Vacuum pipe

[Chris Edgar]

I am working on improving my engine bay "experience" and the dizzy to carb vacuum pipe is looking decidedly past it's best before date, so I will replace it..
But,
should I buy an original metal one at £15-£20, or a plastic one at a couple of quid, I wonder?
Is there any difference in performance?
Any bad experiences with the El Cheapo plastic version?

regards,
Chris

[bmcecosse]

Plastic is fine - just check if your vacuum advance is actually doing anything!

[Chris Edgar]

Thanks for the reply...
I will get a plastic one. Plus, I think, one straight & one right angle connector.

Is there an easy way to "check if the vacuum is actually doing anything" i.e. without resorting to a strobe light.
For example, if I suck the pipe the dizzy plate should move? I can do that easier with a flexible plastic pipe, need eyes on stalks to see it with a metal pipe!

[bmcecosse]

Yes - suck and you should create a vacuum - and the plate should move. If no vacuum - the diaphragm is burst - and sometimes even if there is a vacuum - the diaphragm has gone rock hard and won't move anyway! If it's not working - rather than buy a new vacuum unit - you should seriously consider a complete new dizzy from this lad - it's a screaming bargain! http://www.simonbbc.com/automotiveshop/ ... butor-mini

[Chris Edgar]

Thanks for the info & the link...yes, what a cracking price for a complex piece of kit.
Bit baffled about the A series & A+, but I gather that it's a direct replacement for the MM 1098 A series?
cheers
Chris

[bmcecosse]

Yes - A series - NOT the A+ type.

[Chris Edgar]

many thanks!