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Classic/Antique Car Repair/1951 fuel/vacuum pump question

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Expert: - 10/17/2009


Question
So I bought a new fuel pump with an auxiliary vacuum pump for my 1951 chevy fleetline. I'm needing the extra vacuum for my windshield wipers. I have installed it and its pumping the fuel but there is no vacuum at all. How does the vacuum section of the pump need to be set up or why would it not be making any vacuum at all?
Thanks. Tim

Answer
Ok, here is what to do. Start the engine up with all of the vacuuum lines on the fuel pump disconnected.  Hold your finger over one of the connections on the vacuum side of the fuel pump and feel for either pressure or vacuum. If it is vacuum that is the one for the wipers and if it is pressure that goes to the intake manifold/carburetor. There must be vacuum from the engine applied for the system to work correctly. If there is neither vacuum nor pressure then you have a defective pump/
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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