Checking for vacuum leak
 

I think that before going any further with the troubleshooting of the Cruise Control, I want to check for a vacuum leak. I have used staring fluid in the past on my V8's but I know it dries out the cylinder walls and isn't really that good for the engine. Does anyone think they can forward some slick way to check for a vacuum leak that will give a quick result like the starting fluid does? thanks

Brake cleaner will work, or take it to the shop and have them smoke test it.

What do they do to "smoke" test it?

A smoke test consists of a unit that is hooked up to the vacuum line and puts smoke through the system, it should show you any vacuum leaks you may have.

I've used WD-40 on carburated vehicles in the past for exhaust leaks and want the same principle for the vacuum leak using the starting fluid. I know too that the starting fluid dries out the cylinder walls and is not good for any motor, but hey, if you need some help, you need to bite the bullet if that is what will get you to where you need to go.. I was just wondering if maybe I could hook up something if I knew the principle that they used but knowing "how" they make the smoke... thanks for the reply

Don't know how to do it with out the machine, but they heated the "baby oil" to make smoke, and with very low air pressure push the smoke through whatever you think has vacuum is leaking. If smoke come out from anything then there is the leakage.

Does throttlebody cleaner hurt the cylinder walls too? It will work too. As soon as the engine sucks up the cleaner, it will let you know. It's good to use cleaner because it just dries up and doesn't make a mess.

The tiny amount of throttle body cleaner that would actually enter the engine at a leak site will not harm the engine. This chemical evaporates readily and would never reach the cylinder wall in liquid form. In gas form, it's just fuel.

good luck