Vacuum Test Howto?

[trstjohn]

I'm concerned about the 'white smoke' coming from my exhaust. I've also noticed my car idles at about 1200RPMs. I was reading on another post someone having the same symptoms.

Is it possible to do a vacuum test myself? What tools do I need?

[jimmy57]

a vacuum test is of little use on vehicles with electronic throttles and even less use when it has variable cam timing and even less use than that when it has DUAL variable cam timing. Your XC90 is in the last category.
Is it using coolant?
Has it run hot recently?
The more effective test is to run it to normal operating temp and then put a pressure tester on cooling system and pump it up to 15 psi and then pull the cover, coils and spark plugs and see if vapor is coming out of any of the cylinders

[trstjohn]

Coolant level is at expected levels and is not running hot at all.
Any recommendations on a pressure tester?


How about any of these...

https://www.amazon.com/Stant-12270-Cooli ... 824&sr=1-1

http://www.harborfreight.com/radiator-p ... 65053.html

[jimmy57]

if it not losing coolant then there is no reason to do a test for finding where coolant is going.
IF the weather is cold and especially if it is damp, and the vehicle has had a lot of short trips then you may have nothing wrong and only an accumulation of water in exhaust from condensation.
Does the white smoke have any distinct odor or is it normal exhaust odor?
BTW, the second tester looks to have the assortment of adapter to allow it to be an easy, no fabrication, tester.
I have the Stant but have the hose off the rad cap fitting and use a T fitting and a short piece of hose to adapt it to most Europeans.

[trstjohn]

jimmy, you're right.
1) my vehicle takes a lot of short trips 8-10 miles at a time
2) I checked this morning and there is condensation coming from my exhaust.

Just normal exhaust odor.

I'll take a video this evening for reference.