Vacuum leak? Getting it confirmed and fixed.

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Old 11-27-2011, 04:29 PM
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Vacuum leak? Getting it confirmed and fixed.

I'm looking for advice on getting a potential vacuum leak run down and fixed. 2005 WRX, stock intake. Car runs and drives fine.

Over the last year I've had a CEL come on a few times: P0171 - SYSTEM TOO LEAN. Seems that can be caused by a number of different things, and I've been through many of them -- airbox closure, MAF cleaning, hose connections check...)

Last week it lit up again and I replaced the front O2 sensor. That wasn't it. Turns out I'd been overlooking AFR measurement. So I hooked up the laptop, reset the ECU and let the car come to temp from cold, at idle with a couple of prods of the throttle. I get the screenshot below out of Learning View.

From what I read this looks like a vacuum leak. Back under the hood I think I can hear some hissing from around the turbo inlet, but can't find an actual leak.

Has anyone else had this experience and gotten it fixed and, if so, which shop(*)? I'm thinking this could turn into many hours of shop labor leak-hunting, so I'm hoping for somewhere that's got direct experiences of fixing these on turbo Subarus, and can fix whatever they find.

(*) Default is taking it to LIC, but that's trickier to schedule around work.

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Old 11-27-2011, 04:45 PM
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We use a custom made pressure tester to test for leaks like this. Usually takes about 1 hour to find and fix most leaks.

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Old 11-27-2011, 05:26 PM
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Originally Posted by EQ Tuning
We use a custom made pressure tester to test for leaks like this. Usually takes about 1 hour to find and fix most leaks.
Do you also have turbo inlets in stock in case it happens to be that?
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Old 11-27-2011, 05:55 PM
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Greg, I had the same problem but my problem was fixed wih a new afr (front o2) sensor. Did you replace it with a denso? I have a vaccum gauge and you can come over and do it the old fashioned way and rule out the problem hose by hose.
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Old 11-27-2011, 05:59 PM
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Originally Posted by glider
Do you also have turbo inlets in stock in case it happens to be that?
Yes sir. We always have them in stock.

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Old 11-27-2011, 07:51 PM
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Originally Posted by code3suby
Greg, I had the same problem but my problem was fixed wih a new afr (front o2) sensor. Did you replace it with a denso? I have a vaccum gauge and you can come over and do it the old fashioned way and rule out the problem hose by hose.
(Craig, not Greg :-)

I used a Bosch sensor. I'm leaning toward the shop route because I don't think I have the patience if the fix turns out to be a replacement turbo inlet. Thanks, though -- If I wake up keen I might give you a shout.
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Old 11-27-2011, 09:38 PM
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Oops sorry Craig, had it saved incorrectly.
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Old 11-27-2011, 10:37 PM
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We use an industry standard smoke machine to locate vacuum leaks; takes less than 1/2 hr and we stock all vacuum, pcv, and inlets.
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Old 11-28-2011, 08:27 AM
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Originally Posted by FW Motorsports
We use an industry standard smoke machine to locate vacuum leaks; takes less than 1/2 hr and we stock all vacuum, pcv, and inlets.
THIS. Tracked it down in 10min, had the part in stock and i was down the road with no more CEL.
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Old 12-01-2011, 06:42 PM
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Went to EQ (closest). Figured out and fixed promptly with no fuss. Happy customer.
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Old 12-01-2011, 06:45 PM
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I'm glad we were able to take care of it for you Craig. Enjoy the car and please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.

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