Does My Car Have a Vacuum Leak?
What Signs Will Indicate a Vacuum Leak?
While many signs of an engine vacuum leak also look like a problem with the ignition, they can indicate a much more serious problem. Engine repairs will show up as a variety of issues with how your car starts, runs and sounds. Your car’s engine is a closed system that operates essentially as one big vacuum, so when there’s a leak throwing off the air/fuel ratio, you will notice problems.
Your Idle is Running High or is Sporadic
Your engine’s RPM goes up as more air cycles through your engine. In a well-running engine, a butterfly valve controls this, opening the valve more as you press on the accelerator. But when there’s a vacuum leak, it can cause a similar rise in RPM, even when idling. Pay attention while you’re sitting at stoplights or in traffic and take note if you notice changes in how your car idles.
Stalling or Hesitating Engine
If there is a significant leak causing a larger excess of air in the engine, it can make it difficult to start your car and cause your engine to hesitate or stall when running. This is because your engine’s sensors can’t accurately report data to your engine’s computer. If this is the case, you may be able to keep your engine running only by continuing to press the throttle.
Loud Hissing, Squealing or Sucking from the Engine
A surefire way to tell if you have a vacuum leak is to listen for distinctive sounds from your engine. It may sound like hissing, squealing, or sucking and can be similar to when you’re using the extension on your home vacuum. If you notice anything like this coming from under your hood, it’s time to get your car to a mechanic.
The Check Engine Light is On
Your engine’s sensors and the computer will be able to report and compare data that can point to a vacuum leak. Generally, when your engine is running well, the data coming from all of your engine’s sensors should match up or record within normal ranges. If that’s not the case, your check engine light will come on to indicate a problem and a mechanic will be able to check the trouble code associated with it to better understand the problem.
Not Fixing an Engine Vacuum Leak is Risky
Some car repairs can be pushed off for a little while without much risk. A vacuum leak is not one of those repairs. Your car’s engine is a complex, enclosed system that’s essential to keeping your car running. It’s also easy for one problem to cause even more damage to your engine, meaning increasingly expensive and time-consuming repairs the longer you wait to get it addressed. Especially if you notice sure signs of a vacuum leak, such as hearing hissing from the engine, it’s essential to get your car to a trusted mechanic as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
What Could Cause a Vacuum Leak?
Because there are so many moving parts in your car’s engine , there are several that can wear out and break, causing a vacuum leak:
- Vacuum tubes or hoses
- Actuators, solenoids, valves and regulators
- Gaskets and seals
- Brake booster
The most common cause of a vacuum leak is a broken tube or hose, but many parts within your engine can wear out and throw off the air/fuel ratio. Several regulators and valves require a vacuum source to operate properly and gaskets/seals help keep the system airtight.
Trust AAMCO Utah Mechanics with Your Engine & Auto Repair Needs
Whether your check engine light is on, your engine has begun stalling regularly, or you notice your RPM fluctuating during idle, it’s best to have a trusted mechanic take a look. Catching an engine repair early prevents further repairs and money down the road. Come into your local AAMCO Utah location today and get your vehicle ready for anything.
The post Does My Car Have a Vacuum Leak? first appeared on AAMCO Utah Transmission Repair and General Car Repair.
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