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FAB Cruiser
Joined: 03 Jul 2008 Posts: 77
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Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 10:47 pm Post subject: Vacuum Gauge |
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Is there any point in fitting a vacuum gauge i.e what useful purpose do they serve?
I'm thinking of replacing my vacuum wiper motor for an electric one so I was wondering if it would be worth using the vacuum tube to drive a Gauge instead?
If I have neither a vacuum wiper motor nor guage, how would I terminate the vacuum pump outlet? I think there's a connection on the vacuum pump (which is part of the fuel pump) and the inlet manifold.
Thanks
David |
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Phil - Nottingham
Joined: 01 Jan 2008 Posts: 1252 Location: Nottingham
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Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 10:50 pm Post subject: |
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They are excellent for tuning for max economy and driving that way too - there are loads of websites to show how to read these. Can also oick up all sorts of faults
Sometimes are jsut have economy markings eg Red/orage/green/yellow _________________ Rover P2
Rover P4
Rover P5 & P5B
Land Rover S2 & S3
Morris Mini Traveller Mk2 |
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ukdave2002
Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4114 Location: South Cheshire
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Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 8:25 am Post subject: |
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As Phil said they are great for tuning and diagnostics, but I find them really irritating and distracting as a dash instrument, maybe thats just me! |
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peter scott
Joined: 18 Dec 2007 Posts: 7122 Location: Edinburgh
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Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:59 am Post subject: Re: Vacuum Gauge |
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FAB Cruiser wrote: |
If I have neither a vacuum wiper motor nor guage, how would I terminate the vacuum pump outlet? I think there's a connection on the vacuum pump (which is part of the fuel pump) and the inlet manifold.
Thanks
David |
Hi David,
You just need to close off the pipe to the inlet manifold. Just stuff a piece of metal rod or wooden doweling up the end of the rubber pipe.
Peter _________________ http://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon |
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Keith D
Joined: 16 Oct 2008 Posts: 1130 Location: Upper Swan, Western Australia
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Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 1:13 pm Post subject: |
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David,
Why would you want a guage that tells you if you are using a lot of throttle, then you're using more fuel. Or conversely, if you're not using the throttle at all, then you're using less fuel!!!
Keith |
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47p2
Joined: 24 Nov 2007 Posts: 2009 Location: Glasgow
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Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 7:11 pm Post subject: |
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Vacuum gauge is also excellent for letting you know the condition of your engine. It can show worn piston rings, worn valve guides and as already said a great instrument for tuning the carb _________________ ROVER
One of Britain's Fine Cars |
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Rusty
Joined: 10 Feb 2009 Posts: 204 Location: Bunbury, Western Australia
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Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 12:35 am Post subject: |
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Someone must think it's a good idea, they put one 4" across in my Holden Commodore from new and I find it very irritating. |
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baconsdozen
Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 1119 Location: Under the car.
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Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 9:13 am Post subject: |
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If you set the ignition timing and carb etc to give the highest possible steady vacuum reading then the engine is running at its most efficient. |
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FAB Cruiser
Joined: 03 Jul 2008 Posts: 77
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Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 9:23 am Post subject: |
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Very mixed opinion on this one!
Am I correct in assuming the tube to my vacuum wiper motor could instead be used to drive one of these?
Thanks
David |
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peter scott
Joined: 18 Dec 2007 Posts: 7122 Location: Edinburgh
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Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 10:52 am Post subject: |
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As long as it is simply a connection to the inlet manifold, then yes.
Peter _________________ http://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon |
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jessejazza
Joined: 18 Mar 2009 Posts: 75
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Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2009 11:52 am Post subject: |
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Fitting a small vacuum gauge so called economy gauge is a waste of time.
The 52mm type are simply a waste of time other than to let you know when the accelerator pedal is pressed down! The Gunson lo-gauge can be used for tuning reasonably well but as a diagnostic tool a decent 6 ins diameter one is what you need. A barometer made from beer kit tube will provide an excellent DIY diagnostic tool for the garage for virtual nil cash outlay. I got my 6 ins gauge from Canada on ebay after a bit of hunting.
Discussed her on another forum i belong too.
http://www.r3w.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=16190&page=2 |
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Nic Jarman
Joined: 05 Oct 2008 Posts: 1031 Location: Stoke by Clare, Suffolk
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Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 12:42 pm Post subject: |
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Another use for vacuum gauges is to balance multiple carbs.
I have 4, so who is the daddy! _________________ 1936 Morris 8 Series 1
1973 MGB roadster
1977 MG Midget 1500
Dax Rush |
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PAUL BEAUMONT
Joined: 27 Nov 2007 Posts: 1281 Location: Barnsley S. Yorks
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Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 1:40 pm Post subject: |
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Doesn't you car have a vacuum reserve tank to feed the wipers? if that is the case you need to feed the gauge from the manifold side of the tank or it will probably not do a lot!
Paul |
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FAB Cruiser
Joined: 03 Jul 2008 Posts: 77
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Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 3:29 pm Post subject: |
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Yes, I was going to replace the Vacuum motor with and electric one and then use the tube to drive a guage. But based on the comments here, it's probably of little worth.
Thanks
David |
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47Jag
Joined: 26 Jun 2008 Posts: 1480 Location: Bothwell, Scotland
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Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 4:58 pm Post subject: |
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David,
From memory your car has a double diaphram fuel pump that assists the wipers when accelerating so using a vacuum gauge on the wiper tube would give a false reading.
Art |
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