An engine vacuum leak can cause serious performance issues. Mechanic One Auto Repair & European Auto Repair is going to list the symptoms of a vacuum leak below. Your vehicle uses the vacuum pressure generated by the engine combustion to power accessories and components. This vacuum is transported through hoses that can eventually leak. When your engine develops a vacuum leak, you will notice one or more of the following things.
Check Engine Warning
One of the first things you will notice could be a check engine light warning on your dashboard. In conjunction with the check engine light warning, you may also end up with some vehicle accessories and components not working. For example, in some automobiles, the engine vacuum powers the power steering pump. The vacuum leak may cause your power steering to become more difficult to operate. Unfortunately, your check engine light will stay on until the vacuum leak is fixed, and the problems with your accessories and components will also continue.
Sporadic Idling
One way to tell whether your engine has a vacuum leak is to look at your tachometer. In many cases, the vacuum pressure exits the leaking vacuum hose in spurts, and these spurts are reflected on your tachometer. You will see your RPM needle bounce up and then go back down with each spurt. This is definitely a sign that your engine has a vacuum leak. You may also feel your engine idling roughly and hear the engine rev sporadically.
Stalling/Hesitation
Stalling in hesitation can also be an indication of an engine vacuum leak. Because the vacuum is releasing excess air into the combustion chamber, your vehicle becomes fuel-starved and it will hesitate when you press down on the accelerator. It may also stutter when you are driving at high speeds. You may also have difficulty starting your automobile, or it may stall right after you get it started. Any of these things can point to a vacuum leak.
Suction/Hissing Sounds
Finally, you may be able to hear the vacuum leak if you hear suction or hissing coming from your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s engine. Oftentimes, if you follow the sound, you may be able to spot the vacuum hose that is leaking. Replacing the hose solves the vacuum leak problem. If you don’t feel comfortable replacing the vacuum hose yourself, we’d be happy to do it for you.
Call Mechanic One Auto Repair & European Auto Repair in Canton, OH, today to schedule an appointment if you suspect your engine has a vacuum leak. We are your one-stop auto service shop.
