your time. 👍👍👍😉

[@thevendetta6891]

This has to easily one of the best DIY mechanical video I've ever seen. Great job man!

[@luisaliceaortiz7791]

Thank you for teaching me stay blessed

[@mathewrandolph2301]

Best how to find a vacuum leak video. You saved me a lot of time. Sounds like my truck has a large one. Rough idle at stops, sluggish at speeds under 10mph.

[@mikekmalick]

Thanks for the info! I am having brake booster leak symptoms. Your video has given me more ways to test booster vacuum.

[@dcphotobooths]

This is one of the best how-to repair videos I've come across in a long time. Great editing and video work. - Dan

[@flightofthefatman]

Saving this to my playlist. Simply good bananas and a leak in the brake booster would never have crossed my mind in 100 life times.

[@Kes4ful]

Thanks for the tip. The first method really helped me out finding a leaking egr valve on my 04 forester.

[@brasen591]

Great video! Really breaks down what the problem is and how to diagnose and fix it.

[@coolwillys]

Love your videos and I'm thankful you take the time to do them. I have the same problem with a very rough idle and a major leak somewhere, but the system is trying to point me out to the EVAP system. The vehicle is a 98 Mercedes, would you have any advice to give me on how do diagnose the evap system. I will appreciate any feedback and thanks again for all the videos!

[@jorgeantraxalmaraz420]

best video I've seen on vacuum leaks. well explained. thanks,it really helped me. first time I see any of your videos and i already subscribed and consider me a fan.

[@mauriceshelby6251]

Jorge Antrax Almaraz that's what's up

[@TheNightmare217]

////j7

[@milespalmer5221]

Video was very informative, well done and thanks for helping me verify my Saab's problem!

[@andrewrpieper]

You're channel rocks!! Thanks for these videos and information.

[@teaguejelinek4038]

great video. very helpful. very much info!

[@nonukeforyou]

lol

[@curiouscat1907]

Hello, I always liked your way of explaining things! Thanks for your time and effort. I am having very weird issue, no rough idle, no hesitation, no stalling nothing, the car drives perfectly but I keep getting P0410 code and long term fuel trim is about -14 at idle and goes back to -9 when accelerating. Ive already changed the secondary air pump but the code is back. Any suggestions?

[@cowboy6452]

Wow. That had to be the most informative video and I will add NOT a booting drawn out thing, that I have seen in a long time! Very nice job, thank you!!

[@OddGospel911]

By far the best one of these video's I have found.

[@CaptainGimp]

Good stuff man!

[@sonnytrejo2403]

Great video.... probably the most simplified and exact! PERFECT EXPLANATION.... THANK YOU

[@nonukeforyou]

TRUE

[@udemylearningnguyen6020]

nicely done. Thank you for the video. That pretty much described the issue my engine is displaying.

[@attygarland6909]

Excellent, comprehensive presentation of how to find them in any car .. !

[@twis3d_tiger18]

by the way, i must say this was an awesome video!! currently trying to track a vac leak (i think) after replacing a switch. i think i broke it :)

[@TheMan123456789lol]

this helped so much .. just made my night

[@myRatchets]

+Trevor Owens Glad to hear, thanks for commenting.

[@1tgneverquit684]

Hell yeah!!! Im a subscriber NOwLol 🤟😃

[@letmethinkv]

@@myRatchets hello brother, i changed valve cover gasket of my 2002 corolla and after replacing i road tested my car it was all good and then i parked it for three days and after three days i started it and found it misfiring on all cylinders with check engine light flashing with p0300 and p0301&2 &3 &4 codes.....all vaccum lines i removed were connected back...... please help

[@MegaBobtube]

@@letmethinkv Not to brag... I have two cars Hyundai and Honda. Hyundai is like my backup and I use in case my old Honda with 277,000 miles won't run. Okay, not running for three days makes it hard to start b/c I believe the distribution of oil in the engine is not good enough. I ounce started my Honda it started but the engine vibrated like crazy... like telling where I have been and not using her for so long. What I do is run it for 5 or 10 minutes once a day whenever I plan not to use it for a while.

[@Fifury161]

Thanks for sharing, great information with "real world" examples!

[@herbwag6456]

Super useful!!! My '95 Contour has idled rough and low since I bought it for $500 fifteen years ago. I'd like to fix it (finally!) and this video gives me several things to try.

[@FleetTech97]

The three holy mechanics on KZbin. ScannerDan, Eric o from south main, and ratchets.

[@chrisj2308]

what about chris fix?

[@chrism8180]

@@chrisj2308 thats what I was thinking

[@ArtemLokhovitskiy]

Finally. All in one video that can be used on most of the cars! Thank you. I suspect it's air intake hose in my case (7gen Honda Accord 2.4l. their hoses are prone to cracking during air filter replacement). I fixed it once with duct tape but I guess there are more cracks :)

[@knockoutking2460]

thank u so much man!! I've been wondering why my car has been starting cold with a high idle and then progressing to its normal idle. also I have throttle problems when I'm hitting the gas and the car doesn't respond for a second or two and then the rpms go up suddenly, almost shut off, and goes back up and down to its normal idle. keep up the good work bro thanks again!!

[@fearnobeer9077]

The gas one is great, good tip im doing this tomorrow.

[@RangerCaptain11A]

that was flippin' awesome.

[@frankjackson2439]

You can take two plastic bottles, cut one in half, cut two holes in the second with one in the cap, then you can light a cigarette put it in the cap, screw it down, put the other bottle over the lit cigarette then blow air into the bottle with an air gun to create a smoke machine, you can connect the cap of the second bottle to a tube and connect it to your vacuum system. This way you can see any vacuum leaks you have when you see smoke coming from a tube or fitting.

[@nickkoska]

awesome video...clear explanation with easy to understand language...and great overview....fixed my vaccum leak in 3 min after watching...tku:)

[@hardworker7284]

This guy teach me so much I became a machine.Great expectations one of the best.

[@ronjoe1]

Great video, minus the fact that I think it missed the “fix” part of it. Super informative, thanks

[@mrwess1927]

Ronnie J. Main fix the vacuum leak

[@balebsm]

@@mrwess1927 🤣

[@JamesGadbury]

Brilliant video, clear & informative. With your help, I've taken notes and will reinvestigate my car with a better understanding and renewed enthusiasm. Thank you.

[@DOSOMEWORKSUN]

Great video, quick, simple, informative, NO BLA BLA BLA! Just liked and subscribed!Thank you!

[@hanafiarifin9273]

keep it up bro!!..

[@mauriceshelby6251]

Hanafi Arifin I will

[@adammammana367]

Great video. Got a 2002 Crown Vic LX SPORT with 33k miles giving me a 0171 & 174. Have you encounter this and what is most common on this car.

[@nicolewinters6215]

I have the same codes.i am stuck and can't find any more vacuum leaks so I guess ride and die.

[@georgewittman5155]

Absolutely the best video on vacuum leaks. Thanks

[@Ax4400]

Super clear, educational & helpful, thank you great job.

[@ricoescobar4986]

HELP - Your videos are AWESOME ! I have a 1994 Chevy 1500 giving me a lean code 44 yet it fails inspection because it is too rich(High HC and CO)...I have replaced the catalytic converter, the EGR valve, the o2 sensor, the spark plugs, intake manifold gasket( vacuum leak), changed the oil. and fuel filter...After 7 minutes, the check engine light comes on throwing the code 44. Dry compression was 175 to 180 on all 8 cylinders. PCV valve is good, MAP sensor is good, Throttle Position sensor is good, new o2 sensor is good all of them with correct voltages when bench tested. I even used Sea Foam and another guaranteed to pass bull crap and nothing... I can't find anymore vacuum leaks either via smoke test. SOMEBODY HELP ME PLEASE !!!

[@ricoescobar4986]

I replaced the timing chain and the check engine light still came on after 7 1/2 minutes. A week later I pulled the break booster check valve from the break booster leaving it intact in the vacuum line and capped it. The check engine light came on at 12 minutes. I killed the engine and stepped on the brake several times really hard to test the break booster and it worked properly. I uncapped check valve and reinserted the check valve into break booster gromit then I started the engine and the brake peddle went down like it was supposed to because of the vacuum assist. The check engine light still came on. I gave up again angry. I let it set a couple of days then had to drive it 100 miles and noticed the light didnt come on. I immediately got it inspected and it passed with flying colors ! I don't know if it was the replacement of the timing chain and the computer just needed time and mileage to reset or me jacking with the break booster that fixed it, but it's DONE ! Hallelujah ! It took two years and my gas mileage went from 12.5 to 16 mpg !

[@fatwalletboy2]

Check the timing.

[@zmarssojourner7435]

Thanks for the video. Can i use lysol spray instead of starting fluid? Lysol is flammable, but not super flammable. That way, it might be more safer than working with starting fluid, if u know what I mean. Thanks

[@RandolphJohnson]

Thanks man. Your video explains directly one of the problems with my 2002 Neon. And it probably is me that broke something to cause the damage. I also have other issues and i since i have subscribed to your page, i will check out your other videos to help me solve my car problems!

[@gregoryj5874]

Excellent, informative, and well-produced video. You are my favorite KZbin mechanic.

[@chrisflair9596]

I've also been known to use soapy water to find a vacuum leak which works very well you can tell when it starts bubbling or if it sucks the water in

[@km-ef3xq]

Sounds a lot safer than the other methods this guy in the video suggested.

[@huyvuquang9533]

No, you don't want soapy water to get sucked into your engine, thats why he's using starting fluid, not water, he does not risk his safety for nothing.

[@jacobmarley2417]

totally agree , water and soap in engine bad. also method is very finite in its uses. water naturally drips off so and hose or area where the water or sight to that water is difficult will not be effective.

[@chrisflair9596]

@@huyvuquang9533 the only problem about using starting fluid is if you use a lot of starting fluid it can burn out your heads it's not good for the heads

[@ransomron8602]

Soap and water is cool for finding leaks but causes your rubber hoses to deteriorate if you don't clean it up afterwards.

[@impactajuvenile]

What about using smoke to check for a vacuum leak? Wouldn’t that tell him exactly where the leak is?

[@TheDcrocks1]

Thats how I had one checked for by a mechanic, smoke.

[@kenlor71]

I'm assuming the mechanic watched for smoke movement due to the leak. Is that right?

[@eddieclark7888]

Use carb cleaner/starting fluid to spray around all vac hoses and intake areas while your car is at idle, if idle speed ramps up asap, then the last place you sprayed will be your leak

[@jay8a901]

@Budget Boost DIY can u make a video on how to do a smoke machine?

[@eliezerramosjr1017]

Yes but not everyone has access to a smoke machine

[@ninamarie2312]

woww I love that you showed us exactly how it would sound and how the RPMs would change thank you in doing this test right away.

[@javierferrer4634]

Excellent demonstration! Thank you

[@xart23x]

Gracias paisano, your English is awesome by the way. Great instructions and tips.

[@jamesrussell6965]

Starter fluid works great. Spray all vacuum lines and when you hit a bad spot, the engine will rev up

[@jonsmith5774]

One of the best auto mech DIY video. Good teacher.

[@PennyCarter-ge6hg]

Your video was more helpful then all the other 20 I watched I know nothing about bac systems and now I do thank you

[@babak1969van]

Great video man keep it up! Sepasgozaram!

[@lauributt8023]

Can vacuum leak effect breaking? When i press the pedal it has a hard time stopping. Update: yes a vacuum leak can effect the breaks, i had a clogged hose.

[@nathanielchapman5047]

I have the same problem in my BMW how much did it cost you to fix please

[@lauributt8023]

$90, mechanic found a clogged hose, i think i accidentally clogged it when i was putting the intake manifold back because i replaced the valve covers.

[@nathanielchapman5047]

Thanks

[@ohmikeyo1]

another awesome video...you way of explaining things are so easy to understand thanx! keep it up!

[@cristobalah7836]

awesome video, thanks for your explanation of everything

[@averyalexander2303]

I use water to find vacuum leaks. Not quite as effective as starting fluid, brake cleaner, carb cleaner or propane, but free, will not damage components and will not cause a fire.

[@sirtimatbob]

It can rust out components.

[@averyalexander2303]

sirtimatbob It will not cause rust for the small amount of time it will be on the engine. It will evaporate very quickly from the heat of the engine.

[@jbkaufman3621]

Avery Alexander Like the amount of water from a garden house or water from a spray bottle?

[@AnthonySvt_]

jbkaufman water spray bottle

[@Curmudgeon555]

spraying water mist into an engine compartment full of electronics and electronic sensors just isn't a very smart idea. Not dangerous, but can very easily short out these very sensitive devices.

[@darinmccuistion6662]

This is by far the most informative and easy to understand video I've seen. Well done.

[@z28ninja]

Thank You for simplifying a vacuum leak diagnosis!!

[@brohardin]

Super helpful I'm chasing a ruff idle! Thank you!

[@runedit9044]

You sir have the best" how to" video's online. TY

[@brown_and_curly_ne_girly4551]

Honestly when I first saw the video I almost selected a different one but he started talking, Within a few seconds I was completely understanding what he was saying and I have a very small understanding of the combustible engine in general terms relating to it, it meaning Anything under the hood. He really is awesome at explaining and showing.

[@Candoit2]

Thanks! You would make a good automotive instructor! Great video!!

[@kingsve16]

Hey thanks for putting up this video it helped me to find the real problem and save money from buying a new throttle body when I didn’t need it

[@BryanChance]

Thanks for all these great videos. Saved me thousands of dollars !!

[@dondale68]

Nice Video! To add to it, I had an '86 Cougar 3.8l, with a vacuum leak, turned out it was the diaphragm inside the egr valve. So yes, that is possible too