How Do I Check for Vacuum Leaks?

catcher22 · 08-30-2013, 12:44 PM

How do I check for vacuum leaks? Do I just look at all the hoses? Do I NEED to do a smoke test to find all the leaks? I've searched but haven't found very specific information.

I'm pretty sure I have a leak because I can't hold boost.

Efthreeoh · 08-30-2013, 05:55 PM

A smoke test is the best way. BMW of Sterling has a smoke machine, they used it on my car a few years ago. See if you can arrange for a $160.00 1-hour diagnostic and have them run a smoke test.

JustROLLIN · 08-30-2013, 08:34 PM

Nah...you can make a vacuum leak tester out of a piece of rubber hose, a schrader valve, and compressed air. Google it. I used to be a DSM guy and we made vacuum testers for about $10. Just pump up the air pressure and listen for the leak.

08-30-2013, 12:44 PM	#1
catcher22 Captain 294 Rep 922 Posts Drives: 2008 335xi Coupe Join Date: May 2008 Location: Virginia iTrader: (2)	How Do I Check for Vacuum Leaks? How do I check for vacuum leaks? Do I just look at all the hoses? Do I NEED to do a smoke test to find all the leaks? I've searched but haven't found very specific information. I'm pretty sure I have a leak because I can't hold boost.
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08-30-2013, 05:55 PM	#2
Efthreeoh General 17315 Rep 18,737 Posts Drives: The E90 + Z4 Coupe & Z3 R'ster Join Date: May 2012 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	A smoke test is the best way. BMW of Sterling has a smoke machine, they used it on my car a few years ago. See if you can arrange for a $160.00 1-hour diagnostic and have them run a smoke test.
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08-30-2013, 08:34 PM	#3
JustROLLIN Private 0 Rep 75 Posts Drives: 2007 e90 328xi Join Date: May 2013 Location: Mpls, MN iTrader: (0)	Nah...you can make a vacuum leak tester out of a piece of rubber hose, a schrader valve, and compressed air. Google it. I used to be a DSM guy and we made vacuum testers for about $10. Just pump up the air pressure and listen for the leak.
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