School me. Vacuum leak testing
 

I have a 1996 T4R SR-5, V-6, automatic tranny.
I want to do a vacuum leak test, but because it is sitting in a security parking lot WITHOUT any electricity, I need to test without a smoke machine.

I have looked on youtube and I saw a number of different ways to do this, including spraying carb cleaner/brake cleaner OR an UN-LIT propane torch with a hose attached. (with engine running) I'm not crazy about using flammable liquids, but a propane torch seems somewhat safer. I even saw one video which a guy used a cigar but that seems like one heck of a lot of puffing to be effective.

If I do it with engine off, I could plug up the 3 inch hose between the air filter and the MAF.

None of the videos shows EXACTLY where to insert smoke if I go that way. So, where do I insert smoke ?

Any other methods, that do NOT require electricity, gratefully received.
Thank, guys.

The problem with a torch is the propane is VERY easily blown away from the wind generated by the fan, I found
Just try the carb/brake clean method, it's not gonna hurt anything or yourself unless you have some very obvious sparks/arcing from a short under the hood, and at that point you'd have a myriad of other problems and would definitely hear it. Just spray it around willy-nilly in short sections along the intake system and listen for an idle change - it might increase or decrease depending on where the leak is and how severe it is. If you're REALLY concerned you could even use MAF cleaner which is a super clean, no residue solvent that dries almost instantly
If you're dead set on doing a smoke test, I'd do it after the MAF just to be safe. You can use practically anything to make the smoke, if I'm not mistaken. When you say no electricity, do you mean there isn't an outlet of sorts available or your vehicle doesn't have power?

Vehicle has power but there is NO 120 volt AC in the security parking lot.

Traveler74
 

Did you ever find out where to attach the smoke line to? Did you do a smoke test, and did it work for you?

following

No reason to smoke test. Wd40. Brake cleaner lightly spray around your vacuum lines and intake while engine running. You hear it speed up for a second or 2. [ with ac off and low idle] You found your vacuum leak area.

No way would I use propane, starting fluid or anything super flammable.

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