How to find an intake leak
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Looks like I've got a leak somewhere in the air intake on my 545i 
It's throwing fault codes and I can hear a high pitched whistle at idle coming from around the intake manifold.
Has anyone else with the v8 had this problem?
Any clever ideas on how to find it? The mechanic I took it too couldn't hear the whistle because it was too high pitched, so if I can locate it myself it would be a big bonus!
It's throwing fault codes and I can hear a high pitched whistle at idle coming from around the intake manifold.Has anyone else with the v8 had this problem?
Any clever ideas on how to find it? The mechanic I took it too couldn't hear the whistle because it was too high pitched, so if I can locate it myself it would be a big bonus!
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From: Originally from Koeln, Deutschland. Enjoying it in Bonita Springs, Florida Now :)
Originally Posted by BMWBen' post='941114' date='Jul 13 2009, 04:19 PM
Looks like I've got a leak somewhere in the air intake on my 545i It's throwing fault codes and I can hear a high pitched whistle at idle coming from around the intake manifold.
Has anyone else with the v8 had this problem?
Any clever ideas on how to find it? The mechanic I took it too couldn't hear the whistle because it was too high pitched, so if I can locate it myself it would be a big bonus!
It's throwing fault codes and I can hear a high pitched whistle at idle coming from around the intake manifold.Has anyone else with the v8 had this problem?
Any clever ideas on how to find it? The mechanic I took it too couldn't hear the whistle because it was too high pitched, so if I can locate it myself it would be a big bonus!
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Originally Posted by Krozi' post='941117' date='Jul 13 2009, 09:21 PM
Well, I would stop driving the car, because the intake leak could be after the air filter.... The intake tubing isn't that long so it shouldn't be THAT difficult to locate. Just look around a little
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spray bottle mixed with a bit of soap and start spraying your intake tubing. engine on of course 
Originally Posted by BMWBen' post='941157' date='Jul 13 2009, 01:59 PM
It's defo after the air filter - sounds like it's on the top of the engine block somewhere... Unfortunately I don't have much choice about not driving the car
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From: Originally from Koeln, Deutschland. Enjoying it in Bonita Springs, Florida Now :)
Originally Posted by myfootsmells' post='941181' date='Jul 13 2009, 05:20 PM
spray bottle mixed with a bit of soap and start spraying your intake tubing. engine on of course
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From: Long Island, NY
My Ride: 2008 535i: June 6th start build, complete June 17th, at NY Port July 5th, at dealer July 10th, took delivery Friday July 13- Plantimum Bronze/Natural Brown Leather/Light Poplar, Sport Package, Sport Auto, Active Steering, Premium Package, CWP & PDC. Dinan Performance Software 384hp & 421 ft/lbs.
Originally Posted by myfootsmells' post='941181' date='Jul 13 2009, 05:20 PM
spray bottle mixed with a bit of soap and start spraying your intake tubing. engine on of course
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good point but i believe you'll still be able to see it getting sucked in.
Originally Posted by pennetta' post='941259' date='Jul 13 2009, 03:38 PM
That only works on something with higher pressure than where you are spraying from, not on a vacuum. You wont see bubbles because the soap will get sucked in.
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Originally Posted by myfootsmells' post='941264' date='Jul 13 2009, 03:46 PM
good point but i believe you'll still be able to see it getting sucked in.
Yeah, but you also run the risk of sucking soapy water into your engine - all it takes is a tablespoonful to ruin an engine.
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another good point. how about use an air compressor and force some air in like about 2-5 psi and then check for bubbles.
how about use an air compressor and force some air in like about 2-5 psi and then check for bubbles.
Originally Posted by pjinca' post='941290' date='Jul 13 2009, 04:13 PM
Yeah, but you also run the risk of sucking soapy water into your engine - all it takes is a tablespoonful to ruin an engine.
