M Danger

Trying to figure out if there is any way to do that?
I have heard of using a propane torch (unlit) to check for vac leaks, but that sounds a bit dangerous.

But im wondering if there is anything you can say pressurize the intake with that might have smoke or something so you can see the smoke comming out of any leaks (kind like checking an innertube in water you know?)

and to the exhuast, what (with out removing the pipes) is a what to check for leaks and restrictions???

smac951

Do a search on "pressure testors". It was just discussed at great length a couple of weeks ago.

KuHL 951

Bruce has a good cap and testing procedure at his website. You might try there 1st.
http://www.arnnworx.com/boost_testing.htm

Andial951

I was part of that thread a couple weeks back but I think your question is a little different. You want to know if there is a way to put smoke or something in the system to be able to see where it leaks out. I know there is such a machine because my mechanic has one that he used to find my vac leaks before, but I understand its expensive. One person posted something that looked like a smoke bomb but it seemed way too powerful for this application.

I dont have the answer but if someone does have it I would like to know.

dime1622

Probably the fastest way would be to dip the front end of the car in water and use a snorkel. Check for air bubbles. This method, however, is not recommended for obvious reasons.

Epic2112

Smoke machines are fantastic for finding both intake and exhaust leaks, but they are very expensive.

chapstic951

I second Bruce Arnworx (sp?) site as a great how to. Your best bet for tracking down the leaks is to pressurize the system and use soapy water per Bruce's guidence.

As for the exhaust, put a banana in the tail pipe. For it to effectivly work you must say it in the Axel Foley voice!!! Seriously, you could block the end of the exhaust and use the same method as testing the engine for leaks. "What goes in, must come out." Focus on the welds and gasket connections.

Regarding any restrictions in the exhaust there are two primary spots....the catalyst and muffler. Beyond that, they are hollow pipes.

theedge

A pressure tester combined with soapy water dabbed on suspect spots. It works pretty well.

M Danger

well see, well I wonder, what if anything else there might be to check while I have the head off

rberry951

You could just jam a potato in the tailpipe, start the car, then look for smoke under the hood....

:P

smac951

I thought I read somewhere on this board of someone hooking up a shopvac to the tailpipe and blowing air into the exhaust system. That might work for exhaust leaks?

Andial951

is it possible to rent a smoke machine?

rberry951

Actually it might, if you could hear the leaks over the sound of the shopvac. Maybe if you had a long enough hose, or listened with one of those stethoscope looking things.

Russell

rberry951

Yep, party stores around here have them.

Andial951

ah.....good tip....im going to check that tomorrow........

BTW - Are you an insomniac?.....lol