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Checking vaccuum leaks with propane?? by fierogt28
Started on: 10-02-2014 04:19 PM
Replies: 13 (307 views)
Last post by: Alex.07.86GT on 10-06-2014 01:44 AM
fierogt28
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Report this Post10-02-2014 04:19 PM Click Here to See the Profile for fierogt28Send a Private Message to fierogt28Edit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
How many of you have ever seen a mechanic use a propane torch to find a vacuum
leak on your car??

Back in 2000 I seen someone do this, and I was very disturbed by it.

For a Fiero, they would point it near the EGR tube, throttle body, and plenum for signs
of leaks.

Maybe for old school mechanics would do this...but.

I would / will never use this method.

Anyone??

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fierogt28

88 GT, Loaded, 5-speed.
88 GT, 5-speed. Beechwood interior, All original.

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Gall757
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Report this Post10-02-2014 06:01 PM Click Here to See the Profile for Gall757Send a Private Message to Gall757Edit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
You're Right! It's a bad idea.

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Ken_86gt
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Report this Post10-02-2014 06:07 PM Click Here to See the Profile for Ken_86gtSend a Private Message to Ken_86gtEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Why not it works great. You know you have found the leak when the engine revs up.
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Gall757
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Report this Post10-02-2014 06:13 PM Click Here to See the Profile for Gall757Send a Private Message to Gall757Edit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
The Fiero is unusual in that there is a trunk right next to the engine....Unlike natural gas, propane is heavier than air (1.5 times as dense). In its raw state, propane sinks and pools at the floor. ..so there is a chance you could end up with a trunk full of the stuff.
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Alex.07.86GT
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Report this Post10-02-2014 06:21 PM Click Here to See the Profile for Alex.07.86GTSend a Private Message to Alex.07.86GTEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I use Starter Fluid! I just Love That Stuff!!!
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Gall757
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Report this Post10-02-2014 06:38 PM Click Here to See the Profile for Gall757Send a Private Message to Gall757Edit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Starter fluid is usually ether. It has the same problem.....stay away from the trunk,

It's so easy to check for vacuum leaks without using any additional flamable gas....just pull the line and block the hole....listen for a RPM drop.
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imabuzzkill
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Report this Post10-02-2014 06:39 PM Click Here to See the Profile for imabuzzkillSend a Private Message to imabuzzkillEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
It works.
If your afraid to do something, don't do it.
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Dennis LaGrua
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Report this Post10-02-2014 06:41 PM Click Here to See the Profile for Dennis LaGruaSend a Private Message to Dennis LaGruaEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
If it takes a while to find the leak you will be spraying enough gas or starter fluid to create a very nice explosion. If you want to find a leak use the smoke test or even water. The life you save may be your own.

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Powerlog manifold, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Flotech Afterburner Exhaust, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
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Alex.07.86GT
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Report this Post10-02-2014 06:51 PM Click Here to See the Profile for Alex.07.86GTSend a Private Message to Alex.07.86GTEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua:

If it takes a while to find the leak you will be spraying enough gas or starter fluid to create a very nice explosion. If you want to find a leak use the smoke test or even water. The life you save may be your own.



if you think you might start a fire then dont do it! Some of us can handle the task and / or have been doing so for decades!!!
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Lou6t4gto
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Report this Post10-04-2014 01:17 PM Click Here to See the Profile for Lou6t4gtoSend a Private Message to Lou6t4gtoEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I just use a "pressurized SMOKE CAN". you hook it up to an intake vacuum port, put a little air to it and if there is a leak, the smoke comes out of it.
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HarryT
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Report this Post10-04-2014 11:44 PM Click Here to See the Profile for HarryTSend a Private Message to HarryTEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
What is a smoke can and what do you use for smoke?
Harry
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Chelo Fiero
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Report this Post10-05-2014 12:36 AM Click Here to See the Profile for Chelo FieroClick Here to visit Chelo Fiero's HomePageSend a Private Message to Chelo FieroEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
WD40 works great..
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Lou6t4gto
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Report this Post10-05-2014 02:36 PM Click Here to See the Profile for Lou6t4gtoSend a Private Message to Lou6t4gtoEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
a qt can (or gallon) with lid. put 2 holes in the lid, 1 for a air fitting, 1 for a fitting to fit a vacuum line. take on lold rag, put some oil on it, light it on fire, put out the fire but leave it "smouldering". put it in the can, put the lid on. attach the vacuum line to your intake manifold vacuum source, then use your air line (with a paint gun little Regulator valve to cut the pressure way down so you don't blow the Lid off the can) this fills your intake manifold with harmless smoke and it will be forced out of any vacuum leaks you may have. Fail Proof, and you won't set your car on fire. LOL
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Alex.07.86GT
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Report this Post10-06-2014 01:44 AM Click Here to See the Profile for Alex.07.86GTSend a Private Message to Alex.07.86GTEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
If you are afraid of fire, #1 you own the wrong car! #2 then dont work on car engines! Its too dangerous!!!
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