checking for vacuum leak

[burdar]

Does carb clean loosen paint like brake clean does?  I need to check for vacuum leaks but I don't want to use anything that will discolor or loosen the paint.  What about soapy water?  Will that bubble up around a vacuum leak like it does around a tire leak?  Probably not since there would be vacuum instead of outward pressure.  I don't have a cutting torch so oxy/acetylene is out.  I do have a small propane torch if that would work.

[roadman5312]

most carb cleaners will eat paint

[daveh]

You can also use WD-40.  That won't eat the paint.  Good luck. 

Here's some good info also. 

http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/Summer2003/VacuumLeaks.htm

[jhaag]

use your small propane tank around suspected leak. idle will pick up if it is sucking in the propane. you have found your leak

[burdar]

The problem turned out to be bad gas.  I had stabilizer in the gas but I guess that doesn't do much if the car sits for a long time.  I siphoned out the tank and put new gas in...problem gone.