any tips for finding vacuum leaks

[chin_dude]

Is there general routine some people follow? Is there any diagrams of hose placement?
a common problem area?

 

[John Larkin]

First thing to do is check the hoses physically. If you can rub one between your finger and thumb and your fingers turn jet black, it's dryrotted and should be replaced. Secondly, take a propane torch, start the car, crack open the valve on the propane torch, and wave it around the vacuum connections. A rise in engine RPM will show a vacuum leak since it's sucking in the propane. You can use carb cleaner too. No smoking and please do this outdoors.

 

[tc86gn]

on the engine, I use water in a spray bottle. Very safe. The miss will be very noticeable if there is a leak.

 

[TRENT THOMPSON]

somebody on this board ( not sure who ) uses his air compressor and hooks it too on of the ports on the vacuum block on top of the throttle body. says that it makes it real easy too find

 

[Mile Hi GN]

It only takes a few minutes.

Get a can of O2 safe carb cleaner.

With the car warmed up in closed loop idle, pull the vacuum hose off the regulator. Spray in some carb cleaner and notice the change in idle. Do it again, know the sound of the cleaner entering the vacuum stream.

Now, walk around the vacuum hoses spraying the carb cleaner listening for the idle to jump. Pay particular attention to the vacuum block above the throttle body, the EGR, boost gauge fitting, etc.