How to Use a Vacuum Gauge to Diagnose Engine Problems

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  • Опубликовано: 2 фев 2025

Комментарии • 373

  • @josharbour1265
    @josharbour1265 7 лет назад +113

    Alright dude i have a few things to add because you may be leading some people astray. Like me. So first of all your vacuum reading depends entirely on your Barometric Pressure/Elevation. At or close to sea level you should see a vacuum of 17-22 in/Hg. That number decreases as you go up in altitude (down in barometeric pressure). So at 3-4 thousand feet you should see a vacuum of 15-19 in/Hg. I am at 7,000 ft above sea level, my Vacuum should read 12-16 in/Hg. Keep in mind that Idle vacuum for most engines is about 18-22 in/Hg AT SEA LEVEL but some may produce only 15-17 inches idle depending on your motor. you need to refer to your cars repair manual for vacuum specs. If your valve timing is retarded, the needle on the guage will bounce due to blow by on the intake valves back into the manifold........ not a steady low pressure reading on the gauge. Under load your Vacuum should be zero at cruising speed thats how you know you have a healthy motor.

    • @sergiodanielportillocaball2047
      @sergiodanielportillocaball2047 6 лет назад

      and the sentor MAP? what values this take?

    • @donrutherford7740
      @donrutherford7740 5 лет назад +2

      Great point Josh! What is the formula for determining vacuum at various elevations? I'm at 5K ft. here in Colorado maybe it should be between 13-18 In/Hg?

    • @alexphillips4325
      @alexphillips4325 4 года назад +5

      Nope, at full throttle on a gasoline engine the vacuum will be at or near (filters have some restriction) 0. any time you're not flooring it, that throttle valve is closing in order to create a partial vacuum in the intake manifold (this is how your car restricts the amount of air it ingests).

    • @michaeloday9331
      @michaeloday9331 4 года назад +1

      @Andre Woods Advance Challenged maybe?

    • @patrickneyman6739
      @patrickneyman6739 4 года назад +3

      Good trivial point, if using an actual mercury gauge (which almost no one owns) which measures pressure differential. But not at all related to this regardless of gauge. Please note that there is an acceptable range. This covers pressure differences. Please also consider that the external pressure will have no effect on fluctuations or trends, which are what we look for in diagnostics.

  • @reyclaveria1891
    @reyclaveria1891 10 лет назад +5

    I am fully trained auto and diesel mechanic, since I started repairing cars and trucks especially gasoline engines I use vacuum gauge for diagnosing engine troubles.I appreciate your excellent demonstration.

    • @MattsMotorz
      @MattsMotorz  10 лет назад

      Awesome! Thanks for the comment.

  • @FlyinRyanFreestyle
    @FlyinRyanFreestyle 8 месяцев назад +2

    I’ve spent 1+ hours trying to find a video of WHERE (and how) to hook up the vacuum gauge to, and you finally answered my question! THANK YOU!!!

  • @joshuamclane6363
    @joshuamclane6363 3 года назад +4

    This is by far the most simple to the point video that was so helpful and educational! Thank u for making this video and hope more people pay attention to your open your mind video.. thanks

  • @chrismadaj8751
    @chrismadaj8751 2 года назад

    This is the exact thing I was looking for great video IAM a Old school mechanic and a lot of New mechanic do do this kind of diagnostics but I am learning really fast about it THANK YOU GOD BLESS

  • @mark4347
    @mark4347 4 года назад +2

    Exactly what I needed to see before heading back out tomorrow. Thanks

  • @jonsinclair2821
    @jonsinclair2821 3 года назад

    Just purchased this gauge to check vacuum and fuel pressure wow so helpful it all makes sense but you don't think about it until someone tells you, great video mate

  • @Visionery1
    @Visionery1 8 лет назад +3

    Great video! I bought one of these gauges over 20 years ago but never really used it. Amazing what stories these gauges can tell.

  • @azzamhaq9556
    @azzamhaq9556 Год назад +1

    Thanks for very useful video. Every do it your self mechanic should have a vaccum gauge. Is this the civiv engine in the car?

  • @vintagesteelgarage
    @vintagesteelgarage 6 лет назад +2

    great video, very well explained. I've just ordered one and now wonder why in 30 years of car tinkering I've never had one before

    • @patrickjones782
      @patrickjones782 5 лет назад

      Vintage Steel same here should have bought one years ago. Very inexpensive tool to have.

  • @DayClanTribe
    @DayClanTribe 6 лет назад +4

    Very good! Such a simple tool yet often overlooked and one of the most useful in the arsenal!

  • @paulmurphy2991
    @paulmurphy2991 3 года назад +5

    Wow dude, did anyone tell you that you sound like Garth from "Waynes world"......Excellent video.

  • @jb6574
    @jb6574 6 лет назад +1

    very informational. Doing a vacuum test seems alot easier than doing a compression test since sometimes the spark plugs are hard to get to

    • @crpth1
      @crpth1 4 года назад

      That sound like providing food, when your're thirsty! LOL 😂 All in all very nice but don't fulfill the necessary requirements. Compression test, leak down test, vacuum test. They all have a place and time to be done and work as complements rather than substitutions of each other! Cheers

  • @train4905
    @train4905 3 года назад

    Dear sir.ive just found this video.absolutety superb.very clear.
    This has helped me loads.stevevfrom the uk.

  • @mrmukura
    @mrmukura 2 месяца назад

    Helpful. I'm considering purchasing one of these to help diagnose but had no idea where to start with it or what to make of any observations.

  • @SocalMarineUSA
    @SocalMarineUSA 2 года назад +1

    forgot most important step - what cam do you have? stock/stage 1 this would apply, but id drop 2-3 inches per stage of cam, around stage 3 the readings get more whacky from a bad vac signal. My 288HR comp cam idles 7 inches and very few of these principles apply with radical cams. Id say around 230-240 duration and up things start falling apart.

  • @vegantechie4104
    @vegantechie4104 7 лет назад +2

    Dude, I do love your explanations here on what can be seen with such a guage when you know how to read it and what the reading means. It's crazy how very few mechanic just don't the easy steps to properly diagnostise an engine with the proper tools to fix the right thing once and for all. Same goes with multimeters and voltage drops across the starter, block or alternator cables. I've seen stupid mechanic screaming after the parts guy that his last 3 starters were worn and a bad connection that couldn't be seen bared eyes was the problem of slow cranking... again, i can't wait to get a hand on a vacuu, gauge and fix my engines myself better. thanks a lot for this helpful video

  • @TRICKYBYRD
    @TRICKYBYRD 3 года назад

    Well damn if everything you claim is true then I have no reason to believe it's not This is a gold mine of info man I really do appreciate it

  • @DeadDiverDan
    @DeadDiverDan 11 месяцев назад

    I'm having this done today on.my 98 dodge ram 5.9l w/ 187,000 "ticks on the clock." This explains alot for me to know if I need a rebuild or not, thanks!

  • @petersmith5219
    @petersmith5219 3 года назад

    Clear and to the point. I have a 55 side valve british truck. I'll buy one of these gauges.

  • @Bigislandguy
    @Bigislandguy 4 месяца назад

    Good video.
    I have the symptoms of an exhaust obstruction. Strong 20 inches, then as I throttle up (in park, no load) it starts to sputter and loses vacuum. It a simple v8, Oldsmobile 307 but it been troublesome.
    I’ve been through multiple sets of plug/ wires and distributors. New fuel pump filter even overhauled the motor.
    I guess I’m gonna check the fuel pressure tomorrow . Oh and I have no exhaust restriction. But maybe I have carburetor problems. I don’t know what else it could be.

  • @gertis7420
    @gertis7420 8 лет назад +2

    Great job. I really like how you explain how to read the vacuum gauge for different kind of engine problems. Thanks

  • @AutoDiagnosticsPK
    @AutoDiagnosticsPK 9 месяцев назад

    its the best, to the point video on subject....covers each and every defect that a vacuum guage can detect....yes, it doesn't discuss why part but at the same time, gives you clear lines hiw to interpret the guage readings....❤❤❤

  • @pabloramon768
    @pabloramon768 10 лет назад +2

    hi, i was hoping you could help me with the readings i got from my little mazda truck 2bbl. the needle from my vac gauge reads in between 15 and 18 unsteady. i could never get it to hit 20 in of mercury. when i rev it up, it would go back to 0 and then goes to 20 and then back to 15-18.

  • @doublej118jc
    @doublej118jc 7 лет назад +2

    17 - 20 Hg's for an engine with a stock OEM cam. If you have a more radical cam vacuum will be lower. In my case with a .610 lift my vacuum reads around 13 Hg's at idle then drops to 0 at high RPM.

  • @vintage_corvette
    @vintage_corvette Год назад +1

    Big thanks for the explanation! On my 350 sbc I read at idle a flickering needle on 16hg at 600rpm. Fast idle 1200rpm and the needle is steady at 19hg. Timing is late 8 degree.
    I think it‘s a mix from bad valve stem seals, that also indicat the blueish puffs after a shifts and a bit more timing mabye 12 degree? Thanks

  • @hsamaratunga6670
    @hsamaratunga6670 2 месяца назад

    Frugal a guy explained it without going to get McDonald's or driving talking shit . Thank you

  • @davidm3210
    @davidm3210 2 года назад

    Nice video thanks. I'm weighing a valve adjustment on my Sentra B15 because of low acceleration chatter - I'll see if I can get any clues w/ this Harbor Freight tool tomorrow. By the way, I've been able to thread the hose under the hood and place the gauge on the windshield so that I can view it when performing snap-throttle. If it''s too short for your location just go to the auto parts store and buy a 2' section of comparable vacuum line (take the original for comparison).

  • @carlosgranados2274
    @carlosgranados2274 2 года назад

    Great information!!! has come in handy multiple times!!! Thanks!

  • @williamwazere
    @williamwazere 3 года назад

    Class video, clear and concise with no fluff

  • @Good-Enuff-Garage
    @Good-Enuff-Garage 9 лет назад +1

    dude, I love how you explain things, thank you for taking the time to make the video, you truly have a knack for teaching

  • @deliveryguyrx
    @deliveryguyrx 3 года назад

    Thank you for your clear explanations.Also for the captions, which made it easy for me to take notes. Good job!

  • @hipolitovalladaresmartinez8634
    @hipolitovalladaresmartinez8634 2 года назад

    Me es de mucha utilidad éste video, gracias por compartir tu conocimiento.
    Recibe fuerte abrazo y saludos desde la ciudad de Tampico Tamaulipas México.
    Gracias.

  • @caduceus33
    @caduceus33 9 лет назад +2

    This was very good, thank you. Its amazing the amount of troubleshooting that can be done easily with proper knowledge of this tool.

  • @ryanhorsley9965
    @ryanhorsley9965 3 года назад

    Excellent video! This was a comprehensive explanation on how to use intake manifold pressure readings to identify engine issues.

    • @seanpaul3321
      @seanpaul3321 3 года назад

      Yeah but did he have to tap into the other end where he pulled the line off? I can't find where to try this on my 4.6

  • @stevejette2329
    @stevejette2329 7 лет назад

    Well done ! Good audio, easy graphics, concise script .

  • @catgolfer1
    @catgolfer1 5 лет назад

    I did some research and found a gauge just like yours at NAPA. Wonderful! Thank you, David 🐈

    • @2tallB
      @2tallB 5 лет назад +2

      They have that one at HF for about $13

  • @JohnG-sd1hx
    @JohnG-sd1hx Год назад

    I have a steady 8 in of mercury on my 289. According to your video I have a big vacuum leak right?
    Great video Thanks

  • @VinDcator
    @VinDcator 4 года назад +1

    Amazing what you can tell about an engine from an analog gauge.

  • @wraithconscience
    @wraithconscience 4 года назад

    Hi Matt, fantatic video! Been watching several videos: all articulately explained and videod (not easy to do). I have the feeling that if I keep watching, I could be a professional. Good job! God bless!

  • @jaceski5806
    @jaceski5806 3 года назад

    So we just look at a nonmoving gauge and listen to you talk? Great video…

  • @U6P4M
    @U6P4M 8 лет назад +2

    Thank You for this video. One of the best I've seen!

  • @crpth1
    @crpth1 8 лет назад +11

    Nice video about probably the most forgot and underrated cheap tool to have in your tool bag. Most nowadays think it's not worth because it lacks blinking lights or a PC attached. LOL ;-) Thumbs up

  • @FluentStrategy
    @FluentStrategy 3 года назад

    Great video. It changed my life.

  • @dahaproject3498
    @dahaproject3498 4 года назад

    yes, its work on toyota hiace too. I change vaccum pump on 200k km(8 years of use)

  • @Availablehandle-i1k
    @Availablehandle-i1k 8 лет назад +5

    Thank you for making this video. It was very informative and easy to understand ☆

  • @TheGeno2001h
    @TheGeno2001h 4 года назад +1

    Hello do you have the link to where I can buy the cage? Or any recommend for good cauge?

  • @mts7274
    @mts7274 2 года назад

    4:51 ...okay wait, so the declining gauge pressure is a sign of both an exhaust obstruction AND an air leak in the in the intake manifold? also, if you disconnected one of the vacuum hoses, what is plugging up the port that you disconnected it from?

  • @DangarMarine
    @DangarMarine 10 лет назад +5

    Nice video mate, really helpful!

  • @arcorob
    @arcorob 6 лет назад

    awesome awesome awesome video !!! Ignore any naysayers. Anyone can be a critic (really? I should account for barometric pressure? How about humidity? How about durometer rating of the line? Sheesh) I have a 1966 Mustang 289 4 barrel and I get good vacuum but have that very fast small fluctuation. SO not sure if its valve seals or as you pointed out to someone else, new, so don't worry...BUT ...changing to aluminum heads soon so I will worry then...thanks for a great video

  • @billybruce3068
    @billybruce3068 7 дней назад

    Huge help thank you kindly!!

  • @turboflush
    @turboflush 4 года назад

    Vacuum guage and stethoscope.. two of the simplest but most useful tools.
    Most vacuum gauges come with a piece of paper that outlines these readings also.

  • @hmayerv8
    @hmayerv8 Год назад

    Everything is new in my 68 Mustang, with a crate stock 302, runs well no issues. But the vacuum gauge shows 15. I managed to get 17 after advancing the ign. timing a little. What do you think? Should I advance it further to achieve 18 or more?

  • @amirouw
    @amirouw Год назад

    This is simple applicable and totally true

  • @doctorbambu
    @doctorbambu 9 лет назад +1

    Thanks for the great video! I have a 351M in a 78' F250, that starts to have white smoke after warming up, but not on first starting. After watching your video I bought a gauge and the reading on start up is a vibration between 15-16 and then after warming up, it fluctuates between 6-20. Do you think I have a head gasket leak?

  • @kakkamuthai6202
    @kakkamuthai6202 Месяц назад

    okay, I have a doubt, I'm using a longer vaccum hose for fuel pressure regulator than the stock length, what happens if I cut and make it shorter to connect into the intake? how the engine respond with a shorter vacuum hose and it's fuel relation? An advice or suggestion would highly appreciated. Thanks.

  • @woolley1554
    @woolley1554 6 лет назад +1

    Good video,nice and clear and in plain English,really helpful,thanks.👍

    • @fredmasse6451
      @fredmasse6451 3 года назад

      I agree with plain English, thanks also for that. Great job to sharing this

  • @frekkledipped
    @frekkledipped 2 года назад

    real good vid thanks helps alot with my new engine in my 65 gto

  • @darylcjackson
    @darylcjackson 10 лет назад +3

    Excellent Vid! I got exactly the info I was looking for. THANKS!

  • @timsharpe2419
    @timsharpe2419 4 года назад

    Good video that is crazy I didn't know a vacum gauge could tell you all that.

  • @johnjeremias9437
    @johnjeremias9437 4 года назад +1

    Great video Mat Motorz, thanks.
    Josh Arbour, I presume pressure gauge shown measures relative pressure(1), therefore altitude of engine is irrelevant for this analysis.
    (1) pressure gauge indicates zero when not connected at all altitudes

    • @charlieahm6888
      @charlieahm6888 3 года назад

      Lets do some math on this. At sea level atmosferic pressure will be 100 kpa or 29.9 in Hg. We can asume we live in a city at an altitude of 4000mts Over sea level. Over there armosferic pressure will be little more than 60k Kpa equivalent to 18 in Hg. With 18 in of armosferic pressure how can you get 22 in of vacumm. I believe Josh is right.

  • @naturalistMustafaAnik
    @naturalistMustafaAnik 5 месяцев назад

    Hi, thanks for the video. I bought this equipment to diognose potential problems on my Passat B5 TDİ 1.9 AFN engine. My problem is I want to learn the right spot to connect the equipment on my engine. Can you help me ?
    By the way, your videos are super🙏

  • @markabina829
    @markabina829 6 лет назад

    Please advise what is the normal vacuum pressure when the aircon is on and when its off? Thank you.

  • @mikeoneill7360
    @mikeoneill7360 4 года назад +1

    I’m just curious, why wouldn’t the tube be inserted into the manifold instead of the tube?

    • @wymple09
      @wymple09 4 года назад

      If you have doubts about where to plug it in, plug it into the line which is sucking air. That's the vacuum source you are going to read.

    • @mikeoneill7360
      @mikeoneill7360 4 года назад

      @@wymple09
      Thanks Warren,
      I did that, needle is in the green range, thanks very much.

  • @gabrielr4511
    @gabrielr4511 5 лет назад +7

    Question: Wouldn't not plugging the port on the intake manifold where you take the tube off of, affect readings since it is letting air in/out?

  • @WV591
    @WV591 3 года назад

    Excellent meticulous tutorial.

  • @robertvillafane3753
    @robertvillafane3753 5 лет назад

    Is this is the same way you adjust and measure the fuel and air mixture?

  • @naturalistMustafaAnik
    @naturalistMustafaAnik 3 года назад

    Hi my friend. Is this tool suitable for turbo diesel engine cars? I have a Passat B5 1.9 TDI AFN engine. If so, would you please show me on which pipe to make a T connection on my car? Thanks

  • @williamcrazylacyfurmage9953
    @williamcrazylacyfurmage9953 4 года назад +1

    Can you hook the vac gauge right on the side of the intake??,, My 2.0 Pinto reading is low, that's the place I see to hook the rubber hose into.

  • @andymiddleditch3855
    @andymiddleditch3855 4 года назад

    Very use and well explained. Thank you.

  • @sambo1059
    @sambo1059 7 лет назад +1

    Dude! thumbs up for sure on a great video. Keep up the great work.

  • @hichamn4654
    @hichamn4654 10 лет назад +1

    Thanks a lot for this very important video.

  • @josephnorcalusa1710
    @josephnorcalusa1710 5 лет назад +1

    Helpful information, thank you for sharing !!

  • @johnmartinanhuaman
    @johnmartinanhuaman 6 месяцев назад

    Excelent ! Thanks for the video !

  • @bowlingkingpin
    @bowlingkingpin 10 лет назад +1

    Excellent video!

  • @willwagner7222
    @willwagner7222 7 месяцев назад

    awesome video....very informative ...thanks

  • @hrsjohnny
    @hrsjohnny 3 года назад

    What about catalytic converter isn't it a built in exhaust restriction? Should a car with cats drop to -5 during acceleration while not being faulty

  • @minhgtr
    @minhgtr 2 года назад

    I have a Hiace with 2trfe. 2012 model. Im using torque pro and it shows my Vacuum constantly at a steady 25 at idle.
    Everything seems to be healthy?

  • @1960ARC
    @1960ARC 4 года назад

    I have an error code that shows a mass air flow issue, which could be the sensor which is very expensive ( I already cleaned this) but I guess having seen this video it could also be a blockage in the exhaust. Also to me the exhaust from the car is not a normal diesel smell.
    Great video very informative.

  • @desitrader7827
    @desitrader7827 Год назад

    Thanks for great video. It is useful.

  • @azzamhaq9556
    @azzamhaq9556 Год назад

    Thanks for very useful video.

  • @recruiterlb
    @recruiterlb 4 года назад

    Very helpful - great explanation!

  • @davidle7063
    @davidle7063 11 лет назад

    Hi thanks for the video. Should we tap the gauge before the throttle body valve? I am asking because my car has 2 hoses tapped off the intake boot. One hose goes to the brake booster and the other hose goes to fuel pressure regulator. I connect the gauge to one of these hose and there is no vacuum at all (maybe too little). I think it is reasonable since those hoses are close to air entrance (air filter), which is a big door. But I re-think if there is no vacuum how the brake booster and fuel pressure regulator work.

    • @MattsMotorz
      @MattsMotorz  11 лет назад

      You need to connect to a vacuum source directly off the intake manifold. The brake booster is a great place to tap into because it has full engine vacuum.

  • @syedshayanhusain2264
    @syedshayanhusain2264 2 года назад

    Sir this vacuum Guage is used for efi car also or not

  • @mountainmangarage7572
    @mountainmangarage7572 3 года назад

    That was a great video man thanks!

  • @artcoleman2806
    @artcoleman2806 8 лет назад

    best presentation ive seen

  • @TyRC12
    @TyRC12 2 года назад

    When your doing these readings. Is it good to turn all Accessories off?
    Soon as my compressor comes on my readings drop alot? Which seems normal. Am I wrong?

  • @aquaholic9586
    @aquaholic9586 3 года назад +2

    Where does that vacuum line come from

  • @ThePeanutization
    @ThePeanutization 4 года назад

    Ok so, I have a vacuum vibrating rapidly between 18 - 15 in/Hg, at idle. After me doing a wet compression test, I just happened to start the engine with the vac. gauge hooked on and to my surprise, the vacuum reading was stable, just for around 5 seconds at idle, then it went back to the vibrating reading. So now I think my vibrating vacuum is caused by a worn piston ring, what do you guys think? Btw for the dry/wet compression test result, and my cylinder 3 is around 30psi lower compression than the rest at dry and all normal at wet test. Its just that after a lot of searching online, I still have not seen anywhere that worn piston rings can cause the vibrating vacuum symptom.

  • @morkomally9702
    @morkomally9702 4 года назад

    Hi my trucks been sitting for a year untouched ,diesel Hilux
    Rebuilt engine ,brake boosters not working but I have a new vacuum pump and it registers at 25-6 very steady inches of mercury (300m above sea level )
    I do remember the first day I installed the engine I had brakes only ran it for a couple of minutes next morning nothing ,pedal doesn't move at all when turned on ,is it possible the diaphragm weakened over that time

  • @danh9225
    @danh9225 Год назад

    Great video. There's a lot to remember- there was a mistake. This it critical so perhaps have the info written down to refer to in the future. Good though.

  • @donrutherford7740
    @donrutherford7740 5 лет назад

    Thanks MattsMotorz. Great video. Very informative. I have a vacuum gauge kit on order from Amazon after your video.

  • @ajw6715
    @ajw6715 2 года назад

    I have a 1970 Boss 429 and at 800 RPM idle the vacuum is steady 3 inch and at about 3000 RPM it has a steady 17 inch. I have a high performance Comp cam in the engine. Engine run great and doesn't have 100 miles sense rebuild. Is this normal?

  • @timothymeyer4266
    @timothymeyer4266 8 лет назад +2

    This video was very helpful.

  • @gertis-if7qm
    @gertis-if7qm 10 лет назад

    Great video, thanks for sharing. I did the test and the neddle stays about 21, vibrating a little bit, what does this mean?

    • @MattsMotorz
      @MattsMotorz  10 лет назад

      Sounds pretty normal and healthy to me!

  • @mio4548
    @mio4548 10 лет назад

    Hi, I live in Quito, 2.850 m over the sea. Please, can you tell me how much I can expect read at the vacuum gauge in my 383 stroker motor ?

  • @patriciamoed9244
    @patriciamoed9244 4 месяца назад

    What does it mean if the needle stops bouncing around after the engine warms up?

  • @inexconst
    @inexconst 7 лет назад +1

    This really helped me out, thanks very much

  • @NextLevelAutoDiagnosticsLLC
    @NextLevelAutoDiagnosticsLLC 3 года назад

    On a fully warmed engine and when I blip the throttle,. my needle drops to zero but then goes straight to 20 and stays steady. It doesn't go to 25 and then slowly settles back down. Do I have an issue?

  • @jbone1383
    @jbone1383 9 месяцев назад

    How on earth did you get a vacuum reading from that hose after popping it OFF of the intake manifold??? Isn't that it's vacuum source!?! I'm generally confused now...