Categories: Cars

Bentley Continental GT Vacuum Leak and Maintenance.

The monstrous W12 engine/power-train unit removed from the car.

A common problem with early model Bentley Continentals (2004-2007) is the dreaded vacuum line leak. The lines are made from a thin plastic tubing and have a tendency to shrink with heat over time. Additionally they are connected directly to metal fittings which do not shrink at the same rate as the lines. Which causes splitting in the lines at the union.

Additionally Bentley engineers did not foresee the lines ever needing to be replaced, so they tucked the lines and the solenoids above the transmission. In a spot that is not accessible without removing the entire powertrain unit (engine, transmission, front differential and subframe.

Although this car only had 23k miles, we had to remove the engine to replace the lines, we fabricated new all metal lines and used silicone hose or emissions safe rubber/cloth braided hose to form the couplers to the factory fittings. To verify all the repairs were successful before re-installing the powertrain unit, we used a smoke test to check for potential leaks.

Since the motor was out, it made some simple maintenance items a little easier and lighter on the wallet. Our client opted to do all the recommended maintenance on the car.

-Spark Plugs

-Fluids

-A/C Compressor

Where the problem lies

Found it !

One of 10+ metal lines we fabricated to replace the brittle OEM plastic lines.

There was also an A/C issue, we diagnosed it as a defective compressor prior to removing the engine.