Volvo RWD Forum

INDEX FOR 1/2026(CURRENT) INDEX FOR 7/2002

[<<]  [>>]


 VIEW    REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

What's a normal Engine Vacuum Pressure?

In sort: No
the long:

The ASE (Automotive Society of Engineers) considers 17-21" and to be a good reading at idle. You want to see 0 at full throttle.

There are a great many things besides compression which affect your readings:
air cleaner cleanliness (and brand)
ignition timing
idle speed
fuel mixture
vacuum leaks
cam timing
cam lobe overlap/profile
exhaust restriction

Generaly a higher and more even reading indicates better running and or higher efficiency.

Low speed torquey motors will usualy have higher vacuum...
Full race motors often do not make more than 12", and will not properly operate vacuum brake boosters and the like.

You can find an article which covers the basics of using a vacuum guage for engine diagnostics here: http://autorepair.about.com/library/weekly/aa112401a.htm







THREADED THREADED EXPANDED FLAT PRINT ALL
MESSAGES IN THIS THREAD

New What's a normal Engine Vacuum Pressure?
posted by  someone claiming to be Mike  on Mon Oct 20 18:39 CST 2003 >


<< < > >>



©Jarrod Stenberg 1997-2022. All material except where indicated.


All participants agree to these terms.

Brickboard.com is not affiliated with nor sponsored by AB Volvo, Volvo Car Corporation, Volvo Cars of North America, Inc. or Ford Motor Company. Brickboard.com is a Volvo owner/enthusiast site, similar to a club, and does not intend to pose as an official Volvo site. The official Volvo site can be found here.