8 replies to this topic

[Jimmyarm]

Hi All,

I have come into posession of a Smiths Vacuum gauge and have two questions;

Firstly, what does it do ! I cant really get my head around why you would want to measure the 'vacuum' at presumably the carb but have seen then on sale as econometers. Is it to do with fuel economy ? or am I getting the wrong end of two completely different sticks !?

Secondly, how do I install it !

Thanks for any assistance


Jimmy

[Jammy]

Yea, your pretty much there. With the A series engines, they suck the fuel from the carb using the vacumn of the engine. Therefore if you can monitor the vacumn you know whether the engine is sucking a lot of fuel or not much.

[minimanclive]

It shows the manifold vacuum, and gives an indication of how much you've got your right foot down, and how that affects the fuel economy. So if you go by what it tells you, then you won't floor it so much and you'll save a bit on fuel.

It connects to the inlet manifold. Or you can get a spacer with a take off that sits beteen the carb and manifold.

[Jimmyarm]

know whether the engine is sucking a lot

Lol, can I fit it to my gf

Thanks guys, makes more sense know but seems a bit pointless ! Will probably put it in the for sale section then !

[dklawson]

Vacuum gauges are hardly pointless if you have a car with a carb and/or if you want to monitor your driving.

Once you learn to drive by glancing over periodically at the gauge you will be able to get the most out of your tank of gas. You'll know how best to use the throttle and when to coast.

Vacuum gauges are also an excellent auxiliary gauge to use when tuning. You can play with your carb and timing settings to achieve the maximum steady idle vacuum. The reward for this is better fuel economy.

Lastly, with experience you can use the gauge to monitor the condition of engine components. You need to back up your findings with other test methods, but the vacuum gauge can indicate problems with the valves, rings, and ignition timing.

If the gauge is in good shape and you don't want it, you certainly won't have any problems finding a home for it using eBay. Before you do, check out a couple of these pages:
http://www.classictr...cts/vac/uum.htm
http://www.centurype....com/vacuum.asp
http://www.free-ed.n...p?iNum=01030305

[Pooky]

How do you fit one? Easy? I fancy one now!

[Jimmyarm]

Thanks DKlawson, now I've seen it think I might keep it ! It looks nice and from those pages will probably certainly prove useful

Pooky, it looks pretty easy to fit. Just needs the relevant tube and fitment going to the manifold as above and the bulb wiring in

Jimmy

[sevretta]

You happy with the gauges mate....jimmy

[Jimmyarm]

Yes Mate, in really good nick Gonna look really good in the dash Thanks for leaving the wiring on !

Cant get the clock out though ! lol, the little round nut wont come off the end, need my tap and die set to sort the end of the bolt bit out but I cant find it !

Jimmy