Thread: vacuum leak .. crazy 'fix'

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Ok, so I have a vacuum leak on the right rear of my intake manifold. I got the bright idea to grab a little bottle of Testor's enamel, and pour it on the gasket, in hope that it will pull a little paint in on the gasket, thus marking the leak, making it obvious when I tear it down. I used purple, thought it would make a good contrast. Well, it sealed the leak!

At least now it's drivable until I can get the new gaskets on.

Well who'd a thunk

I pulled the intake, and looked at the gaskets. Didn't see where it may have been leaking vacuum. Although. There was very little gasket along the top runners. I matched up the new gaskets to the heads, found the best fit. Used a very thin layer of permatex ultra blue at the water passages and crossover to glue the gaskets to the heads ( to maintain position ) and a 3/8" bead on the ends. Dropped in a new ignition while I was at it. Timed it to about 18' initial and about 32' total advance, and installed the vacuum limiter set to 18'.

Still shows low vacuum and still runs like it has a vacuum leak.