Vacuum Pump
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 424
Likes: 3
From: Presently working under contract in Alabama
Vacuum Pump
I am having some vacuum issues (headlights) on my BB 68 due to the big cam. The shop has recommended a vacuum pump.
Can anyone recommend a particular pump. I am thinking that electric is the way to go?
Thanks everyone.
Can anyone recommend a particular pump. I am thinking that electric is the way to go?
Thanks everyone.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
No clue on a pump, but I do agree electric would be the way to go- no parasitic load when it's not running.
Just curious, how much vacuum do you have? I have 12-13" at idle and the lights are a little slow, but no problems other than that.
Just curious, how much vacuum do you have? I have 12-13" at idle and the lights are a little slow, but no problems other than that.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 424
Likes: 3
From: Presently working under contract in Alabama
As a last resort I am going to put a pump on.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 424
Likes: 3
From: Presently working under contract in Alabama
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 424
Likes: 3
From: Presently working under contract in Alabama
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
You really shouldn't need an auxillary vacuum pump. But, the system does need to be well sealed and the components in it need to be in good shape. The most common 'faults' with the vacuum systems are a bad check valve, leaky headlight relays, and...if you have the vacuum wiper door...bad solenoid switch (on backside of tach) and/or defective wiper safety park switch (under the right-side wiper).
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,548
Likes: 379
From: Woodinville WA
I have a pretty radical (for the street) cam.... 280/280, 108 LSA .550 lifts (SBC)
Drifting
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 5
From: Roseville CA
I would have to agree that an auxiliary pump shouldn't be needed of the system is sealed well. The accumulator tank will store vacuum until you need it. Even with a big cam, you will pull some decent vacuum during normal driving and that will be stored in the accumulator, unless it all leaks out.
I have a big cam in my 454 and it takes a few minutes after start up to build enough vacuum to pop open the lights.
I have a big cam in my 454 and it takes a few minutes after start up to build enough vacuum to pop open the lights.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,458
Likes: 331
From: Indy Indiana
Yes, i would more think you have a leak instead of blaming your cam.
Your mechanic is a little questionable also recommending an unorthodox solution by suggesting installing a big ugly loud vacumm pump, instead of doing diligent troubleshooting and finding a cracked hose.
put a gauge on your canister tank and do a leakdown test after shutting off your engine.. after plugging the appropriate lines.
what else is there besides electric pumps? some hideous belt driven thing?
Your mechanic is a little questionable also recommending an unorthodox solution by suggesting installing a big ugly loud vacumm pump, instead of doing diligent troubleshooting and finding a cracked hose.
put a gauge on your canister tank and do a leakdown test after shutting off your engine.. after plugging the appropriate lines.
what else is there besides electric pumps? some hideous belt driven thing?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,548
Likes: 379
From: Woodinville WA
Really, we do the planet a favor by running our cars
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 424
Likes: 3
From: Presently working under contract in Alabama
Yes, i would more think you have a leak instead of blaming your cam.
Your mechanic is a little questionable also recommending an unorthodox solution by suggesting installing a big ugly loud vacumm pump, instead of doing diligent troubleshooting and finding a cracked hose.
put a gauge on your canister tank and do a leakdown test after shutting off your engine.. after plugging the appropriate lines.
what else is there besides electric pumps? some hideous belt driven thing?
Your mechanic is a little questionable also recommending an unorthodox solution by suggesting installing a big ugly loud vacumm pump, instead of doing diligent troubleshooting and finding a cracked hose.
put a gauge on your canister tank and do a leakdown test after shutting off your engine.. after plugging the appropriate lines.
what else is there besides electric pumps? some hideous belt driven thing?
Thanks Joe.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,259
Likes: 154
From: Deplorableville Nebraska
Hey Jer...........
I sure wish I had more time before your car was picked up for it's journey to it's new home, I could have checked out your vacuum system for you.
IMHO, are we sure the messed up hose routing has been corrected, the relay has been tested for proper function, and you're getting good control vacuum from the switches? I would like to see the results of these issues before I would even think about a separate pump. A decent hand vacuum pump tester is much less than more drastic measures.
If you would like, I can talk you through these, and get you a routing diagram if you don't already have one. Let me know........
Good luck my friend!
I sure wish I had more time before your car was picked up for it's journey to it's new home, I could have checked out your vacuum system for you.
IMHO, are we sure the messed up hose routing has been corrected, the relay has been tested for proper function, and you're getting good control vacuum from the switches? I would like to see the results of these issues before I would even think about a separate pump. A decent hand vacuum pump tester is much less than more drastic measures.
If you would like, I can talk you through these, and get you a routing diagram if you don't already have one. Let me know........
Good luck my friend!