Vacuum leak - diagnosis tips
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Vacuum leak - diagnosis tips
Hello fellow truckers,
Need your creative advice on how to diagnose a vacuum leak without a vacuum leak diagnostic tool.
We're traveling with my family from USA to Argentina and none of the mechanics I've asked in Panama, Colombia or Ecuador have a clue (nor a vacuum tool). So I need your creative input!
My ESOF won't engage, AC/heat blowers default to defrost - classic symptoms. And while we can leave without AC/heat, we really need the ability to engage 4x4 low, especially as we get higher into the Andes and the roads become sh**ter.
Thanks for your ideas!
Peter and family
Need your creative advice on how to diagnose a vacuum leak without a vacuum leak diagnostic tool.
We're traveling with my family from USA to Argentina and none of the mechanics I've asked in Panama, Colombia or Ecuador have a clue (nor a vacuum tool). So I need your creative input!
My ESOF won't engage, AC/heat blowers default to defrost - classic symptoms. And while we can leave without AC/heat, we really need the ability to engage 4x4 low, especially as we get higher into the Andes and the roads become sh**ter.
Thanks for your ideas!
Peter and family
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Joined: May 2014
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From: Lake Hartwell, GA
You do (read as should) have the ability to engage 4x4 by locking the hubs (turn clockwise on both to lock, counterclockwise to unlock) and then turning the switch in the cab to 4x4.
As for finding the leak, you can manually/visually see just about every line that could be leaking. Start at the reservoir under the hood and trace each one out and see if they became disconnected somewhere. Check under the glove box and see if the lines there were disconnected or torn.
Let us know what you find or don't find.
As for finding the leak, you can manually/visually see just about every line that could be leaking. Start at the reservoir under the hood and trace each one out and see if they became disconnected somewhere. Check under the glove box and see if the lines there were disconnected or torn.
Let us know what you find or don't find.
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Thanks Sous! I realize I can manually lock the hubs, but I can't engage 4x4 low, which changes the gear ratio and is really useful in many situations down here - there are some super steep roads... Is there a way I am missing to engage it manually? Thanks again.
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Joined: Jun 2017
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From: Edmond, OK
Peter, here's a good thread on another site (first one to come up with a search) with info on how to troubleshoot the vacuum pump on your PSD.
Vacuum Leak - Ford Powerstroke Diesel Forum
If you can't id the vacuum leak by pinching the vacuum lines one by one you might remove the vacuum line from the pump and use a cigar to blow smoke into the line. It should seep out of any leaks. This is in an attempt to emulate a vacuum leak detector shops in the States usually have. The detectors make smoke with a small heating element and burn oil I believe.
Good luck.
Vacuum Leak - Ford Powerstroke Diesel Forum
If you can't id the vacuum leak by pinching the vacuum lines one by one you might remove the vacuum line from the pump and use a cigar to blow smoke into the line. It should seep out of any leaks. This is in an attempt to emulate a vacuum leak detector shops in the States usually have. The detectors make smoke with a small heating element and burn oil I believe.
Good luck.
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From: Douglassville, PA
Your lack or loss of vacuum will not prevent you from getting into 4Lo. If you can't get into 4Lo you have another problem.
The place to start your search for vacuum leak would be right at the pump on the passenger's side fender. Pull the hose off the end of it and hold a finger on the pump inlet. The pump should shut off immediately. Remove and replace finger to test for full function. Sous has you covered on the rest of the search.
The place to start your search for vacuum leak would be right at the pump on the passenger's side fender. Pull the hose off the end of it and hold a finger on the pump inlet. The pump should shut off immediately. Remove and replace finger to test for full function. Sous has you covered on the rest of the search.
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SOLVED: Vacuum leak - diagnosis tips
SOLVED: After buying a Cuban (no embargo in Ecuador) and wasting it into the vacuum lines, I found no leaks. Had wife do the same while I was looking - still no sign of a leak.
Then, reflecting upon Walley Hunter's comment, I played with the gear lever for a while and noticed there's a certain position in Neutral (automatic) when the gear seems to sink a tad lower - et voila - 4WD low engages and disengages like a charm.
The symptoms - air con. blowing through defrost and 4WD not engaging - all pointed in the direction of a vacuum leak, but thankfully it was an easy "fix".
Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil - we come equipped! Heating/AC still blows through the defroster, but this is a non-issue.
Thanks everyone for your help!
--
Peter
Then, reflecting upon Walley Hunter's comment, I played with the gear lever for a while and noticed there's a certain position in Neutral (automatic) when the gear seems to sink a tad lower - et voila - 4WD low engages and disengages like a charm.
The symptoms - air con. blowing through defrost and 4WD not engaging - all pointed in the direction of a vacuum leak, but thankfully it was an easy "fix".
Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil - we come equipped! Heating/AC still blows through the defroster, but this is a non-issue.
Thanks everyone for your help!
--
Peter
Last edited by pbojkov; Aug 28, 2017 at 05:51 PM. Reason: * give credit to Walley Hunter *
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I would remove the vacuum hose from the ESOF relay an reroute the hose to completely bypass the ESOF system. This way, you can be in 4X4 by locking the hubs manually, and still have the heat or AC where you want it.
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