[clev]

I think that I'm going to have to replace the vacuum pump on my van. I've been pricing and about all that I'm finding are one's without the pulley. I'd prefer to buy one with the pulley but A-1 Cardone is all that I'm finding and I'm not to keen on A-1 Cardone. Anyone have a recommendation on vacuum pumps with pulley's?

 

[chuckster57]

I don't think they sell a pump with the pulley. Easy Peazy to remove though, use the same puller used for P/S pump pulley. FWIW I haven't had any troubles with Cardone stuff.

 

[clev]

Thanks chuck. I've been searching and AZ has the puller for loan. It may not be as difficult as I thought.

 

[bbasso]

Replacing the vacuum pump isn't a problem. On a 7.3 3 it should take you no more than a half hour on a 6-liter it might take you 4 hours but it's a relatively simple process.
I think I used an advanced auto part... nearly all the same.

 

[79jasper]

If it's the same as a obs truck, you have to get the pulley off to swap them.
You can get the old one off, but the bolts have to stay in. Which is where the problem lies.

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[clev]

BB, if the average time is half an hour, it'll take me about 2. Nothing really works well for me.

 

[clev]

Pulling the pulley is my main worry, 79. If I can get it off and back in without problems, I will be relieved.

 

[bbasso]

The standard pulley removal kit should work just fine, no need to panic.

 

[79jasper]

I think I used the autozone kit. Previously I've used the orielly one.
Actually came off and went on way easier than I thought it would.

Oh yeah, check it for oil before you out it on. On the back will be a small check plug.

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[StockKnocker]

Clev, take advantage of the search this forum function, before you do this job. Plenty of good info on here so no need to re-invent the wheel. The most important part of the job is to make sure you look carefully at your existing pump when you remove it. Two of the bolts will come all the way out. When you loosen the third, the pump can be removed, but the bolt can not be removed from the pump until the pulley is removed.

This means that you will have to slide that bolt through its hole BEFORE you press the pulley onto the new pump! Therefor, I recommend you use a white paint marker to mark that bolt hole on the new pump before you even remove the pulley from the old one. That is why no new vacuum pumps come with pulley installed.

I would get a Ford vacuum pump from White Bear Lake Ford or Tousley Ford. Your brakes depend on it.

 

[clev]

Good morning, one and all, and Happy Father's Day to all us fathers.

Thanks, stock; always get good advice from you. And just to clear it up, I really do a thorough search on this site as well as internet before I post here; just wanted you to know that I'm not lazy. Search also depends on wording. On other issues, I have searched and found very little, then followed your advice on a search on your wording and found a library.

Now with that out of the way (LOL), I have the belt off and am checking pulley's. The vacuum pulley feels spring loaded. I can turn it a few degrees and then meet resistance and suppose that's the pump resistance. However, I don't have a lot of strength and can only turn it a little into the spring 'feel' and then it retracts; I can't turn it any further. Is it supposed to be that stiff? I know it's a pump, but I thought I would be able to turn it with little effort. I'd appreciate a prompt reply while I'm into this so I can go ahead and remove it if needed.

 

[bork]

IIRC the bolt that needs to be installed before pulley, I over tighten & stripped mine in the aluminum it attaches to. I believe I was in a panic and was able to use a longer bolt to grip some good threads. It might pay to see about using a slightly longer bolt from the start?

 

[clev]

Thanks, Bork. Can you answer my question on the stiff pulley?

 

[bork]

Sorry, I dont remember how stiff mine was, but if you really want, I could go pull my tension off belt & try it.

 

[bork]

I wonder if it is directional? Try to turn the same direction it is belted for.

 

[79jasper]

Nah, it'll work either direction.
The feel is normal.
Did you compare it to the new one?

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[clev]

Thanks for the offer, Bork, but I wouldn't want you to go to that trouble. I read a post by DivingDan from a few years ago and he addressed the stiffness. He said it would be stiff for part of the rotation and easy for the rest. When it goes out, it gradually gets too stiff to turn. This is one of the disadvantages of my Muscular Dystrophy, with my weakness, I don't know how equate 'stiff'. As an example, I can pick up a 5 gallon can of gas, but I can't carry it more than a few feet, because I will loose my grip, and the can will slide out of my hands. With 144,000 on my van, I'm going to pull and install a new pump. Maybe that'll fix it, maybe it won't. It may even be the Power steering pump, lol. Thanks for all of your suggestions.

 

[clev]

Just got off the phone with AZ and they'll have a reman pump w/pulley tomorrow for $119. They had it without the pulley for $99 but for $20, why fool with borrowing tools to pull it. Anyway, by this time tomorrow, I'll know if the v/pump was the squealer. Thanks to all for the advice/information. And if this doesn't fix it, I may have to ask about the power steering pump.

 

[clev]

79, I just noticed your post. I'll have mine with me when I pick up the new one and will check the stiffness at that time. Either way, it will be too late; they had to order it from a San Antonio store and I'll have to take it.

 

[clev]

For anyone following this, with the pump off and no vacuum resistance, the pulley turns easily until it meets a 'little' pump resistance, then it kind of releases and turns freely a little. While the vacuum hose was attached, I could not overcome the pump/vacuum, probably because of my disability. A stronger person may have been able to turn it. But, I think that I found my problem; the pump squeaks and chirps a little on the inside as I rotate the pulley; that noise would be multiplied many times with it turning at engine speed.

Removal was easy with a small 10mm ratchet wrench. I had to use 2 long, connected 3/8 drive extensions; place the ratchet, square end on the end of the wrench, and then tap the socket end to initially break the bolt loose.