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How Does an Automotive Vacuum Gauge Work
An automotive vacuum gauge can be an important automotive tool for car owners who want to get specific readings on the air pressure in their engine. Whether you own an older model automobile with a carbureted engine or you drive a state-of-the-art, high-performance vehicle with fuel injection technology, one crucial element is essential to the smooth and clean operation of your vehicle: manifold vacuum. Put simply, this is the amount of airflow enabled by the throttle into the intake manifold which in turn generates power to the engine of the vehicle. An automotive vacuum gauge is a reliable tool to maintain the health of this important aspect of your car.
This vacuum is created by the engine’s internal pistons and throttle-plates limiting the amount of air intake into the manifold, which in turn, channels fuel into the engine. In fuel-injected engines, vacuum is created in the very same way, but its effects on the engine’s performance are dissimilar. Fuel-injection means precisely that; the fuel is injected into the engine; however, the vacuum helps regulate the ratio between fuel and air intake so that the engine runs at peak performance.
Therefore, it is important that manifold vacuum is measured accurately. An automotive vacuum gauge is used for diagnosing the vacuum systems in your engine. It is the most effective tool available to insure that your engine is not experiencing any air leaks in the system, which could result in rough idling, poor fuel economy, and increased emissions.
The vacuum gauge is designed to read the amount of air pressure inside the engine; whenever the engine is running, there is a vacuum created, so it is best to take the measurements at the intake manifold by the carburetor or by the throttle body if fuel injected. Most gauges are commonly attached to a nipple or a plug on the intake manifold of the engine. Engine vacuum leaks are sometimes difficult to diagnose as they could manifest themselves as anything from a crack in a hose to loose carburetor gaskets to a leaky EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve. In each instance, using an automotive vacuum gauge can help pinpoint a specific diagnosis for the problem.
