How to find VACUUM LEAKS

[@tinkerscorner54]

Finally. Someone who knows what breaks the rubber down when using flammable liquids. I haven't seen anyone else mention that.

[@karmicmessenger]

Speaking as someone who has been using flammable materials to find vacuum leaks for over 40 years I have seen my share of flash fires.I always thought it a necessary evil but it is not the safest way, I recently found out. The safest way is to generate and inject smoke into the intake under mild pressure and see where it comes out(with the engine off). Just last night I saw a guy confirming bent valves with the same method by setting the cam lobes to fully closed and injecting smoke into the spark plug hole.Genius! You learn something new every day.

[@s.j.5850]

Not only excellent tips to find a vacuum leak, but excellent explanations of the pros & cons of each method, as well as safety precautions!

[@3500camarz]

The smoke test method is also the safest as you don't have to worry about a running engine!

[@jamesearly729]

Extremely informative with much wisdom involved. The quality of instruction I would want for any mechanical staff with caution I would also want in a compliance inspector. You are the man.

[@michaeleisenbise4278]

Absolutely a fantastic video. Loved the safety tips. A lot of good stuff here. Am 69 years old. Have been working on cars for a long time. Feel this video taught me a lot. Thanks for the great video. Loved it.

[@grominwithrob1339]

I was a small engine mechanic for years and always used starter fluid because of the small amount of oil present in my mind made me think it was less likely to over dry. I really like the propane idea.

[@michaelh7527]

Love your idea! Give you another idea. You can do this on a cold engine not running. Get a fog machine. Attach a PVC pipe and hose to the machine. Connect it to the brake booster vacuum line and you will see the smoke coming out. A friend of mine was struggling to find a vacuum leak. He had been working on it for a few hours. We used this method and found it within a minute.

[@donoimdono2702]

if you don't have a fog machine, use some 2-stroke fuel in your 4 stroke lawn mower and attach a hose to it's exhaust. that also works for killing gophers and other burrowing rodents in your field.

[@susanneortiz9657]

My father told me he was going to propane to find the vacuum leak on my car and I got quite nervous. Thanks to your video, I can now breathe again.

[@johnrackiewicz286]

I have been doing research on finding vacuum leaks. Positive smoke pressure seems by far the most effective and SAFEST way to do it.

[@rodkennedy9800]

Think you may need an expensive ‘purpose built’ machine for the method you’re referring to. The method highlighted here uses ‘everyday’ tools/equipment found in most do it yourself people’s toolbox/shed.

[@mrsmartypants_1]

⁠@@rodkennedy9800Theres numerous vids that show you how to make very inexpensive, effective smoke machines for less than $30.

[@Army_3-2]

I was a carb cleaner user for years, though scared I was going to catch fire and burn to the ground myself. You've convinced me to switched to the propane method bud! Great video. Clear and concise with no BS added. Thank you!

[@gweedomurray9923]

He is good ! I just wish we could have gotten a live demo of the engine changing speed when you hit the leak, even if he had to pull a line on purpose just to illustrate the effect.

[@3500camarz]

Propane method is good, but I prefer the smoke test method. Easy to find leaks and you don't have to have the car running.

[@datawrangler81]

Couple stories of bad burns with starter fluid carb cleaner in other threads, better to use propane, or try scotty kilmers cigar method

[@fordfan7829]

I have seen Mechanics make a mess with spraying brake clean to find vacuum leaks. I use propane too and its the best. Nice Vid.

[@garyhedger1503]

Good video. Yes, the soapy water method is good for finding positive pressure leaks such as pin holes in tires and wheels, not vacuum leaks

[@TimmayFilms]

I'm glad I found this vid. I was thinking about using my old propane rig, which is already set up with a hose, so I came in and checked KZbin. Here you are, thanks!

[@jojozepofthejungle2655]

As a precaution with rubber hoses and fittings is use a 1/4 spray bottle of gasket leak sealer mixed with 50% mixed coolant and 50% distilled water. This stuff keeps all your rubber stuff as new and restores old rubber. I even spray it on exposed gasket around the head and underneath the car and around tyre rims and air valves even my wetsuit. A $50 bottle lasts forever and saves a lot of heartache.

[@joefoster8288]

I don't quit understand the proposition of each ingredient of gasket sealer to a 50/ 50 mix of Distilled Water and Anti freeze. 🤔

[@adamfreeman1347]

Good video 👍. If you are keeping your car and your hoses are old and cracked. Start replacing Vacuum hoses they are inexpensive sold by the foot. It will save you time and give peace of mind.

[@nathanmatthews8172]

That beard is a masterpiece. A national treasure.

[@vr6prodigy]

I used my vape while the engine was off and cold. I simply vaped into my brake booster line and watched where it came from. Found my leak without flammable materials. Great video tho

[@stephenhunter6507]

Did the same with a cheap cigar

[@metalhalide4043]

@stangmaster 2 Agree, much faster and safer method..

[@gristlevonraben]

Sometimes the purge valve is open, techs use a machine to close it. You could temperarily tape the two shut, purge and check valve. Also, remember to take the tape off when done. Sometimes the valves themselves are bad. Good luck and don't hurt your lungs, if you do, take high quality co-q10

[@metalhalide4043]

@@gristlevonraben Purge valve is normally closed, vent valve on charcoal canister is normally open..

[@gristlevonraben]

@@metalhalide4043 my bad, sorry.

[@matthewk6731]

I'm 62 and have never heard of this before today where I have seen it twice.

[@juliosantos9289]

I'm having a idle issue and am going to do this before going to the fuel. Thanks bother. Good info!

[@DEInTheGarage]

Good luck!

[@jeremiahlubke7583]

It's better to do this outside. Propane is a heavy gas, heavier than air, and can collect in the floor drain/pit of your garage creating an explosion hazzard. I do HVAC/R and we had to have training on flammable refrigerants like R290 (propane). With that said, i agree this is the best method, great video!

[@DEInTheGarage]

Good extra info! Thanks!

[@petrokansis]

I mentioned that because all these people were just told the opposite dispertion of a super explosive gas that will actually travel right down the sewer and ya have fun.But hope people listen to this because it does work but be really careful.message is backwards

[@kellismith4329]

Definitely can be dangerous if you let it collect anywhere, it also consumes alot of oxygen when it burns so lots of ventilation required

[@kyuseung813]

Thank you for sharing a safe way to detect a vacuum leak using the propane tank.

[@donfu2795]

As for the soap and water technique. To make it work you hook the output of a shop vacuum to the TB and open the throttle wide. This will pressurized the intake system. Then spray on the soap and water solution. The outflow of are from a leak will show bubbles like a hole in a pressurized tire. This technique has many advantages: Very safe - no fire extinguishers needed. Shows exactly where the leak is occurring. Done while the engine is cold so parts dont have a chance to heat up and seal the leak. If you are worried about getting water getting on electrical connections, dont worry about it - all the connections are IP67/68 rated for water ingress, and a low pressure spray will not cause *any* issue.

[@TheMstwntdLMSV123]

This is the best vacuum leak guide on KZbin 👌🏻. Just a quick note- vacuum leaks could also come internally from inside the brake booster, EGR valve, or PCV valve, and you can check these by clamping on the hoses that lead to them.

[@DEInTheGarage]

That is a very good point. Thanks for the add

[@waynemiller9574]

Thanks never tried the propane method and have a car with that exact problem .

[@ThereIsNoGodOnlyUs]

For the most commone torch nozzles, be they brass or steel, the sizes for the hoses tend to be either 1/2" inner diameter for the brass tips and 3/8" for the benzomatic tips.

[@johnmcminn9455]

Great video very clear to what works. Fire extinguisher. Yes, that is the next thing i must buy . Cars don't run well when they catch fire!

[@NickyNoyes]

Thank you for your time. I know how to do this But my son who was 16 @ the time. Your video was educational and hit all the marks. Thx again🤙🙏 -San Tan Valley, AZ.-

[@dennisolsson3119]

As far as I have understood, your 1 should be either: 1) pressurize the system from shop air (regulated of course) and use soapy water, or 2) pur loads of clean water into the engine compartment (nor spray bottle, pour directly from bottle)... The first will bubble on your leaks and works with a shut off engine, the second works at any temperature. As for water in the engine compartment, ask yourself what happens when driving after someone else in the rain. :) Besides these points I only agree with your points for 2 and 3. Thank you for your video!

[@blk77sunshn]

I must say this method has to be one of the best I've seen (I've used the other two and gages) I'm going to try this next time round, thanks indeed!

[@DEInTheGarage]

I think you will like it. It is easy, cheap, and effective

[@michaelbarber1906]

Hey brother, thank you for the info, I have always used carbeurater cleaner, never thought about a fire. may sound stupid but the problem could have been an electrical and would have burnt like hell, LOL

[@cr112784]

9:51. Dope deciduous tree silhouette! I’ve been drawing and photographing a couple thousand deciduous tree silhouettes. Ive got a close up looking thru the branches in the foreground w/an abstract nature-scape in the background. They’re nature’s perfect stamp.

[@DEInTheGarage]

That sounds pretty awesome. I am definitely a fan of the natural beauty of trees

[@chiefkicabich7312]

I Sprayed willy nilly once. BAM!!! cracked my rubber!!! Diggin the beard bro.

[@bentnickel7487]

I went to school with William Nilly and he wasn't as crazy as his sister Silly.

[@donaldpauli129]

Done this for years. Very reliable

[@MisterDeets]

Tried Mapp Gas (it was what I had handy at the time) and put it right on where I later identified the leak coming from audibly using a section of pipe to isolate the source and it just didn't seem to react with increased revs in a struggling engine. The leak is huge and you can hear it hissing bigtime. If you can hear the vacuum leak hissing, you can isolate it with a section of pipe put up to your ear. You could probably do the same with a section of hose as well.

[@theGADGETSplaylist]

Older vehicles maybe, but I've found watching for RPM increases with the introduction of propane doesn't work very well with today's Idle Air Control (IAC) which quickly steps in to maintain steady RPM. Perhaps watching for changes in fuel trims on a scanner as propane is introduced but I haven't had much success with that either. But that's just me. I opt for smoke test.

[@213BRANDONP]

I agree with smoke test however this method does work in the event your able to get propane in the correct place but that's more trouble than it's worth if you have a cooling fan blowing the gas everywhere smoke is by far the best method only supplemented with pressure leak down tests at the purge

[@sierraadams8009]

So cool I accidentally found this tip. Thank you!

[@pingpong9656]

I really like the idea of only doing small bursts of propane - that makes it so much safer, as it dissipates quickly. Golden Tip, if you don't have a smoke machine.

[@joseirizarry8256]

Thanks, excellent video and explanation, blessings to you and family.

[@JAM-zb2vh]

hello brother Just want to say that I love the beard And I like The idea of using propane. Keep the videos coming god bless you

[@DEInTheGarage]

Thanks buddy!

[@johnfranklin685]

This an excellent, consciousness video; however if you have an older vehicle and are not equipped with a propane torch, I would suggest buying all new vacuum hoses. All hoses are subject to decomposition, and by replacing them you will be rest assured that the problem will not arise in the near future, and you've saved having to by a propane torch you may not frequently have a use for.

[@testuser3167]

A home-made smoke machine (including a flow meter & a a small battery powered aquarium pump) can be made on the cheap to provide low positive pressure for visually finding vacuum leaks and if one uses glycerol instead of mineral/baby oil, it becomes both safe, easy to use, and non-toxic to breath the smoke, plus with or without smoke, one can then more effectively use the soapy spray method. As a bonus, you won't need a fire extinguisher with that setup.

[@victoryfirst2878]

I have found that using a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher is the ticket. You do not have to worry about cleaning up some yellow flour which is impossible to totally clean up. Where the gas just does things right. Good day and nice video with different points to consider too. VF

[@edd2ds]

Testing for leaks with propane starts at about 7:21 for those who want to learn how to do it instead of" why other ways aren't good". You're using most of the video to tell how not to do it before you get to the testing instructions.

[@kellismith4329]

It’s all good info, the average person doing this may not consider safety and it can get ugly fast when stuff flares up

[@jeffjankiewicz5100]

Brake clean...all I use for last 46 years...works just fine....light sprays until idle changes...leak found..spray evaporates quickly

[@chadrogers4635]

The best and safest way is the smoke method. You connect a smoke machine (can be rented from most auto parts stores) to the engine through the intake by the air filter. And it's all done while the engine is off. The smoke will come out where the leak or leaks are. No worries about a fire or damage to any components on or in the engine. Plus this is the method auto technicians use. And it is more precise.

[@UnknowPresence]

Damn excellent idea, I never thought of using propane gas, it makes allot sense.

[@miked3502]

Hank Hill approves

[@katburgess887]

Propane and propane accessories! Lmfao

[@bobby_hill8357]

I'm about to try the propane technique. I wish I would have known about it before I went and bought a new intake manifold and replaced it myself only to have the same vacuum leak.

[@ceciltrane5418]

I agree with the reasoning. Propane has and ignition temp of 900° to 1100° that's about 200° hotter than any thing in the engine bay other than a stray spark. On a hand held propane torch, you have a valve to cut the fuel supply to an accidental fire. Or you can remember since you are holding the torch in your hand already, just remove it from the vehicle. Flammable liquids ignite at common engine temperatures, and you can not control or remove the burning fluid if it ignites.

[@joshuaatkins5197]

Not all brake cleaners are good for Plastics and rubbers so keep that in mind. But carb and choke cleaner is safe to go onto plastic and rubber. Edit.. never mind you covered it, awesome!

[@bertblue9683]

Didn't see someone mentioned it in the top 20 or so comments but Propane is heavier than air so this could help putting it where you want in those hard to reach areas.

[@DEInTheGarage]

Very interesting.. that had not occurred to me previously. Thanks!

[@masterandpet903]

lol shit. all i needed to do was see a screenshot of a propane torch with a hose on it and i was sold. no need to watch the video. DONE. got it. understood. brilliant.

[@MrGeoffreyhines]

Fuckin brilliant. Most logical, effective, quickest, and safest method I’ve seen. Thanks brother!

[@DEInTheGarage]

We certainly thought so, haha. Thanks for the feedback!

[@Hyediver]

Appreciated safety tips with fire extinguisher and safety glasses.

[@MrDamecktech]

1. Disconnect a vacuum hose. 2. Take huge hit off a Bob Marley sized doobie and blow the smoke in the vacuum line. 3. Where you see the smoke exit is where you have a leak. 4. Hopefully you find the leak before you pass out.

[@Matt-ng1fy]

Alright. I no shit did this and it worked😂. I got blasted and solved my engine light. What a night

[@albduke]

They call this the Master Blaster method

[@mnmplays8706]

I replaced the spark plugs on my 2008 kia sedona, and had to remove the manifold to do it. Is it more danger to spray around the manifold than it is to spray a rubber hose with propane? Thanks for your help.

[@FMSTheWord]

when I first saw the propane, I thought you would feed it into the system like smoke and check for the odor, lol, your way is much better!

[@kalinradoulov3760]

Keep simple and safe, i like the vaporizer method.

[@kebabsalat]

what I do is remove the intake from the air filter, jam a plastic cup with a tire valve drilled into it, and just pump some air in with a compressor, without the car running. best solution to date

[@DEInTheGarage]

Wow.. that is an incredible idea. I am definitely going to try that. Thanks for the knowledge!

[@kevykev38]

Remove the intake from the filter??

[@sarobinson56]

@@DEInTheGarage Do THAT video now, bro.

[@DEInTheGarage]

sarobinson56 It is in the works. We are anxious to try this. Keep an eye out for the vid

[@5jjt]

Could you be more specific please? When you pressurize the engine, are you using something other than air? If you're just using air, are you spraying soapy water?

[@lauriek6969]

Your video is very clear and easy to understand. Excellent job! Love the tree tattoo on your forearm.

[@mustangmadness2619]

Check and see, but I think Map gas is acetylene gas, burns hotter for silver solder. I used the spray carb cleaner too, I have used soapy water & compressed air on finding AC leaks too. next time ill try propane ,Good video !

[@rh1011]

The propane method is pretty good, however if you have vacuum leak from something like a low torque gasket or seal you won’t notice an RPM change. That requires a scan so you can watch fuel trim for change at the same time your testing with the propane. The best thing to use is a smoke machine. Also if you’re using propane method on a carbureted vehicle then the RPM decrease when you hit your leak with the propane.

[@timothkeyyprice]

Would have been nice to hear the change in engine idle. Thanks for the tips.

[@DEInTheGarage]

Fair enough. Thanks for the feedback!

[@frankholtzclaw765]

I never would of knowed I watched this video In silence [no volume] as Paul Harvey said and now for the rest of the storyno engine idle thank you T Price.

[@dm7097]

Dude you got me with this one video! I subbed right away! Awesome presentation.

[@DEInTheGarage]

Welcome to the channel! Glad to have you!

[@vernroach3413]

Excellent video, from smart, common sense instruction....I have learned something...My thanks to the gent that made it.

[@DEInTheGarage]

Thanks for the feedback! Glad you found the video helpful

[@robertgerver5455]

Excellent vid , masterful dissertation.

[@alfredozertuche784]

learned something new. Thanks Ive always used brake fluid, carb cleaner, starting fluid but always afraid to have an arc ignite the puddles that gather at times. I've used it to test fuel pumps as well. I learned to not stomp the gas pedal while injecting starting fluid cause its prone to backfire with a flame. I'm curious if this method would be any different when trying to test for a bad fuel pump. Curious if you tried it and if you pressed the gas pedal while doing it. I'm more then sure it would be the same but with a more explosive reaction due to it being a vapor then a liquid fuel.

[@mattedwards4533]

I use only propane ,contrary to what some have said it is the safest way. Propane may flash over if it does ignite but it is brief and easy to control. I also use spray lacquer to seal some leaks. Lacquer drys almost instantly and will give a permanant seal to leaks in places like a warped throttle body and Lacquer doesn't damage rubber.It sure beats spending over a half a day taking off all the mess on top of todays engines to fix the leak?

[@LouiseTurner-x9z]

We have a 1989 Honda Civic 1.5 When the engine is cold or not fully warmed-up, the throttle tends to pulsate at lower RPM's in the first 3 gears of 5 gears. Car has much less of the pulsating once fully warmed-up. Any idea what is causing this problem? I will test the propane method when the car is cold. Is a water hose and sprayer on the ready OK if a flame should arise?

[@unkyjoe]

Good presentation in my opinion and including safety awareness is noted. Thx

[@CarlosGarcia-ls4hn]

I know it has now been five years since you did this video, but I hope you are still monitoring it. Can you tell me if your method with the 1 pound propane bottle and hose work to detect a vacuum leak on an intake manifold of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle? Thx.

[@z4u68]

what about the stethoscope with the metal rod taken off. you can hear the leak, its safe all the way around?

[@ptaweston]

What about a smoke machine for leak detection? Any thoughts?

[@DEInTheGarage]

Yea, definitely a viable option well. This is just another interesting option

[@3500camarz]

I'd argue that the smoke test method is the best. Cost less than 15 bucks to make and much easier to spot leaks!

[@kennedywong9854]

I am hearing loud pitch noise while doing compression tests on cylinder 2,3, and 4. Is this vacuum leaks?

[@JorgeFlores-ii8lq]

I replace the 4 o2 sensor , purge valve, mass air flow sensor, intake gasket , and fuel composition sensor and I still get the P0174 and P0171 codes on a 2012 Chevy impala Do you have any suggestions?

[@nathanwhitecotton6350]

I like the idea it's easy it's cheap and does work 👍 I have personally used on my Tahoe and seen it's done....... Keep it up

[@DTartist4336]

I used to use a nonflammable electric contact cleaner on snowmobile crankcases to detect vacuum leaks. While idling the engine rpms would drop off the instant the spray hit the leak. This might be useful here too.

[@DEInTheGarage]

Yea, that sounds like it would be perfect!

[@maxpercer7119]

"nonflammable electric contact cleaner " name of product?

[@gooburrum]

Very clear instruction. Thanks.

[@bbhoustontx]

lot of knowledge for a young fellow.......rare

[@nickolasgiampietro3164]

What if you don't have vacuum leaks but you have bad solenoids that test well on the table but not in the engine? Having issues getting full 20psi due to something in the vacuum system

[@elysvillasmil9647]

Exellent description . Thanks for your help

[@ericgfx01]

Arrr. Ofcourse I see this video after doing the carb cleaner method. Any product recommendations, like armor all, to counter the drying effects??

[@eazthitman]

Great video and great idea, I am looking for air leaks in my diesel fuel line. Do you think it would work for that?

[@DEInTheGarage]

I do not think so. Different principles are at work with fuel lines. I think in that case you will just need to inspect the heck out of the lines

[@eazthitman]

@@DEInTheGarage thanks, its a nightmare job.

[@dougc190]

My grandfather used to tell me that they would sell smoke in a can and that's how he always found vacuum leaks in the old days. I can't find that at stores but I can finding on Amazon

[@JimMcBob42069]

Will propane change fuel trim or o2 readings?

[@ShitWrangler]

it should make the short term run lean from your spiking rich and reflect that on a pid or graph, i believe

[@joelrickards2315]

Thanx sir I especially like the safety reminders great job my good man!

[@colinspencer2125]

Well Done! Great description.

[@davidcilley2290]

can you use map fuel instead of propane

[@SzymekCRX]

Great teaching skills :) Have a good day!

[@DEInTheGarage]

Thank you. You too

[@sneakthief5724]

This is a solid video. Great info! I never liked the Ether method...

[@mayeri3083]

Wow pretty slick not bad. Good tip there. click on this video originally thought you were going to help me with my vacuum leak for my AC, whenever I accelerate over 30 miles per hour I lose suction or vacuum in my AC,as soon as I release my accelerator pedal the AC blows nice and cold. Just not sure where to start from while seems there some type of vacuum or something that's pulling whenever I accelerate. Do you by any chance have any videos about this or any thought what this can be?

[@patriciareynolds2729]

how about starting fluid/ ether?

[@queenkong48]

Actually, Propane can pool as it is heavier and air and will settle at the lowest point that it cannot escape. This includes under intake manifolds etc. Not a big worry but would be a good idea to run a low flow fan to keep the gas moving down under the engine bay,.

[@TheMrChaddles]

Yep this is true. Was wondering if anyone would comment this.

[@Da103Man]

It's easy to remember how to use a fire extinguisher if you can remember the acronym PASS, which stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep.

[@alexp1357]

Good video, thank you. But instead of using dangerous substances use seafoam spray - much, much safer way, non-combustible, no hydraulic shock, and you will hear changes in the engine.

[@DEInTheGarage]

That is some solid advice. I will give it a try. Thanks

[@dirtyaznstyle4156]

Seafoam not combustible?!? It’s made of pale oil, naphtha, and rubbing alcohol hahaha

[@alexp1357]

Dirtyaznstyle, ok seafoam is combustable but it is not explosive like gas.

[@coolgamer5148]

Can u check header exhaust gasket hot or cold engine on atv single cylinder?

[@joehyundaitech7961]

grate video I learned a lot and you brought up a lot of good points like for IE spraying starter fluid on rubber hoses that are not leaking but may from it drying out the hoses. so glad i found your video

[@chrisjones4547]

One sprays soapy water on system components with engine off and means of pressurizing the system. It's generally most effective in finding vacume leaks in the evap system but there's much to understand and steps that need to be taken. And a code such as po456 (minor leak in evap sustem) isn't going to be detectable using any kind of flammable substance otherwise it wouldnt be a minor leak code, it would be a medium to large leak issue.

[@allanbrogdon7453]

On aircraft we used ivory dish soap and water in a spray bottle to find fuel cell leaks nothing better.

[@Rabbit.760]

Fill an air tank with 15 psi or so and puff a cigarette or cigar into the break booster till smokes comes out your air filter. Then plug air filter area with grocery bags and release air into break booster. It forces smoke out of even the tiniest leaks. Easiest and most effective way in my 2 days of experience 😂

[@wheatonna]

First time I've heard of this method. Is there any reason to use a smoke test instead? You didn't mention that.