Hey Martin,
Let me clarify what I wrote, afterall I don't want anyone to get themselves
"all blowed up"
based on what they think I said.
I did agree with the earlier advice to replace the hoses, and gave a couple of
reasons why
this is a good idea. I was not advocating trying to save 14 year old hoses.
I do think that using WD-40 is a viable method for isolating a vacuum leak. It
is a
limited technique and is not very good for detecting a leaking hose, but there
are times
when it is a useful method. By using that small tube that comes with most of
these cans,
one is able to spray/spurt a very small amount of liquid at the suspected leak.
When done
properly this is not overly hazardous. I do not use starter fluid nor do I use
this
technique near hot components because I do not feel this is safe.
Thanks for the response.
-Roger
Martin wrote:
> Consider what you stand to gain by saving 14 year old vacuum line vs. what
>you stand
> to lose by putting your head under the hood of a running engine and spraying
>a flammable
> aerosol. Besides, you can probably buy enough hose to do the entire engine
>for the price
> of a can of WD-40 or starter fluid.
>
> Roger Gibbs wrote:
>
> > Jim,
> >
> > I will second the advice given my "M" below (makes me souund like James
>Bond to say
> > that).
> >
> > In my experience there are large differences in the life expectancy of
>"rubber"
> > hoses. Depending on the use in your area of gasoline additives, the
>presence or
> > lack of oil leaks/fumes and the routing of hoses near heat sources can all
>cause.,in
> > some cases a dramatic, a shortening of the life of a hose. If you do go
>and buy
> > enough bulk hose length to replace the hoses a couple of good things will
>results:
> > 1. You will have new hoses of known quality, 2. you may find the vacuum
>leak for
> > certain (there may be a slit is a line that you cannot see), 3. You will
>have a
> > better idea of the condition of other parts of the car, (might find a
>broken or
> > fraying wire, a developing fluid leak, etc.).
> >
> > In response to your question about using starter fluid. I have used liquid
>to
> > diagnois vacuum leaks , although I do not use starter fluid. You do not
>necessary
> > need to feed a fuel, you are trying to stop a vacuum leak. Say you have a
>torn
> > gasket between two machined surfaces. A liquid will be pulled in and
>temporaily
> > seal the leak. I have used carb cleaner and WD-40. Just a little. This
>has been
> > successful for me. These fluids are also flammable and I am careful to use
>just a
> > little and I haven't had the need to spray them near a hot exhaust
>manifold, and
> > probaly never will. If you think you know the area where a leak might
>exist you
> > could also spread a little grease to offer a seal.
> >
> > Good luck!
> >
> > Oh, also remeber that the vacuum line may be used to actuate air
>conditioning valves
> > and such within the cab. If the condition comes and goes based on a/c
>controls you
> > might want to look there.
> >
> > -Roger
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