Trust us here at Hummel’s Automotive Diagnostics and Repair, you will probably know if your car’s engine has a vacuum leak. We are going to list the signs of an engine vacuum leak below. If your car, truck, or utility vehicle is experiencing any of these symptoms, bring the automobile to our shop as soon as possible so we can find the leaking vacuum hose to replace it.
Dashboard Warning Light
You may end up with an illuminated check engine light if the engine has a vacuum leak. This is because the engine fills with air and system sensors detect problems caused by the excess air. The sensors will send error codes to the engine control module and it will turn on the check engine light.
Strange Noises in the Engine
The dashboard warning may be accompanied by strange noises coming from the engine. Specifically, a small vacuum leak can make a hissing noise, whereas a large vacuum leak may sound like the section coming from a shop vac hose. These noises will get louder the more the vacuum hose leaks.
Unpredictable Engine RPMs
Unfortunately, a vacuum leak can wreak havoc on your engine’s RPMs. A steady leak can increase the RPMs consistently to the point that your tachometer needle will register high constantly. An unsteady leak will push spurts of air into the engine that will temporarily increase the RPMs. Your tachometer needle will reflect the unpredictability of the revolutions-per-minute in the engine.
Malfunctioning Components
The reason why the vacuum pressure is routed through hoses in the engine is that it helps to power certain engine components. For example, if you have a power steering pump, it is powered by both the engine’s vacuum and the accessory belt. Therefore, a leaking vacuum hose can affect your power steering.
Engine Performance Loss
As we mentioned above, a vacuum leak will fill your engine with air. Consequently, this will create a lean fuel mixture in the combustion chamber and your engine’s performance will suffer. Specifically, the engine will sputter when you try to accelerate or drive at higher speeds.
Reduction in Fuel Economy
The problems with the engine’s performance will reduce your automobile’s fuel economy. You will find that you don’t get the normal gas mileage out of your car, truck, or utility vehicle. Consequently, the fuel efficiency will continue to suffer until you have the vacuum leak repaired.
We can do that here at Hummel’s Automotive Diagnostics and Repair in St. George, UT, so give us a call today.
