Sometimes engine problems can be caused by a vacuum leak. Vacuum leaks usually occur at the vacuum hoses. Your automobile uses a vacuum that is produced in the combustion chamber to power other accessories and components. Heath’s Auto Service warns that if your vehicle has a vacuum leak, you may notice problems with these components and the following signs of a car vacuum leak below.
Check Engine Light Warning
One of the first things that will happen is the check engine light will turn on to alert you that there is something in the engine that isn’t right. This is most likely being caused by the excess air that the vacuum leak is introducing into the engine. Your fuel mixture will become lean, which means there’s too much air and too little fuel in it, and the check engine light will come on not only because of this but because of the next symptom of a vacuum leak.
Engine Performance Trouble
The lean fuel mixture will cause engine performance troubles, including problems with your vehicle’s acceleration. You will press down on the accelerator but your engine will be slow to respond. In severe cases, your engine might not respond at all. You may also find that you have engine performance issues while your vehicle is in motion. Your engine may sputter and hiccup as if it is about to stall, or it may stall if the air in the engine is excessive.
Engine Suction Sounds
You might be able to find the vacuum leak yourself if you follow the sound. Engine vacuum leaks create hissing or suction sounds; it depends on how severe the vacuum leak is. If the vacuum leak is minor, you are more likely to hear hissing coming from your engine. If the vacuum leak is major, you will hear the suction coming from the vacuum hoses. Follow the sound to the specific hose that is leaking. If you can’t see the vacuum leak, don’t worry. We can find it for you.
Higher Registered RPMs
Finally, the excess air in your engine will cause your RPMs to register much higher. You will see the needle on your tachometer registering higher RPMs than it should. You may also hear your engine revving up and down even though you aren’t pressing down on the accelerator. If the vacuum leak is sporadic, the tachometer’s needle will also be sporadic. This is definitely a sign that you have an engine vacuum leak in your automobile.
Heath’s Auto Service in Flagstaff, AZ, can help. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment for your car, truck, utility vehicle, or van.
