Intake Manifold Vacuum Tests

by Christopher Middlebrook

Imperial Home Page -> Repair -> Fuel -> Intake Manifold Vacuum Tests

When properly handled and understood, a vacuum gauge can offer a tremendous amount of information about the health of an engine. It is easy however, to misunderstand the readings. One important detail to keep in mind is that the action of the gauge is more important to read than the numbers on the dial.

On modern cars, the MAP (manifold air pressure) sensor provides the engine computer with a valuable set of parameters. Software can determine if the motor is running fine or if a code has to be generated. In essence, this electronic vacuum gauge is one of the most important sensors that the computer relies on, to make adjustments in timing and fuel delivery of the motor, several hundred thousand times a second.

There are some rules that must be observed in advance of taking any vacuum measurements:

1. The engine must be at operating temperature with the throttle at a setting that is a little bit greater than idle.
2. The vacuum gauge must be connected to manifold vacuum at the inlet pipe or fitting, in order to avoid any possible leaks from other connections. (In some cases, windshield wipers)
3. Make sure the choke is fully open.
4. Open the throttle quickly and record the reading.
5. Close the throttle quickly and record the reading.
6. Remember that your measurements are affected by the altitude (above sea level) of where you live.

Normal Engine

On a normal running engine, the needle should remain steady anywhere between 17 and 21 in-Hg while idling as seen on the right. When the throttle is suddenly opened and closed, the gauge should behave as seen on the left.

Carburetor Adjustment

When the needle fluctuates slowly, the problem is carburetor adjustment.

Spark Plug Gap

A fluctuating reading over a very narrow range usually indicates than the spark plug gaps are too close.

Slow Timing

If the engine compression is known to be good, but the gauge reads lower than it should, the ignition timing may be slow. Test the timing with your timing light. Lower than normal readings can sometimes indicate slow valve timing.

Leaking Intake

A steady reading, but a lower than normal reading indicates an intake manifold leak. Make sure that the accessories that run on vacuum are disconnected, including the brake booster. Measure again to see if there is any improvement.

Leaking Head Gasket

If the needle fluctuates at idle between high and low readings, the cylinder head gasket has probably been blown between two adjacent cylinders. Make a compression test.

Leaking Piston Rings

The readings will be similar to a normal engine, with the exception that all readings will fall by 3-5 in-Hg.

Valve Action