Aus73Mach1
Well-known member
- Joined
- Aug 5, 2019
- Messages
- 154
- Reaction score
- 120
- Location
- QLD Australia
- My Car
-
1973 Mach 1 Sports Roof.
Q code. 351-4V
C6 Auto, 3.25 Rear Axle, AC, Power steering.
Hi,
How did you check for header leaks?Got started prepping for the install of my Holley Snipper. Started with checking the headers for leaks. Found a small one on each side so I pulled the hearers loose and have order new gaskets. I hate my Hooker long tube headers but will have to live with them for now. I also got the old fuel line off and am getting ready to run both supply and return. I also am ready to pull the fuel tank so I can swap out fuel pumps.
I know some guys won't agree with doing this but I use a small shop vac to pressurize the exhaust. I hook the hose to the exhaust side of the shop vac and then put the hose in the cars exhaust. I loosely plug the exhaust with a couple of rags.How did you check for header leaks?
Nice trick. The only drawback I can see is the possibility of blowing some chunks of carbon or lose stuff back into the cylinder.I know some guys won't agree with doing this but I use a small shop vac to pressurize the exhaust. I hook the hose to the exhaust side of the shop vac and then put the hose in the cars exhaust. I loosely plug the exhaust with a couple of rags.
I then take a small spray bottle and mix a little dish soap with water. Spray around the headers and then turn the vac on. Wala! - bubbles!
Before doing this make sure you clean the vac and hose out good so you don't blow anything into the exhaust and possibly the cylinders. I also soak everything down first before turning the vac on.
I use a small 1 gallon vac that works great for doing this.
Yeah unfortunately that's the chance you take. That's also the reason I use the small shop vac, it doesn't blow as hard as a 5 gallon one does. The idea is to build pressure with low velocity. I've done this about a dozen times now over the years and haven't had any issues so far - knock on wood. I start the car and rev the engine up some to blow anything out. I then let it cool down to where I can touch the exhaust before I do it.Nice trick. The only drawback I can see is the possibility of blowing some chunks of carbon or lose stuff back into the cylinder.
Enter your email address to join:
Register today and take advantage of membership benefits.
Enter your email address to join: