vac gauge

[andrew.searston]

hi everyone
what does a vac gauge do???
sorry about the rubbish picture[frame][/frame]

[les]

The common use in a vehicle is to show how efficiently you are driving, some have coloured segments to assist. It measures the vacuum in the inlet manifold.

[bmcecosse]

I use it to control the brakes - on a steam engine ! Can see no sensible use for it on an internal combustion engine.........

[Alec]

Hello Andrew,

they were a common tool also many years ago (pre electronic tuning equipment) and can highlight a lot of engine faults. I'm talking about larger hand held instruments, not ones you install in your car. They can be an aid to fuel economy by driving for maximum vacuum, but, to me, as that equates to less throttle I know that anyway so not really practical.

Alec

[mike.perry]

Fit some sensible gauges such as oil pressure, water temp, ammeter etc.

[MarkyB]

Go ahead and fit it if you like.
Unlike the other gauges, except the ammeter, it will jump about in an entertaining way as you drive.
Like the others, you should only give it a tiny bit of your attention when driving.
My new car has an MPG readout and I have to make a concious effort not to look at it too much.

[RobThomas]

http://www.secondchancegarage.com/public/186.cfm

Try this page. Before Crypton or rolling road this might have been a great help.

[Mogwai]

An excellent tool for engine health, efficiency & diagnostic tests,

I occasionally use one on modern engines as in certain circumstances it can tell me more than the all singing & dancing diag machine can