How to read a vacuum gauge

NORMAL

NORMAL:  Steady reading of 17-21 inches when motor idling.

 

   NORMAL

NORMAL:  When throttle is opened and closed rapidly needle falls to 2 and swings back to 24 or 25, falling back to normal idle reading Indicates rings and valves ok.

 
BAD RINGS

POOR RINGS:  Motor idling, hand reading steady, but 2-4 inches lower than normal. This may also indicate poor or contaminated engine oil, late ignition timing, a leaky vacuum hose and a leaking gasket between the intake and carb or throttle body.  Steady but very low (10-15 range) could indicate late valve timing.

 

   BAD RINGS OR OIL

POOR RINGS/POOR OIL: When throttle is opened and closed rapidly needle falls to 0 and rises to only 24 or less.

 
STICKY VALVE

STICKING VALVE:  Needle drops occasionally about 4 inches at idle speed. May also be caused by ignition misfire. Read the spark plugs.

 

   BURNT VALVE

BURNT VALVE: Needle drops regularly by several inches at idle speed.

 
LEAKY VALVE

LEAKY VALVE:  Needle drops 2-4 inches when valve should close. Short circuiting individual spark plugs will indicate cylinder in which the valve is defective when engine idling.

   WORN VALVE GUIDES

WORN VALVE GUIDES: Rapid fluctuation of needle between 17 and 21, when engine idling. Exhaust smoke may also be present. If engine speed goes up with fluctuation, check for a leaking intake manifold gasket, head gasket, weak valve springs, burned valves, or ignition misfire.

If the needle moves slowly through a wide range, check for a clogged PCV system, incorrect idle fuel mixture or intake manifold gasket leaks.

A slight needle fluctuation, say one inch up or down, may mean ignition problems. Check all the usual tune up items.

If there is a large fluctuation of the needle, perform a compression test to look for a weak or dead cylinder or a blown head gasket.