I will be testing my intake manifold for leaks on my carbureted Harley-Davidson Softail. What is the best/recommended method of doing this without blowing myself up or damaging the paint or chrome? Is it by using an unlit propane one pound bottle, carb cleaner, brake cleaner, or WD-40, or is there something else that is safe?

 

Use the WD-40, you're less likely to harm the paint or rubber.

 

I've used propane, no mess

 

+1 mr. ross
just remember a little dab will do ya.

 

I've carefully use brake clean.. It has a a distinctive smell when burned in the combustion chambers and comes out the exhaust..

 

I use propane, zero mess.

 

Thanks. I think I will go with propane.

 

Report back!!

 

Seen propane blow a carb manifold and all completely off a bike, damned lucky it didn't catch fire.


I use brake clean with the little tube, little spurts does fine and it drops the engine out not speed it up.

 

Well sir, you just threw a monkey wrench into my plans. I wanted to stay away from brake clean because I thought it would be bad for the engine paint and the paint on the tank. Now you will have me having second thoughts about using propane. Has anyone heard of an explosion such as he has mentioned?