Glenn M

The car is 95% done after my cam cover, intake, clean everything project. Replaced the flappy and throttle bearings and all associated sensors, cam chain guides, rubber, vacuum lines, elbows, silicone intake elbow, oil fill neck.

I built the intake pressure tester and put 2.5 PSI in it. I can hear a leak(s) and narrowed one down to the throttle shaft on the drivers side. The bearing seal must have been damaged upon replacement! Takes 10 seconds to leak down from 2.5 PSI.

Wish I had a smoke tester to see if I have any other leaks.

I may also try soapy water around the MAF and elbow to check for leaks, some folks have had issues getting the silicone elbow to seal.

Can't say I'm pleased as this was a lot of work to get to this point. At least the fuel lines will come apart easy!

Sometimes it's better not to know.

Do I take it all back apart or drive it?

Any thoughts?

Thanks

Imo000

The throttle shaft doesn't have to seal perfectly. Considering the amout of air the engine uses, that tiny leak is insignificant.

Mrmerlin

did you use the double sealed shaft bearings?? Roger sells them

Glenn M

Yes, used the double sealed bearings. That was the side that was a pain to remove, had a small groove but I had put sealant on it.

blown 87

Find a shop that has one, see if they will help you out.

A smoke machine is one of those machines a shop almost has to have, but it does not get used much.
I use mine maybe once a month, if that.

Mike Frye

+1, if it takes a full 10 seconds to leak down I think you're good.

I had a leak at the oil dipstick and also at the oil filler cap (both have O-rings to replace and could cause pressure check leaks during a pressure test).


For next time (or anyone else), you can test the throttle assembly on the bench before reassembly:

Glenn M

Mike,
S4 is a different but could be done . Wish I did it now!

Not sure if any of the local shops would have a smoke tester and if they would let me rent it no less! Shure would be nice, could test both cars.

Thanks for all the help. Still not sure if it is worth taking all apart again.

I know what Dwayne would do!

blown 87

When i said use, i meant on site, I would not let anybody but a couple of people take mine from the shop.

Glenn M

Greg,
Guess I've got to get the car running! Where do you inject the smoke?

blown 87

Into the manifold in this case.
The machine I have uses a oil with UV dye that makes it a bit simpler if you have to take things apart to find the leak.

Glenn M

My sons friend has a fog machine that uses oil. I think others have talked about trying to get one to work with little sucess.