zeitgeist57 Posted June 2, 2016 Report Share Posted June 2, 2016 My 1978 Lincoln has had a vacuum leak since I bought it that's gotten progressively worse: I know because the headlight doors used to open after a couple of days...now they will shut with engine vacuum as the engine runs but both slowly open after only an hour or so. Plus, I had my head around the firewall and could hear a whistling. I know there's some "101-level" tips for finding a vacuum leak...any tips or tools to locate the whistling would be greatly appreciated. It's starting to affect engine idle as well. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gergwheel1647545492 Posted June 2, 2016 Report Share Posted June 2, 2016 http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/a3094/how-to-find-a-vacuum-leak/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Green Bastard Posted June 2, 2016 Report Share Posted June 2, 2016 Have you tried ether to help narrow it down some more? I would try some brake cleaner with the straw and try to hit the lines individually. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeitgeist57 Posted June 2, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 2, 2016 I've been really busy the last couple of weeks, but I will have time through the weekend to wrench. Great tips so far. I'll try the carb-cleaner idea Does anyone happen to have a smoke machine as the PM link mentioned? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gergwheel1647545492 Posted June 2, 2016 Report Share Posted June 2, 2016 I've been really busy the last couple of weeks, but I will have time through the weekend to wrench. Great tips so far. I'll try the carb-cleaner idea Does anyone happen to have a smoke machine as the PM link mentioned? get a pack of cigarettes and go to town. I have seen rednecks use this method before EDIT: Try a cigar? http://community.cartalk.com/discussion/2195192/poor-mans-vacuum-leak-detector Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocky31186 Posted June 2, 2016 Report Share Posted June 2, 2016 Spraying with brake clean is the easiest option. Don't soak the engine bay at once just spray a few places and wait for rpms to raise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geeesammy Posted June 2, 2016 Report Share Posted June 2, 2016 Brake clean first, then worry about smoking it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeitgeist57 Posted June 2, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 2, 2016 OK, thanks guys. Will start with brake cleaner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIGGU Posted June 2, 2016 Report Share Posted June 2, 2016 or get you a vape. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SRTurbo04 Posted June 2, 2016 Report Share Posted June 2, 2016 or get you a vape. :lolguy: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geeesammy Posted June 2, 2016 Report Share Posted June 2, 2016 or get you a vape. This could work. We have quite a few Subaru drivers on the site so it shouldnt be hard to get someone to come over. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hpfiend Posted June 9, 2016 Report Share Posted June 9, 2016 Pour a bit of motor oil in the intake vacuum lines- seriously - smells horribly and prob not good for the trees but it works Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeitgeist57 Posted June 10, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 10, 2016 I blasted the fittings and some of the lines with brake cleaner. Blasted the open carb and it idled down for a moment. So...wasn't able to find the vacuum leak underhood. Pour a bit of motor oil in the intake vacuum lines- seriously - smells horribly and prob not good for the trees but it works Can you explain this process a little better? What do I do, disconnect lines and pour a bit in with a funnel? Is it supposed to smoke, or seal the leaks? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iwashmycar Posted June 10, 2016 Report Share Posted June 10, 2016 Probably the same as seafoaming vac lines. Probably so much smoke coming out the pipes wouldnt be able to spot it under the hood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geeesammy Posted June 10, 2016 Report Share Posted June 10, 2016 Ive had an issue on my truck finding an audible one. Some can be tricky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hpfiend Posted June 10, 2016 Report Share Posted June 10, 2016 I mispoke- the oil in vacuum line trick is for exhaust leaks- pm'd Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gillbot Posted June 10, 2016 Report Share Posted June 10, 2016 Brake clean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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