Steam through vacuum leaks?

Wondering...can I use water-based steam cleaner to find air leaks? I have one with dry steam option...lots of steam. Or it's a bad idea...for sc..engine..close pipe at throttle body maybe? Searched around net couldn't find anything, what u guys think??

I've read and believe that you co...uld just use a water bottle/spritzer and pick up vac leaks, you'd certainly notice a dip when it gets to the engine. Old school method of decarbonizing engine is what I hear.

I wouldn't put steam into it like that. Can't say why, but it sounds like a bad idea to me...intake doesn't get that hot usually...nor would many sensors and the like...you could use a cigar and just blow it in manually...but water mist should be noticeable. Guys also use carb cleaner and spray it around too...listening for a change in rpms.

Originally Posted by dmax

I've read and believe that you co...uld just use a water bottle/spritzer and pick up vac leaks, you'd certainly notice a dip when it gets to the engine. Old school method of decarbonizing engine is what I hear.

I wouldn't put steam into it like that. Can't say why, but it sounds like a bad idea to me...intake doesn't get that hot usually...nor would many sensors and the like...you could use a cigar and just blow it in manually...but water mist should be noticeable. Guys also use carb cleaner and spray it around too...listening for a change in rpms.

Yeah...just not everywhere u can reach spraying. Cigar method may not give enough pressure to open up leak. Interesting that nobody tried steam machine...or saying anything about it

Hate to cross post but there are quite a few cheap and easy ideas here for testing for vacuum leaks.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho....php?p=4519113