How to perform a BOOST LEAK TEST?

[kmoore]

Hey guys i am hearing all this hype about perfoming a boost leak test and how it should be one of the first things you should do before modifing your car. Well, i found this thread about how to make one but i am still a little questionable-http://www.vfaq.com/mods/ICtester.html
My questions are: 1.) Is the that piece of PVC Piping aligned throughout the whole rubber hose/clamps or is it just in there about an inch or so 2.) is that "valve stem" that thing on a bicycle tire that you inflate the tire's with (if so where do you get one?) 3.) So you put the one end with the one clamp and clamp it to the turbo where the intake was, and then, you hook up an air compressor or something to the "valve stem"/ "bicycle tire thing" and force air into the turbo? 4.) Last but not least, how long do i flow air into the turbo and should i have the car on or something?
Sorry for the long post but i am really curious? Also, i am going to get some dejon uicp but, should i do this with my stock ones now? Thanks

 

[MadTripper]

1. PVC is just in far enough to get the clamp on tight.
2. Yes, the valve stem is the same thing on your tires. NAPA has them and I believe the hole is 5/8". You can have them mic it out at NAPA when you purchase it.
3. Yes, that is correct.
4. The car is not on. I set my pressure on the air compressor to 20 psi so I wouldn't put too much pressure in. Apply pressure until your aftermarket gauge reads 20 (or whatever you are using for pressure) and listen. If you have leaks, your pressure won't hold and you will hear the leak or leaks. If you have a hard time hearing the leaks, use a soap and water mixture to hunt them down.

I think I hit your questions. Keep your pressure somewhat low as it may cause damage if you try and put a large amount in your system.

Tripper

 

[daveyfx]

Performing a boost leak test can sound daunting if you've never done one before. Just remember that you're leaving the car turned off, you'll be removing the entire intake pipe to place the 2.5" over the compressor inlet the same way the intake pipe connects to it.

Any high pressure source will work. Some people have stated that a bike pump or a hand pump works but if you have any serious leaks, you won't be able to pressurize your intake system fast enough to catch them.

I test it the cheapie way -- I purchased a 17 gallon air tank from WalMart and I fill it up all the way at the local gas station. Take the tank back home with you and pop the hose right onto the valve stem on your leak tester. Loosen the valve on the air tank a little bit and you should be able to hear/feel leaks pretty easily.

Hope this helps.

 

[gridlyne]

Performing a boost leak test can sound daunting if you've never done one before. Just remember that you're leaving the car turned off, you'll be removing the entire intake pipe to place the 2.5" over the compressor inlet the same way the intake pipe connects to it.

Any high pressure source will work. Some people have stated that a bike pump or a hand pump works but if you have any serious leaks, you won't be able to pressurize your intake system fast enough to catch them.

I test it the cheapie way -- I purchased a 17 gallon air tank from WalMart and I fill it up all the way at the local gas station. Take the tank back home with you and pop the hose right onto the valve stem on your leak tester. Loosen the valve on the air tank a little bit and you should be able to hear/feel leaks pretty easily.

Hope this helps.

Or you could go to a gas station and use their air compressor.

 

[daveyfx]

Or you could go to a gas station and use their air compressor.

I would do that myself except I would hate to be piddling with my car at a station (even just removing the intake pipe). I'd rather have my comfortable driveway

 

[DGajre777]

Or you could go to a gas station and use their air compressor.

Only if you have someone watching the boost gauge. Gas station compressors can push out very high PSIs. The air compressor is the best way to do it.