If I cover the carb with my hands and the engine stalls, Wouldn't that show I don't have a vacuum leak? If I had a leak wouldnt the engine rev up a little?

No. A vacuum leak won't provide enough air to run the engine.

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My Web Page (http://www.landry-family.com) (updated 12-10-02)

"Long Live Freedom!"

Chad Landry
TC Member #643
ACES Member #4556
'68 El Camino

Well, actually, the trick is to SLOWLY close off the air intake at the top of the carb while listening to the idle quality. If there is a vacuum leak, you'll get to a point where the idle quality smooths out or the idle speed increases. But closing off the airflow any further will only stall the engine.

This is a trick I've used for years. It works, but you have to do it slowly.

Cool, Randy! Learn something new every day.