best way to track down leaks (exhaust and vac)?

[Anonymous]

I've got a pesky exhaust leak that I need to track down but I think I may also have a vac leak somewhere. I've heard/read about using some spryas like WD40 or carb cleaner or something spritzed sparingly around the potential leak areas. If the engine reacts, then the leak is found. Sound about right? What should I use?

I've also heard about people dusting the exhaust areas with babypowder to track down an exhaust leak...that helps to see where because the exhaust blows the poweder away. May sound primative, but hey, if it works.... got a better idea/method besides scorching my hand trying to feel around a running motor? (not that I've done that or anything)

 

[Anonymous]

A truck mechanic told me he uses a regular little unlit propane torch to find vaccum leaks.
Turn the little torch on and kinda wafts it over the vaccum lines.
Listen for a surge in the engine.
Never heard about the baby powder but guess it would work.
I'd think either a smoke generator or a powder sprayer(like a garden dry powder spray) pumping a cloud of powder or smoke around the exhaust would show tell signs of 'swirling' when it is directed at a source of a leak.
Not sure how realistic this is but sounds like something one could try fairly easy.
Be intersted in what this topic brings up.
DaveP

 

[Anonymous]

ahh..yes...the unlight burnzomatic torch..I've heard that too.

How about a BEE SMOKER?!? That's a great idea. Now, anyone raise bees?

 

[Mustangaroo]

Get a can of Starting Fluid, spray it on the suspected leak area and your rpm's will rise (when engine is running ) when a leak is detected.
Good Luck!

 

[simon]

starting fluid is nasty - mostly pure ether.

for detecting vacuum leaks, the unlit propane torch sounds best to me.

 

[Mustangaroo]

Fine, I've just used it for many years and it works everytime, easy to use and safe.

 

[Anonymous]

Problem is the fan typically blows into the engine compartment making finding the exhaust leak hard. I'd say disable the fan for a few minutes of running while trying to find the lexhaust eak. May be easy if it's electric.

Steve-O

 

[Anonymous]

remember to brathe deep when using ether....



j/k-ing of course

 

[Anonymous]

You should be able to find the exhaust leak listening though a piece of garden hose. If it's at the header the gasket will tell you where. Typical is the top of 3/4 on the OZ heads.