Driving by Vacuum?
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New User
Joined: Jun 2011
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Driving by Vacuum?
So, I got a lot of info about driving with the tach for a speedo.
Anybody ever drive with a vacuum gauge hooked up? I was reading it was something the old guys used to figure how to get better mileage.
Any ideas?
Anybody ever drive with a vacuum gauge hooked up? I was reading it was something the old guys used to figure how to get better mileage.
Any ideas?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 6,477
Likes: 19
From: Sheffield, AL
Do a "search" using topics like vacuum gauge tune up. You will gain a lot of good and interesting information. One wants to drive where the vacuum is the highest to obtain the best fuel economy.
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Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,977
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From: Virginia
It's a very simple concept; The more the throttle is closed while the engine is running, the higher the vacuum reading. Keep the throttle closed as much as possible, and you will get better fuel mileage.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,147
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From: Vine Grove KY
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,935
Likes: 34
From: Arcadia, Fla
Just 1 to 3 inches vacuum change does make a diffrence in MPG. That's something you will not feel but able to see with the vac guage. I have them in my 89 F250 and my vacuumless(no wonder why a 460 gives crap mpg) 95 E350. Now on my E350 when BOTH AC compressers are running the vac will drop 2" but I don't feel anything loading the engine.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 285
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From: sunny san diego
If you have a carb with a power valve, a vacuum gauge could be handy to have for MPG purposes. It's simple: the more throttle, the less manifold vacuum. This is where it pays to know which power valve is installed and it's opening point. For example, if you have a 6.5 power valve and the manifold vacuum drops below that figure, the PV will open up and allow more fuel to be used. Keep it above the opening point and you will burn less fuel.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,251
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From: North Carolina
If easy to hook up, I think it would be nice to be able to see the vacuum all the time. Aside from mpg considerations, it would be a nice "tuning monitor" - when you are at idle you can see that it is steady at 18 mm Hg or so, and if it isn't steady that would indicate something may be wrong.
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