Boost Leak Tester Question

**bobo99** · #1: 07-23-2014, 08:33 AM

I have made my own boost leak tester and am ready to fire it up, but am getting some conflicting instructions

The tester will be attached to the air inlet (after the MAF) as outlined here:
http://www.turboboostleaktesters.com...ARU/Categories

However some instructions say to "pinch" the vacuum lines, and some don't. If I need to do this, how do you pinch them?

Also do I need to "open" any other part of the loop and block it, or am I effectively pressurizing the whole engine?

Thanks.

**Max Capacity** · #2: 07-23-2014, 08:40 AM

I can't see the pic's here at work.

I did not start the engine to do a boost leak test.

Do you have a air compressor ?

I plugged the hose off the air box with a paint can, pulled the small hose the BOV and gave it a short blast of air, then put my thumb over the hose and listen for leaks.

Yep the stock TMIC was leaking.

**bobo99** · #3: 07-23-2014, 08:59 AM

I didn't mean I'll be starting the engine, I meant I'll be pressurizing the whole engine, or I won't be opening the other side of the turbo loop.

I have an air compressor yes. So no need to pinch the vacuum lines ?

**Max Capacity** · #4: 07-24-2014, 04:38 AM

I didn't pinch any. just a quick blast of air, don't put to much pressure in or you'll blow off some lines.

**ssbtech** · #5: 07-28-2014, 10:44 PM

Just make sure you only give it a few PSI, there are things that run off vacuum that aren't designed to see too much pressure.

I know when I did mine, just blowing into the small hose on the BPV revealed quite a leak with the TB hose.

**fishbone** · #6: 11-06-2014, 03:43 PM

Reviving thread for quick question. What's the diameter of the inlet tube? 3 inches like on the WRX and STi? Trying to anticipate the proper size to plug the intake hole to do a quick test using the bpv line. Is there something else a "proper" leak tester acomplishes?

**Andyjo** · #7: 11-06-2014, 08:46 PM

you get to watch the gauge fall... and know how much pressure you're putting in, you also get a fancy valve stem attachment...
I need to test my system, i'll let you know how the paint-can method works ;-)

**gimpydingo** · #8: 11-07-2014, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishbone

Reviving thread for quick question. What's the diameter of the inlet tube? 3 inches like on the WRX and STi? Trying to anticipate the proper size to plug the intake hole to do a quick test using the bpv line. Is there something else a "proper" leak tester acomplishes?

A plastidip can fits perfect, if that helps any.

I need to add a pressure gauge to my home made tester.

**Andyjo** · #9: 11-07-2014, 10:29 AM

You need something ~ 3-3 1/8" diameter to plug the inlet... i found that a bottle of tire sealer worked pretty well

And instead of going for end of the IC, i just pulled the line off of my EBCS that goes to the compressed housing on the turbo, and stuffed my air gun in there, and gave it little shots of air. I sprayed soapy water on all of the connecting points to see if i got any bubbles... Didn't find any leaks... although it seems like i do make way to much boost or my setup...

I also opened up the oil filler cap, as to not over-pressureize the crank case and blow out oil seal etc...

**dga** · #**10:** 11-11-2014, 03:43 PM

2.75" diameter is what you need to plug up the inlet and a set of lungs. Here is where I got it. It worked better for me that the tester I made (same as the one above) and it cost a lot less...did I mention it worked better as it's whisper quiet.

http://legacygt.com/forums/showpost....95&postcount=1