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Old 08-26-2021, 05:57 PM   #1
rfitzpatrick
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Default Vaccum Gauge

I've got some time on hand -- vacuum gauge, is it worth/beneficial installing one?
Thanks
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Old 08-26-2021, 06:05 PM   #2
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Default Re: Vaccum Gauge

I'd be interested in hearing from folks what monitoring vacuum while driving tells the driver.
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Old 08-26-2021, 06:44 PM   #3
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Default Re: Vaccum Gauge

Higher the vacuum the better the gas mileage. Work the pedal.
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Old 08-26-2021, 08:45 PM   #4
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Default Re: Vaccum Gauge

I had a 1979 Cadillac Seville, that had "fuel economy" lights in the instrument panel. Two little lights, orange and green. They were simply wired to a vacuum switch. High vacuum > green light. Low vacuum > orange light. For a driver that has a heavy foot, they were helpful.

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Old 08-26-2021, 10:25 PM   #5
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Default Re: Vaccum Gauge

I have a vacuum gauge built into my tune up station. I hooked it up the car and had trouble reading it and I had a chart to compare it to. But, what I did find out is that the engine is relatively healthy and a solid performer. Nothing to out of the ordinary.

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Old 08-26-2021, 11:31 PM   #6
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Default Re: Vaccum Gauge

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I have a Stewart Warner Motor Minder, dial is color coded and pretty self explanatory as long as the needle is steady. If the needle is not steady a vacuum gauge can show many other issues.



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Old 08-27-2021, 05:52 AM   #7
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Default Re: Vaccum Gauge

Is it worth installing one ? No, JMHO.

But, if it is something you want to do, then why not.
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Old 08-27-2021, 06:03 AM   #8
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Default Re: Vaccum Gauge

I look at it as creating tomorrow’s problem. Why do you want it or better still why do you think you need it?
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Old 08-27-2021, 06:22 AM   #9
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Smile Re: Vaccum Gauge

Quote:
Originally Posted by rfitzpatrick View Post
I've got some time on hand --
Like he said, I've got some time on hand. Do it, gives you something to do.
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Old 08-27-2021, 08:44 AM   #10
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Default Re: Vaccum Gauge

I run one in my hot rod A and despite the naysayers, I find it a great tuning tool.
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Old 08-27-2021, 09:45 AM   #11
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Default Re: Vaccum Gauge

Quote:
Originally Posted by Patrick L. View Post
Is it worth installing one ? No, JMHO.
Probably not. I had a NOS SW Motor Minder and an empty hole. Cost, not much.

Quote:
Originally Posted by McMimmcs View Post
I look at it as creating tomorrow’s problem. Why do you want it or better still why do you think you need it?
I don't see how installing a vacuum gauge can create a problem. Your other questions aren't worth my time answering again.

Quote:
Originally Posted by denis4x4 View Post
I run one in my hot rod A and despite the naysayers, I find it a great tuning tool.
I totally agree, altho that is not the main reason I installed my Motor Minder. But I can monitor and to a certain extent, optimize how my engine is running while driving

Last edited by Y-Blockhead; 08-27-2021 at 09:56 AM.
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Old 08-27-2021, 10:15 AM   #12
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Default Re: Vaccum Gauge

Quote:
Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead View Post
Probably not. I had a NOS SW Motor Minder and an empty hole. Cost, not much.



I don't see how installing a vacuum gauge can create a problem. Your other questions aren't worth my time answering again.



I totally agree, altho that is not the main reason I installed my Motor Minder. But I can monitor and to a certain extent, optimize how my engine is running while driving
Thank you for the very courteous response! It shows character!!
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Old 08-27-2021, 10:39 AM   #13
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Default Re: Vaccum Gauge

Quote:
Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead View Post
I have a Stewart Warner Motor Minder, dial is color coded and pretty self explanatory as long as the needle is steady. If the needle is not steady a vacuum gauge can show many other issues.



that chart is the best ive found across the web. holds true for any engine any year (altho im not sure what a super modern car with variable valve timing and all sorts of fun trickery would show)

print it off on a full sheet of paper and keep it in your toolbox!
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Old 08-27-2021, 11:21 AM   #14
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Default Re: Vaccum Gauge

For in shop testing it can be a good tool if, used with the chart. On the road the vacuum gauge won’t show much. You need to pay attention to the gauge to get good information Kind of tough to do while driving.
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Old 08-27-2021, 01:10 PM   #15
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Default Re: Vaccum Gauge

A vacuum gauge can be a good diagnostic tool. But it really really hard to watch if its attached to the dash panel when trying to adjust the carburetor.
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Old 08-27-2021, 02:45 PM   #16
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Default Re: Vaccum Gauge

I'm done...

Last edited by Y-Blockhead; 08-27-2021 at 07:46 PM.
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Old 08-27-2021, 03:12 PM   #17
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Default Re: Vaccum Gauge

I'm planning to install a vacuum gauge once I get the car sorted. I think a vacuum gauge is one of those diagnostic tools that you learn to read over time, based on your specific knowledge of your car and what readings you get under different conditions.

It's also true that we have limited space for gauges, both on the console and in your field of view, so you should think about whether it's more important to have this than, say, a temp gauge, a tach, oil pressure, etc.
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Old 08-27-2021, 04:29 PM   #18
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Default Re: Vaccum Gauge

I added a Hastings gauge to the dash just because it was too cool a piece to not display, and does work althoughfaded, fit perfectly below the clock that only works some of the time.
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Old 08-27-2021, 07:00 PM   #19
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Default Re: Vaccum Gauge

Gee, I hurt someones feelings. Someone I wasn't even responding to.



And I thought post #7 explained my thoughts. Its your car, we still live in a semi-free country, so you can do whatever you want.

Last edited by Patrick L.; 08-28-2021 at 05:38 AM.
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Old 08-27-2021, 11:42 PM   #20
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Default Re: Vaccum Gauge

Soon what is the normal vacuum reading for a healthy, stock Model A engine, 16,18,20Hg?
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