Combustion engines create vacuum pressure, and this pressure is used to power accessories and components like the power steering pump. The vacuum pressure is transported via vacuum hoses. If one of these vacuum hoses springs a leak, you will notice the following engine performance issues. Advanced Automotive advises that the reason why you have engine performance issues caused by vacuum leaks is that there is too much air in the engine and this affects the air and fuel balance.
Check Engine Light Warning
One of the first things that will happen is your check engine light will illuminate on the dashboard. This is to let you know there is something wrong in the engine and, in this case, the problem is the vacuum leak. Chances are, the check engine light will stay on until you replace the leaking vacuum hose.
The Engine Sputters and Stalls
Alongside the check engine light warning, you may notice that your vehicle’s engine is sputtering and stalling sporadically. This is because the fuel mixture in the combustion chamber has been made lean by the excess air introduced into the engine by the vacuum leak. Consequently, your engine is left needing more fuel than it is getting, and this makes the engine sputter and stall.
The RPMs Rev Up and Down
Another sporadic thing that is caused by an engine vacuum leak is your revolutions-per-minute or RPMs bounce up and down. The engine gets bursts of air that give it temporary bursts of power and then it lags because of the lack of fuel. You will see this sign on your tachometer. You will notice that the needle is bouncing up and down as if there is something wrong with it.
Vehicle Acceleration Lags
Aside from your engine sputtering and stalling, your acceleration will also lag when you press down on the accelerator. This is being caused by the lean fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. Your acceleration may be spotty and touch and go until you get the vacuum leak fixed.
You Hear Suction Sounds
Finally, an engine vacuum leak is not silent. Minor vacuum leaks make hissing or whining sounds. Major vacuum leaks sound like the suction that comes from your household vacuum. If you hear these sounds coming from your engine and you are experiencing any of the other symptoms listed above, it’s a good bet that your engine has a vacuum leak.
Don’t worry. We can fix vacuum leaks here at Advanced Automotive in Stanwood, WA.