Yes, I know you are correct and I guess with the smoke machine creating positive pressure in the system, I could inspect under the intake manifold to see where the smoke is pushing out. Where is the best place to connect in the smoke on our 6 cylinders for this diagnostic.

In the absence of the smoke machine, I was hoping to address the most likely suspects and those that are inexpensive to replace. Most all of the items that could cause my air leak are due for replacement in my opinion. I'm the only one who has worked on my car and I never changed any of these parts.

Along those lines, I guess I'd change the MAF and oxygen sensors last. I think next I'll change the CCV system, the vacuum lines and the intake manifold gasket, and oil filler cap. All cheap parts and then they'll be new.

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2003 X5 3.0i Silver (build 07/03)
2006 X5 3.0i Blue
1977 Ferrari 308 GTB
1994 Ferrari 348TS Speciale #14/15
1989 Ferrari Testarossa