Test Readings

INTERPRETING VACUUM GAUGE READINGS

NOTE: Most vacuum gauges have a normal band indicated on the gauge face.

A careful study of the vacuum gauge reading while the engine is idling will help pinpoint trouble areas. Always conduct other appropriate tests before arriving at a final diagnostic decision. Vacuum gauge readings, although helpful, must be interpreted carefully.

NOTE: The following are potential gauge readings. Some are normal; others should be investigated further.

Vacuum Gauge Readings:

1 NORMAL READING:
Needle between 51-74 kPa (15-22 in-Hg) and holding steady.

2. NORMAL READING DURING RAPID ACCELERATION AND DECELERATION:
When engine is rapidly accelerated (dotted needle), needle will drop to a low (not to zero) reading. When throttle is suddenly released, the needle will snap back up to a higher than normal figure.

3. NORMAL READING FOR HIGH-LIFT CAMSHAFT WITH LARGE OVERLAP:

Needle will register as low as 51 kPa (15 in-Hg) but will be relatively steady. Some oscillation is normal.

4. WORN RINGS OR DILUTED OIL:
When engine is accelerated (dotted needle), needle drops to 0 kPa (0 in-Hg). Upon deceleration, needle runs slightly above 74 kPa (22 in-Hg).

5. STICKING VALVE(S):
When the needle (dotted) remains steady at a normal vacuum but occasionally flicks (sharp, fast movement) down and back about 13 kPa (4 in-Hg), one or more valves may be sticking.

6. BURNED OR WARPED VALVE(S):
A regular, evenly-spaced, down-scale flicking of the needle indicates one or more burned or warped valves. Insufficient hydraulic valve tappet (6500) clearance will also cause this reaction.

7. POOR VALVE SEATING:
A small but regular down-scale flicking can mean one or more valves are not seating.

8. WORN VALVE GUIDE(S):
When the needle oscillates over about a 13 kPa (4 in-Hg) range at idle speed, the valve guides could be worn. As engine speed increases, needle will become steady if guides are responsible.

9. WEAK VALVE SPRINGS:
When the needle oscillation becomes more violent as engine RPM is increased, weak valve springs (6513) are indicated. The reading at idle could be relatively steady.

10. LATE VALVE TIMING:
A steady but low reading could be caused by late valve timing.

11. IGNITION TIMING RETARDING:
Retarded ignition timing will produce a steady but somewhat low reading.

12. INSUFFICIENT SPARK PLUG GAP:
When spark plugs (12405) are gapped too close, a regular, small pulsation of the needle can occur.

13. INTAKE LEAK:
A low, steady reading which can be caused by an intake manifold or throttle body gasket leak.

14. BLOWN HEAD GASKET:
A significant regular drop can be caused by a blown head gasket (6051) or warped cylinder head-to-cylinder block surface.

15. RESTRICTED EXHAUST SYSTEM:
When the engine is first started and is idled, the reading may be normal, but as the engine RPM is increased, the back pressure caused by a clogged muffler, kinked tail pipe or other concerns will cause the needle to slowly drop to 0 kPa (0 in-Hg). The needle then may slowly rise. Excessive exhaust clogging will cause the needle to drop to a low point even if the engine is only idling.

VACUUM LEAKS
When vacuum leaks are indicated, search out and correct the cause. Excess air leaking into the system will upset the fuel mixture and cause concerns such as rough idle, high idle, missing on acceleration or burned valves. If the leak exists in an accessory unit (such as the power brake) the unit will not function correctly. ALWAYS FIX VACUUM LEAKS.