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"too many hoses and gaskets, the X5 has" -Yoda
Quote:
Originally Posted by X5chemist
... I've usually find vacuum loss parts fairly quick. However, those are domestic cars. BMW has a lot of places for issues. The intake itself can crack. With so many possible areas of vacuum loss, I would save time and have it smoked before I spent hours trying to find a small leak....
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I've been working on cars since 1966, when there were few vacuum leaks (if any), and were easy to find. I learned to tune most of them with only a timing light and vacuum gauge (+ a dwell meter, if one was available, back in the points ignition era; I haven't had a points ignition vehicle since '96, when I converted my '69 C-10 to HEI).
As for finding vacuum leaks (anywhere near or leading to the intake), I always used carb cleaner or starting fluid, or on other leaks (like to the brake booster or vacuum-powered windshield wipers...on pre-60's GM cars) I preferred to use soapy water. I've never had to use smoke before the X5.
I was quoted $150 or more for a shop to smoke test for me; that just rubbed me wrong. I'd rather spend that amount or more, buying my own tester, and replacing every possibly-leaking part (via parts cannon) before paying some kids to blow smoke into my car (it'd feel more like blowing smoke up my ass). Especially if they said they couldn't find a leak.
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01 BMW X5 E53,3.0i-5L40E, 7/13/01
topas-blau,Leder-grau,"resto-project car"
Here:
14 Lexus ES350,3.5L-U660E
09 HHR Panel,2.2L-4T45E
04 Chevy 2500HD,6.0L-4L80E
98 GMC Sierra 1500,5.7L-4L60E
Gone:
66 Chevelle Malibu 2dr ht.,327>441c.i.-TH350>PGlide/transbrake
08 Cobalt Coupe,2.2L-4T45E
69 & 75 C10s,350c.i.-TH350
86 S10,2.8L-700R4
73 Volvo 142,2.0L-MT4
72 & 73 VW SuperBeetles,1.6l-MT4
64 VW,1.2l-MT4
67 Dodge Monaco 500 2dr ht.,383c.i.-A727
56 Chevy 210 4dr,265c.i.-PGlide
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