1999 Ford Contour Vacuum Leak

1999 FORD CONTOUR
125,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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RFLEMING28
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  • 1 POST
What is the best way to find a vacuum leak? Also if I remove the air filter and cover the carburetor and the car still runs, is that a sign that the carb is back?
Apr 25, 2010 at 11:31 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Most people use carb cleaner or starting fluid to find a vacuum leak. What they do is with the engne running, they spray the vacuum hoses. If there is a leak, the engine will draw the product through the leaking area and the RPM's will increase.

One concern is how highly flamible the product is. If it hits the exhause manifold or an area on the engine that is at or above the product's flash point, it will catch fire. Just be careful and have a fire extinguisher made for such fires near by.

As far as placing you hand over the throttle body and the car still runs and doesn't choke out, there must be a rather leak that is providing enough air to the intake to keep it running.
May 1, 2010 at 3:27 PM
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