Go to Harbor Freight, they sell a cheap vacuum gauge that also goes to 10psi positive pressure, which is more than enough to test back pressure. If you have an old oxygen sensor that you can drill out, so you just have the threaded section with a hole in the center.
Next attach a hose onto the adapter and and the other end on the vacuum gauge, and start the engine. Now because youre dealing with hot exhaust, you cannot leave the vacuum gauge on there long, or it will melt. Its a reading you should see on the gauge right away anyway.
You want to see almost zero (0) psi of exhaust back pressure, the max amount is 1-1.5psi, its really nothing. If you have any other questions about the back pressure testing, let me know, and really dont forget to run a quick test due to heat. I know of a mechanic that left the gauge on the exhaust and it melted the gauge and hose.
You could buy a back pressure test kit if you want, its just easier and cheaper with a Harbor Freight vacuum gauge.
Sunday, December 21st, 2025 AT 9:32 AM