Looking to make my own leak detector to check the i/c boots/clamps. I searched the forums and all seem to involve an air compressor. I don't have one. Any other ideas/suggestions?

I was thinking of using the blower on the shop-vac but 25 psi seems to be the consensus on max pressure and not sure how to verify the "75 mph blower" it advertises won't exceed that threshold.

Side q- this gets hooked to the air intake and supplies air. So, it runs through the turbo to the i/c boots and .... so if I hear/see evidence of air leaks it will come from those spots and where else?

 

You will have air leak out the exhaust valves. Some will open.

You will be able to tell the difference in the sound of the air going through the exhaust and the leaks in the boots.

The sound is what I use and I don't think you are going to be able to hear any leaks with the blower on the shop vac, unless you use a very long hose.

 

Use a bicycle pump for the pressure source.

 

Pretty much crazy brilliant, as long as I don't get tired pumping . then the boy can take over for me.

So, exposing my ignorance, this is a closed system then? Otherwise, I would be pumping forever, right? Is there a concern with forcing air into the crankcase (I have stock CCV set-up).

 

If you make your hook-up to the intake shroud on the turbo you will be past the CCV...

 

Good point, I'd like to say I would have figured that out when I went to do it but....

So, closed system then? Air gets pumped in and is stopped at the EBPV or....? Man, I really need to find a system description manual somewhere.

 

If you pull the cold I/C tube out of the spider and cap it, you will have a much smaller 'closed system'. This will test both tubes, intercooler, and associated boots. This won't test the lower spider boots but frankly without closing the I/C system off like I described, you'll have air escaping out open valves, as others have stated.

I started making a test kit for use with my compressor but never finished, maybe this spring.

 

Had to read the thread a few more times to find that, thanks for the redirection.

 

No I didn't mean it like that. I just didn't want to take credit for what others already said .

 

I didn't take offense. I seriously missed what the poster was telling me and when you pointed out someone had already addressed my question I needed to go back and find it. My ignorance is hampering my ability to fully comprehend what people are telling me. So being simply told to go back and read again doesn't bother me.

.223? Service rifle competitor or enthusiast? I shoot service rifle and pistol when I can (which isn't much these days).

 

I don't think it's possible to run a boost leak test without a compressor.
The volume of air necessary to generate 20 psi requires it.

 

Roger, guess I'm saving for an air compressor now too. AE or air compressor? I think AE first then I'll know if I need an air compressor (as well as new injectors, turbo, etc).

 

Or you could rig it up, then go to your friendly neighborhood repair shop and see if they will let you run thier air hose out the door.
Might cost you a tip of some sort.

 

Enthusiast. I'd like to try 3Gun sometime, looks fun.

Look into a small pancake compressor, you'll find alot more uses for it around the house as well.

I'm ordering AE either today or tomorrow, I've been wanting it for a while.

 

I hear mechanics like beer.