Best way to check for vacuum leaks?

[lofapoo]

I have a 90 SOHC KA, and for some time now I've been able to hear a hissing sound upon acceleration, no matter what the RPMs you can hear it. Upon deceleration it's more of a whistle, and as it decelerates into lower RPMs (under 2K) it sounds kind of turbo-ish :P

Sometimes she hesitates under two grand. I can slam the pedal and she'll stammer until about 1500-2000 then go on as normal. I'm not sure if this is related to the vacuum leak or some sort of fuel issue, but it's not a constant problem, just every now and then. Not very safe when you need to get out of someone's way in a hurry :|

I don't even know where to begin with all the vacuum lines, can anyone shed some advice? TIA

[neverlift]

water or a starter fluid. if you hit a vac leak you'll hear the engine bog.

[matt4pl]

brake/carb cleaner works great and cleans stuff too

[lofapoo]

Any idea on where to start? And how much should I be spraying?

[neverlift]

well listen close first to get an idea of the area, then spray a little at a time till you find it.

[sideways24d]

I think you could also use propane to figure it out to. If there is a leak and you leak gas near it it will cause the rpms to rise up.

[churro]

Use a stethoscope. A length of tubing works good too. When the end of the tube gets near a vacuum leak you will hear a hissing noise.

[soslydwaysjon]

good info