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Quick Question . . . . . .
I need to buy a Vacuum Gauge. I've never had one. No idea if they are all kind of the same or some better than others. I am looking for suggestions. I do not want junk. I do want quality but realistically don't need professional or super high end.
My immediate use is I need to test the vacuum from my LS7 to see if I can support brakes AND headlight functionality. I've been told my assumptions are incorrect and the best way is to simply test the vacuum.
So, anyone here that can point to a decent gauge on Amazon, I'd appreciate it!
They pop up at around 18-35 bucks which seems reasonable. I'm happy to step up to the more expensive one if there is predicted future uses or if the quality requires it! If the 18 bucks one is perfectly fine I am good with that also!
Thanks for any input! I appreciate the guidance!
This one seems well rated and lots selected it. Not stuck on this one, just liked the ratings.
Made a new face for it in adobe illustrator and used a needle from another oil pressure gauge I had then an angled bracket to hold it where the clock was... A fair amount of screwing around but, well why not
M
That is a good quality gauge. OTC is a reputable company. It's also a pressure gauge (15PSI). Go for it.
I have a old "crapsman" (craftsman) vac. gauge that about 45 years old and still works.
I have a vacuum gauge in every car since the 70's. I call it "looking into your lover's eyes" lol.
1. Determine diameter I recall that 2 1/16th is standard and they also have 'miniature sizes' such as 1.5" Dia.
2. Then you want a 'fluid filled' gauge...they last longer and the vibrat-ey excursions are damped out (JEGS/SUMMIT)
3. Mounting bracket config.
4. Piping....you want relatively thick walled flexible tubing...thicker the wall the better.
5. You want to 'Tee off' of manifold vacuum as close to the source as possible. Be careful of 'tiny T's'...again the vacuum propagates at the speed of sound...keep the 'bores' open.
That is a good quality gauge. OTC is a reputable company. It's also a pressure gauge (15PSI). Go for it.
I have a old "crapsman" (craftsman) vac. gauge that about 45 years old and still works.
I appreciate the quick input!
It will arrive soon!
I look forward to seeing if I lose pressure to much when I apply the brakes!
Scott
I call it "looking into your lover's eyes" lol.
Unkahal
LOL!
I already do that with my boosted ford. LOL! I added a permanent gauge just to watch the turbos! ford was to cheap to provide one in my PU! Or rather . . . I was to cheap to spend 75K on the more expensive truck with that gauge!
It is my first and only rig with a fixed vacuum gauge though!
With much screwing around I managed to get one of the autogauge ones to blend into the stock gauges where the clock used to be
I've got several for setting the engine up and I usually never worry about the numbers (accuracy) as much as which way the needle is moving and when. This one is probably the only one I have that is actually accurate, I should check it to the others someday
M
Made a new face for it in adobe illustrator and used a needle from another oil pressure gauge I had then an angled bracket to hold it where the clock was... A fair amount of screwing around but, well why not
M
Harbor Freight has them...as do many auto parts stores. E-bay, amazon, etc. etc. Vacuum gauge is very useful for diagnosing Internal combustion engine performance...and for diagnosing vacuum system issues. Read up on how to use it and how to 'read' it. The action of the needle movement is more important than the vacuum level showing on the dial.
With much screwing around I managed to get one of the autogauge ones to blend into the stock gauges where the clock used to be
I've got several for setting the engine up and I usually never worry about the numbers (accuracy) as much as which way the needle is moving and when. This one is probably the only one I have that is actually accurate, I should check it to the others someday
M
that looks amazing!!! Any chance you can post the model of the gauge you used?
With much screwing around I managed to get one of the autogauge ones to blend into the stock gauges where the clock used to be
I've got several for setting the engine up and I usually never worry about the numbers (accuracy) as much as which way the needle is moving and when. This one is probably the only one I have that is actually accurate, I should check it to the others someday
M
I have a cheap Harbor Freight vacuum gauge. I dont use it all that much anymore, as everything I have is now converted to fuel injection, but it has always worked good.
If I was using it every day, I'd definitely get a hood name brand one, but for something just to have tucked away it's fine.
Vacuum gauge question??
