I'm looking to mount a vacuum pump to my setup. For a number of reasons, I want an independent source of vacuum for brakes, hvac, engine evacuation, etc.

What are you guys using? I imagine I can probably make a pump from a diesel truck work but before I re-invent the wheel I figured i'd ask.

-- Joe

 

Well I picked one up for a '97 Powerstroke. I'll put it where the smog pump was.

It should hopefully work well for my power brakes and hvac.

-- Joe

 

I've got an electric vacuum "Assist" pump from a '04 Silverado, I had to pull it apart an shim the sensor board down so it would pull more vacuum though. IIRC it pulls 7" stock and mine pulls around 15-16" now.

Just enough to help with the brakes, i have no HVAC but it would work for that too. Not a very fast recovery but it works for street use.

 

Well I mounted the power stroke vac pump where the smog pump was. Seems to work quite well.

-- Joe

 

Please post some pics

 

If I can get a camera in there.

 

Best picture I can get.

The bottom is bolted in just like the smog pump, using aluminum spacer stock and a 3/8" bolt.

The top I had to extend the mounting ear. I took an old alternator or power steering bracket (the part that goes on the water pump). The spacing between the upper and lower water pump bolts was exactly the size I needed, and at 1/4" the bracket won't flex. Just cut off that part so about an inch wide by whatever that spacing is. Bolted it to the top mounting hole in the bracket after cutting it a little bit so it would not rock back and forth. Then bolted it to the vac pump's upper bolt.

I had to obviously remove the pulley, bolt it in, than put the pulley back on. A power steering pump pulley remover/installer is identical to this.

The big bolt in the pic is because I didn't have the correct stud, so I ran the bolt through the front, and have nuts and washers on the inside to A) keep the back of the bracket firm against the head, B) Sandwich the additional steel bracket for the vac pump between the serp bracket, and c) Provide a nut on the outside to keep the whole assembly tight.

-- Joe
-- Joe

 

how much vacuum is it pulling?

 

Back from the almost dead, but just curious how this has been working for you? I was thinking about using it for crankcase evacuation.

 

Works great. I'm using it for HVAC and PCV. Brakes are hydroboost.

-- Joe

 

How much vacuum are you pulling with it?

 

Good question. I've got the motor tarped right now cuz I'm block sanding the car, but when I get it finished I'll put a gauge on it.

-- Joe

 

I'd be very curious. Do you still have a breather on the other side as well or is the motor sealed up?

 

Open air breather on the right side. PCV on the left. HVAC tied in with a T.

-- Joe

 

That is the route that I am going too, I have no choice...

 

Astrovan hydro and pump, ls1 master and brakes, and custom hoses and fittings.


A little expensive but it works. Just gotta get the pushrod length right between the hydro and the master.

-- Joe

 

I needed to go the bone yard to get some things and I happened to see a powerstroke there and the smog pump was there waiting for me in the box. Grabbed it for $20 bucks. Fabbed up the bracket like you did. Works like a charm so far. Wondering if it would help draw a little more if I disconnected that 180 degree bent hose on the outlet and ran a line from there to the supercharger inlet. I know it doesnt draw much vacuum, but I dont think it would hurt. I also though about making a restrictor in place of the breather to make a vacuum in the crankcase. At idle capped off, it will make about 1-2" of vacuum. In theory at higher rpms with a small restrictor, I may be able to get a few more than that and still allow some airflow in the crankcase. What do you think or am I just crazy?