Actron Vacuum Pressure Tester Kit

[shadesh]

Is this what I would need to do a vaccum pressure test on my 1975 280Z? This is at sears? Here is what it says:

"Fine tunes carburetion and timing peak for maximum fuel economy. Easy-to-read, 3-1/2 diameter face displays 0-30 inches vacuum and 0-10 pounds of pressure. Complete with hose and adapters.

Fuel pump pressure. Mechanical condition of the engine. Vacuum control system function. For leaks in the intake manifold, manifold and head gaskets, piston rings, valves and vacuum lines."

Is this the right tool? Please advise..Thanks

[sblake01]

Exactly what is it that you're trying to test?

[shadesh]

can vaccum be measured? Wouldn't it tell me if there are leaks in the system or even how the engine condition might be, besides a compression test?

[sblake01]

A vacuum gauge would be more useful on a carbureated car than it would on an EFI car. It would tell you if there are leaks, if you know what the test vacuum reading should be, but there isn't any thing that you'd adjust based on vacuum readings on an EFI car.

[coolc]

Vac. ga. tests upper engine stuff, like valves and certain vac. leaks. Its the poor man's diagnostic machine. Use it for non-blown engines as a very easy tester.

[sblake01]

I have one and I know how it's used but a compression tester, a multimeter, and a fuel pressure tester would be more useful with the Datsun 75-84 EFI systems.

[shadesh]

Thanks Gents. I then will pass on buying that equipment. I appreciate your input.

[ktm]

A vacuum gauge would be more useful on a carbureated car than it would on an EFI car. It would tell you if there are leaks, if you know what the test vacuum reading should be, but there isn't any thing that you'd adjust based on vacuum readings on an EFI car.

I disagree. A vacuum gauge is useful on any car. A vacuum leak will wreak havoc with both an EFI and carbureuted car.

How do you know how much vacuum you are pulling at idle? Worn rings, valve seals, valve lash, intake manifold leak, loose clamps, cracked/missing hoses, will affect vacuum. A vacuum leak caused by a cracked hose or missing clamp will cause a car to run lean (unmetered air).

[sblake01]

Vacuum leaks are easy enough to find w/o a guage. Especially extrenal ones. I'm considering average skills here. What the guage will show and what to do about it are different kettles of fish alltoghther. I know how to use a vacuum guage as I said in post 6. For someone who unfamiliar with it's use it will just cause more confusion.