http://www.secondchancegarage.com/public/186.cfm

So today I finally had time to break out my vacuum tester & find out for sure what kind of shape my engine is REALLY in. I've had some local "mechanics" telling me everything from blown head gasket to clogged exhaust system.

"Oh..........your rings are shot & you need a valve job"

So I've been wondering how to really diagnose some things for myself & do some elimination before throwing more parts at her. I've already practically rebuilt it from head to toe since last June except for "inside" the engine.

I heard about VACUUM TESTING & read up on it (above link) & found it quite amazing. I picked a pretty decent tester for about $25.

Today I put a lot of questions to bed using the vacuum tester & some simple reading from the above link. A real & inexpensive diagnostic tool & it eliminates riding around "wondering about valve condition, clogged exhaust, retarded timing, vacuum leaks, blown head gasket, compression" the list goes on & on.

Those that like "old school" & want to learn should check into it. It has a lot to do with how we got here. Maybe you won't get caught in the trap of some ripp-off mechanic.

I'll sleep better.......he he

 

Yup. Vacuum gauges are invaluable tools. In this digital/electronic age, we tend to forget about "old school" stuff. Or we never learned if we're young whipper snappers. Not me. I'm an old fart.

 

I found a good way to find vacuum leak is to remove the vacuum assist line at the brake master cylinder and using a cheap cigar blow smoke into the line and watch for leaks.

 

I can't see the picture on my phone.

 

Doesn't that suck your lips to the hose and make a duck like noise though?

 

You tried it with the motor running, didn't you.


They seem to have disappeared from toolboxes about the time carbs disappeared from intake manifolds. You just can't set up a carb correctly without a vacuum gauge. Too bad because they're cheap, easy to use and can help diagnose all sorts of problems. Excellent reminder about a tool everyone should have, Randall.

 

Well, the instructions didn't say not to.................