First off, I searched, but couldnt find what Im looking for. I installed my boost gauge this weekend and at first I was having massive difficulty understanding how to set up the gauge itself (the diagram sucked), but I think I finally had it figured out. I used the EGR as a vacuum source and when I first tested it out I was getting about 20 in/hg at start up and it would come down to about 17-18 at idle. Then I connected the power and ground to the cig lighter and now the damn thing is only reading 12in/hg at idle and 14 in/hg when engine braking. I think there has to be a leak somewhere, but I tried listening to find it with no luck. The car isnt really idling high, about 950 rpm. I guess what Im wondering is, is there another way to find a leak other than just listening for one, or do I even have a leak and is this normal?? TIA

>First off, I searched, but couldnt find what Im looking for.
>I installed my boost gauge this weekend and at first I was
>having massive difficulty understanding how to set up the
>gauge itself (the diagram sucked), but I think I finally had
>it figured out. I used the EGR as a vacuum source and when I
>first tested it out I was getting about 20 in/hg at start up
>and it would come down to about 17-18 at idle. Then I
>connected the power and ground to the cig lighter and now the
>damn thing is only reading 12in/hg at idle and 14 in/hg when
>engine braking. I think there has to be a leak somewhere, but
>I tried listening to find it with no luck. The car isnt really
>idling high, about 950 rpm. I guess what Im wondering is, is
>there another way to find a leak other than just listening for
>one, or do I even have a leak and is this normal?? TIA

I have the innovative turbo system t3/t4 hybrid... there is a spot on the actual turbo to plug the boost guage right in... not sure about yours.

Sounds like you got hold of the brake booster vac source. That's why when you step on the brakes, you lose vacuum. I used a "T" at the intake mani. I've been having a vac loss just as of a few days ago, and just like you said, I have 10 (you had 12) in/hg at idle and the car ran fine. I think you got something leaking, but I'm not an expert apperently, since I can't figure out my own sh*t.

Whats your altitude above sea level? I was reading a couple of weeks ago that for every 1000 feet above sea level above 2000ft. you should expect to get -1 inch vacuum. So, for me being in the mile high city, I am reading about 14-15 inches of vac at idle. Something to consider when doing your readings.

-Chris b.

thanks guys, Ill try using another vacuum source, the damn gauge is only reading 10 in/hg now.

make sure your line doesnt have a kink in it anywhere or if its been stepped on or mashed somehow