I have been pretty good about listening for the vacuum pump turning off once I build up enough vacuum after starting the engine. At least I thought I was. Just a couple of days ago I noticed an unusual sound which, as it turns out, is my vacuum pump. I still have to chase the leak but I'm sure my pump is on its last legs. It's the OEM pump with 226K under its belt so it's served me well. An OEM replacement is over $200 out the door, which seems a little steep for a pump that's barely larger than the size of my fist. If you average it out to the $20/year of use I got out of it then the math seems reasonable, but to shell out over two bills initially is a little bit more than I want to spend (plus it's the principle of giving that much to a dealership). Has anybody bought an aftermarket pump that they would recommend? Also, who makes our OEM vacuum pump? Maybe I could just buy one made from them that isn't sitting on a Ford parts shelf with a dealer markup.

Thanks in advance for any info.

I still have to troubleshoot the leak, but I've already disconnected the ESOF some time ago (as well as the heater recirc valve) so that already narrows the path down considerably. I just hope I find it before my pump dies. I don't care about the ventilation (I've lived through the defrost only more than once) but it feeds the brake booster too I think.

 

I have a Mity-Vac with a gauge (essential tool with the 7.3L). I hooked up to each vac line to test which one was leaking. That will help pin it down.

 

The equipment isn't the problem. I have a hand-held vacuum pump with a gage (not quite a Mity-Vac, but you can't beat a Harbor Freight sale). Finding the time is. I've only been home 6 months in the last 2 years between deployments and underway time on my ship so home time is at a premium. Chasing a vacuum ghost could take 5 minutes, 5 hours or 5 days. I am going to have to test it in shifts until I find the culprit. I am going to eliminate the pump and reservoir/tank first and work my way out from there.

Thanks for the quick reply (and bump).

 

No vacuum to the brakes. It is a hydroboost system powered by the power stearing pump. If you have disabled the ESOF & heater control it may have sprung a leak where you cut it off, I believe that those are the only systems the vacuum is for but not positive.

Mike

 

Thanks. The brakes were my main concern. My shop manual was stored in a box of stuff while I was gone and I haven't had time to dig it's out yet. I couldn't remember if the brakes were vacuum assist or not.
I checked my "terminations" and they looked good, but any break in the seal and it's game over.
At least now I know that it's only a comfort issue instead safety if this pump dies before I fix the leak.

 

Does anyone know who makes the OEM pump?

I have found new Dorman and A1 Cardone pumps for sale. Has anyone had any experience with either one of these and would you recommend it?

 

When my pump went out I put in a Dorman pump and haven't looked back. About 15K miles since and it is still working fine and I only paid $78 at oriley