[jjpatter25]

Anyone know what the vacuum pump does? I know gas engines don't have a vacuum pump but I don't know why. My pump died last week, which accounts for the AC that blows only through the windshield vents, the poor brake pressure, and I think the cruise may be effected as well. The distributor has several lines on it but I don't know where they lead. It took five minutes to remove but I don't have the $100 to spend yet. Just wondering what else will change once I put a new one on

 

[Mr_Roboto]

The diesels have the vacuum pump because our diesels are unthrottled, and do not produce enough vacuum at low speed to operate power brakes etc.

Vacuum operated accesories are the power brakes, heater system doors, and turbo wastegate. Also some trucks use vacuum to engage the 4x4 hubs.

 

[cdnsarguy]

Here is some good info from Cardone....

http://www.rockauto.com/ref/Cardone/vacpumpinfo.htm

 

[sixiron]

"what will improve when you put a new vacuum pump on" ?..
power brakes will stop better
power steering will not have be "hard to turn" at low speeds

If it's reak noisy you had better replace it soon or all kinds of goodies start to happen then like bearings freezing-up and then gauling and locking up on the shaft, after that the pulley locks up and the serpentine belt will shred itself...don't ask me how I know this...

hardest part about replacing the vacuum pump is having to press the pulley onto the new unit after removing it from your old one...

good luck...bd

 

[jjpatter25]

the van is dead in the water for few more weeks. Once I have the money to spare I'll put the new one on. Thanks for the info.

 

[cdnsarguy]

Please make sure you get/borrow the right pulley install/removal tool. Azone usually rents them ot ake it to them or any other store they should have a tool on hand.

 

[jjpatter25]

what is the right pulley install/removal tool? Any idea how it'll cost to rent? buy?

 

[cdnsarguy]

The tool removes/installs the vac pump, power steering and alternator pulleys on several different brands of vehicle.

Check out the 4861 on this page......

http://www.otctools.com/frames-newcatalog.php3

 

[2manydsls]

I found out from a friend that the diaphram part of the vacuum pumps on the IDI diesels is the same as on the older GM 350 diesel cars and pickups. I just replaced the diaphram on my 84 van with one off of a 79 Oldsmobile. I knew that the Olds pump only had about 5,000 mi. on it even though it was at least 15 years old. I put it on in IL. and 2,000 mi. later it's still working fine.
There were 4 screws holding the diaphram on the van and only 2 on the OLds. The screws are self tapping so I used all 4 screws when replacing the diaphram. I had to remove the vacuum tube and reposition it (it is pressed in and easy to pull out and put back in). Just watch that you don't loose the oil when removing the diaphram on the Ford pump. Place pump with diaphram up. This also negates the problem with the pulley replacement. There used to be a place in San Bernardino, Ca. that sold the rebuilt diaphrams for $20-30. I can't remember the name of the business but they dealt with inj. pumps also. Maybe someone can help here.
Ross

 

[cdnsarguy]

Sorry the number was wrong so I have edited it......

The tool removes/installs the vac pump, power steering and alternator pulleys on several different brands of vehicle.

Check out the <font color="red">4681 located in Automotive special tools </font> on this page......

http://www.otctools.com/frames-newcatalog.php3

 

[aware]

Hi 2manydsls!

By any chance do you have the old OLDS vacuum pump still?

If it's an electrical unit, I'd sure like to get it from you!

Thanks!

Ben

 

[cdnsarguy]

Here is info on the electric vacuum pumps........

http://www.california.com/~eagle/figs/vacpump/vac.html

 

[jjpatter25]

vacuum pump is installed. the belts are still loose and it is rough idling. It goes away after a minute if i wait to heat up. the belts are gray and need to be replaced.
I decided to go with a new vacuum pump, cardone I think. just needed to get the van running. I'll keep in mind interchangeable parts but I think the problem with my pump was that it just died. I took the diaphragm off and pieces from the bracket-mounted part just fell out.
Thanks for the help!

 

[2manydsls]

By any chance do you have the old OLDS vacuum pump still?

If it's an electrical unit, I'd sure like to get it from you!

Sorry its taken me so long to answer the above. The Olds vacuum pumps are not electric, just mechanical like ours. I believe they drive off of the camshaft with a gear. Its just the vacuum chambers that are alike. I bought an electric off Ebay that came off of a Powerstroke.
Ross