An engine vacuum leak is an uncommon problem that can affect your car, truck, or utility vehicle. This being said, if your vehicle is having any of the problems listed below, you likely have a vacuum leak in the engine. Extra Mile Tire and Service can inspect your engine to find the leak and fix it. Generally, replacing the vacuum hose that is leaking solves the problem and you’re good to go.
1. Component Malfunction
The reason why vacuum pressure is routed through hoses in the engine is that it is used to power components. Consequently, if you have a vacuum leak, the engine components may malfunction. For example, if your power steering system uses a pump to circulate power steering fluid through the system, an engine vacuum leak may affect its operation because it is powered by the vacuum pressure.
2. Lagging Acceleration/Engine
When a vacuum hose starts to release the vacuum pressure into the engine, the engine will fill with air. Consequently, excess air will find its way into the combustion chamber. This creates a lean fuel mixture and engine performance problems. Basically, your engine is being fuel-starved by the vacuum leak and your acceleration will lag. Your engine will also sputter as you drive.
3. Sporadic Tachometer Needle
The influx of air into the engine from the leaking vacuum hose can also increase its RPMs. Unfortunately, this can make your tachometer needle bounce up and down sporadically. Basically, when you look at the needle, you are watching the vacuum leak. Every time the vacuum pressure comes out of the leaking hose, the RPMs go up. They go back down until the next spurts of vacuum pressure.
4. Suction Noises or Strange Hissing
Rarely, is a vacuum leak silent. If you have ever had a hole in your household vacuum cleaner’s hose, you know what a vacuum leak sounds like. The only difference is this suction noise will come from your engine. A vacuum leak can also make hissing sounds if it is a small one.
5. Check Engine Warning
Finally, in many cases, the engine control module will turn on the check engine light if vacuum pressure is leaking into the engine. This excess pressure causes system sensors to report errors. This is what makes the engine control module turn on the check engine warning light.
Extra Mile Tire and Service is the best auto service shop in Milton, GA, so bring your car, truck, or utility vehicle to our shop if you suspect the engine has a vacuum leak.
