OPERATING VACUUM1PRESSURE TESTER

COMPRESSION TESTER
INSTRUCTIONS REMOTE STARTER SWITCH

VACUUM/PRESSURETESTER

GENERAL INFORMATION NOTE: Some vacuum lines do not carry full

The Vacuum/PressureTester measures intake manifold vacuum. Two good sources are the
manifold vacuum and tests vacuum operated ac- lines from the Positive Crankcase Ventila-
cessory items. This gauge is also used to tion (PCV) and the line from the air cleaner
measure fuel system and turbo-chargerpressure. housing to the intake manifold (FIGURE I).
To accommodate specifications for both
domestic and imported engines, the dial face is
calibrated in both VS. and metric scales.
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CAUTION: Read and observe the Safety Rules
for Automotive Maintenance before proceeding.
VACUUM
GAUGE
CRANKING VACUUMTEST
This test enables you to quickly evaluatethe
over-all mechanical condition of your engine at
cranking speeds. There are two methods used to
make this test. Method"A" is easier to perform FigureI
and shows major defects in engine components.
Method "B" requires more pre-test adjustments,
but it has the advantageof showing vacuum
leaks anywhere in the engine. It requires major PRO TIP: To make sure you are connected
adjustment of the throttle position setting which
may not be possible on a few late model cars due to manifold vacuum, start engine and ln.
to the inability to completely close the throttle. crease the RPM to 2,500 for a few seconds
while observing the Vacuum/Pressure
Gauge. The vacuum should decrease sharp.
ly towards zero as you increase RPM from an
METHOD "A" idle vacuum reading between 15" to 22". As
Hook-up RPM returns to idle, the vacuum should in.
I. Connect the vacuum hose to the crease above idle vacuum and then return to
Vacuum/Pressure Tester. normalidle vacuum. It the above is not
2. Connect the other end of the hose to a observed, you are not connected to a true
source of manifoldvacuum using the ap- source of manifold vacuum. Try another
propriate adapter or fitting as necessary. vacuum hose.
1
3. Make sure the engine is at normal operating BAD— A vacuum reading below 10" or one that
temperature. has an occasional pulse higher or lower
4. To prevent the engine from starting, disable than the average indicates a vacuum
the ignition using one of the following pro- leak in a vacuum hose, head or manifold
cedures: gasket, defective valve(s), piston ring(s),
a. On electronic, breakerless,or conven- or cracked piston(s).
tional breakerpoint ignition systems,
disconnect the wire(s) at the negative NOTE: After test is performed,readjust the
terminal of the coil (typically the ter- idle speed and reconnect any idle stop solenoid.
mina! which has the wire connected to
the distributor).
b. on GENERAL MOTORSvehicles equip-
ped with a HEI ignition system, discon-
nect the B+ wire that is connectedto
the distributor and tape it.
c. On all other ignition systems, refer to PCV TEST
the manufacturer's procedure. This test is performed to determine if the
5. Crank the engine and note the action of the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve is
vacuum gauge. If the vacuum is low, less working properly.
than 2", it will be necessary to back out the
idle speed control or disconnect the elec•
trical idle stop solenoid. Hook-up
1. While cranking the engine, pinch the PCV
hose or plug the end of the PCV valve to pre.
Results vent air from leaking into the intake
GOOD—A steady vacuum reading that is even manifold.
and has a rhythmic pulsation indicates 2. Observe the Vacuum/PressureGauge.
a mechanicallysound engine.
BAD— An uneven pulsating reading indicates
a leak in one or more cylinders. This Results
may be caused by a defective valve(s), GOOD—An increase in the vacuum indicates a
piston ring(s), cracked piston(s), a good PCV system.
blown head gasket, a leaking vacuum BAD— Very little or no change in the vacuum
hose, or a leaking manifold gasket. indicates a bad PCV system. Replace
the PCV and be sure that the hose is
clear.

NOTE: This test may also be performedwhile

METHOD B the engine is idling.

Hook-up
l. Follow steps 1-4 as described in Method
2. Back off idle speed adjust until the throttle MANIFOLD VACUUM TEST
plate is completely closed. If the car is This test enables you to quickly evaluate the
equipped with an electrical idle stop over-all mechanical condition of your engine at
solenoid, it must be disconnected during idle speeds.
this test.
3. Crank the engine and note the vacuum
reading. Hook-up
I. Reconnect the wire(s) disconnected from
the coil. Readjust the idle speed and recon-
Results nect any idle stop solenoids that might have
GOOD—A vacuum reading of 10" or more with been disconnected.
rhythmic pulsations indicates a 2. Start engine and run at specified idle RPM.
mechanically sound engine. 3. Observe the level and action of the
Vacuum/Pressure Gauge.
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Results WARNING: Fuel vapors are very flammable;
GOOD—A steady reading usually between 15" perform this test out of doors and make sure
to 22" indicates that the engine, igni- that the fuel does not come in contact with any
tion system, and fuel systems are hot surface.
operating normally. Check to see if your
engine has a specified idle vacuum.
Hook-up
BAD— A fluctuating reading indicates a 1. Connect the Vacuum/Pressure Gauge and
mechanical, electrical, or fuel problem
such as: burned valves, blown head or hose to the input fuel line of the carburetor,
intake manifold gasket or cracked head, making sure that you connect the hose as
piston or piston rings. A vacuum close as possible to the carburetor.
reading that slowly drifts upward or 2. Start the engine.
downward usually indicates too lean or 3. Observe the pressure on the gauge.
rich an idle mixture or incorrect timing
of the ignition or valves.
Results
GOOD—Pressure within the fuel pump
specifications indicates a good fuel
pump. Refer to the manufacturer's
EXHAUSTRESTRICTION TEST specifications for the correct reading
This test is performed to determine if a serious for your fuel pump.
exhaust restriction due to a plugged tail pipe, BAD— A pressure reading below the specified
collapsed muffler pipe or header exists. level indicates a defective fuel pump or
a restricted or leaking fuel line.
Hook-up
1. Run the engine at idle RPM and note the
vacuum reading.
2. Increase the engine speed to approximately
2500 RPM and then note the vacuum FUEL PUMPINTERNAL LEAK TEST
¯teadingv his tesfiS-petfOrmed&ffetedt leaking check
valves in the fuel pump which reduces the effi-
Results ciency of the pump.
GOOD—Anincrease in vacuum over idle in-
dicates no restrictions in the exhaust Hook-up
system. I. Run fuel pump pressure test and note the
BAD— A decrease in vacuum over idle vacuum pressure.
indicatesa restriction in the exhaust 2. Stop the engine and watch the gauge for 30
system which will affect engine perfor- seconds.
mance.
Results
NOTE: This test may also be performedwhile
GOOD—Pressure remains within specifications
drivingthe vehicle. In this case, an exhaust for 30 seconds.
restrictionwill show as a large drop in vacuum BAD— Pressure drops below specifications.
as thevehiclespeed is slowly increased. This This indicates: a leak in the fuel line(s)
underload test may indicate a restriction that between the pump and carburetor,or
does not appear in the above no-load test. the fuel pump has a leaking check
valve. The first is a fire hazard, the se-
cond reduces the volume of fuel
delivered to the carburetor.
FUELPUMPPRESSURE TEST
This test is performed to determine if the fuel
system can deliver the fuel at the proper
pressureto the carburetor. Some fuel pumps,
especiallythose used on
and high performance fuel injection systems
models, operate at
pressuresabove the limit of this gauge. Do not FUEL PUMPVOLUMETEST
usethis gauge if specified pressure A Fuel Pump Volume Test may be performedto
exceeds 10 detect further fuel system problems. Refer to
your manufacturer's manual for instructions.
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COMPRESSIONTESTER

GENERAL INFORMATION COMPRESSION TEST PROCEDURE

The Compression Tester measures the amount 1. Screw in the test hose into the spark plug
of pressure built-up in a cylinder while cranking hole hand tight (FIGURE 2).
during the compression stroke. The tester can
indicate losses in compression through the COMPRESSION
rings, valves, on the head gasket. The tester will TESTER
also show excessive carbon build-up in the
cylinders. The Compression Tester is equipped
with a 14 mm/18 mm adapter.
To accommodate specifications for both
domestic and imported automobiles, the dial
face is calibrated in both U.S. and metric scales.
To assemble your Compression Tester, screw
the gauge head onto the hose assembly by plac-
ing a wrench on the square nut fitting of the o

gauge and tighten the hose onto it using a se-

cond wrench. It is normal for the hose to only
screw onto the gauge two to three turns.

CAUTION: Read and observe the Safety Rules

for Automotive Maintenance before proceeding.

INITIAL SET-UP
I. The engine should be at normal operating Figure 2
temperature.
2. Disconnect spark plug wires and loosen all 2. Crank the engine until the gauge records the
spark plugs approximately one turn. highest reading. This usually takes 3 to 8
3. To prevent the engine from starting, disable complete cycles of the engine. Note the
the ignition using one of the following pro- final compression reading.
cedures: 3. Disconnect the Compression Tester from
a. On electronic, breakerless, or conven- the cylinder by one of the following pro-
tional breakerpoint ignition systems, cedures:
disconnect the wire(s) at the negative a. If your Compression Tester has the
terminal of the coil (typically the ter- release valve on the outside side of the
minal which has the wire connected to hose, release the compressed air by
the distributor). pressing the release valve and then
b. on GENERAL MOTORS vehicles equip- unscrew the CompressionTester from
ped with an HEI ignition system, discon- the cylinder.
nect the B+ wire that is connected to b. If your CompressionTester has the
the distributor and tape it. release valve in the bottomof the spark
c. On all other ignition systems, refer to plug adapter, remove the Compression
the manufacturer's procedure. Tester by first unscrewingthe Tester
4. Crank the engine for 5-10 seconds. This will from the cylinder and then release the
clean any dirt that is around the base of the pressure by pressing the release valve in
spark plugs and prevent damage to the the bottomof the spark plug adapter.
cylinders. 4. Repeat test procedures 1 through 4 on all
5. Remove all spark plugs making sure that the remaining cylinders.
nothing drops into the cylinders. 5. Compare test results to specifications for
6. Set carburetor choke and throttle valve to your engine in the vehicle's handbook or the
the wide open position. manufacturer's manual.
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Results and Indications REMOTE STARTER SWITCH
GOOD—A compression reading on all cylinders
within specifications indicates the
engine has satisfactory compression.
BAD— a. A low compression reading on one GENERAL INFORMATION
or all cylinders indicates problems The Remote Starter Switch bypasses the igni-
to
with the engine's piston rings, tion switch which enables the lone mechanic
cylinder walls, worn or cracked crank the engine from under the hood.
piston(s) or valve(s), or a blown head
gasket. To determineif you have Follow carefully the instructions on how to con-
cylinder wall or piston ring prob. nect the Remote Starter Switch. Damage to your
lems, performthe oil test by squir- Remote Starter Switch or, in certain cases, to
ting a small amountof oil through your vehicle's ignition circuit may result from in-
the spark plug hole. An excessive correct connections.
amount of oil may cause a faulty
test result. If the pressure in-
creases to a near normal compres- CAUTION: Read and observe the Safety Rules
sion reading, then the piston ring(s) for Automotive Maintenance before proceeding.
or the cylinder walls are worn. If the
pressure does not increase, the pro.
blem is either with the piston(s),
valve(s) or the head gasket. Hook•up
b. A higher than normal compression 1. Make sure that the vehicle's transmission is
reading indicates carbon build-up in in Neutral or Park, the parking brake is on,
the cylinders. and the wheels are blocked.
2. To crank engine, disable the ignition system
using one of the following procedures:
NOTE: A low compression read. a. On electronic, breakerless, or conven-
ing on a recently overhauled engine tional breaker point ignition systems,
As normal until the engine has been disconnect thCMire(sYa&iegativæter
broken in. minal of the coil (typically the terminal
which has the wire connected to the
distributor).
b. On GENERAL MOTORS vehicles equip-
ped with a HEI ignition system, discon-
nect the B+ wire that is connected to
the distributor and tape it so that it does
not come in contact with engine ground.
c. On all other ignition systems, refer to
the manufacturer's procedure.
3. Turn the ignition switch inside the vehicle to
the ON position. This will prevent damage to
the ignition switch.
4. Locate and connect the Remote Starter
Switch using one of the following pro-
cedures:

CAUTION: Do NOT connect the leads so

full starter motor current passes through the
Remote Starter Switch.
a. On most FORD vehicles, the starter
relay is located on the inner fender near
the battery. Two types of relays are used
with two methods of connection.

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 (1) On single control (small) terminal b. On most GENERAL MOTORS vehicles,
relays, connect one lead to the the solenoid is located on top of the
large terminal which has the bat- starter motor housing. The switch leads
tery cable connected to it and con- are connected to terminals that pro-
nect the other lead to the single trude from the end of the solenoid. Con.
small starter control terminal nect one lead of the Remote Starter
(FIGURE 3). Switch to the large terminal which has
the battery cable connected to it and
connect the other lead to the small con.
trol terminal marked "S." If there are no
letters by the small terminals, try one
and if the engine does not crank, try the
other small terminal. (FIGURE 4).
FROM SOME RELAYS
BATTERY MAY NOT HAVE
SECOND SMALL TERMINAL
s

REMOTE
STARTER
SWITCH

REMOTE
STARTER
SWITCH
FROM
BATTERY

Figure 3

SOLENOID
WINDING
TERMINAL

(2) On double terminal relays, connect

one lead to the large terminal which
has the battery cable connected to
it and connect the other lead to the
small terminalmarked"S." The two
small terminals of the control cir-
cuit are labeled "l" for ignition and
"S" for start. (FIGURE 3). If there is
no letters by the small terminals, try Figure 4
one and if the engine does not
crank, try the other small terminal.

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 On CHRYSLER vehicles, the starter
relay is located in one of two different
places.
(1) The starter relay is located inside
the starter motor housing. The
starter relay leads connect to a
junction block located on the upper
left corner of the firewall. Connect
one lead of the Remote Starter
Switch to the large terminal which
has the batterycable connected to
it and the other lead to the smaller
control cable terminal (FIGURE 5).

FROM
BATTERY

REMOTE
STARTER
SWITCH

Figure 5

(2) on some CHRYSLER vehicles, the

starter relay is very similar to the
FORD starter relay. Follow the pro-
cedure as described in step 4a.
d. MostIMPORTED vehicles utilizes one of
the above procedures in hooking-up the
RemoteStarter Switch. If your imported
vehicle has a different system, refer to
your manufacturer's procedures.

CAUTION: Never crank the engine over 15

secondsat one time. the starter motor may
becomeoverheated and be damaged.

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 SAFETY RULES FOR AUTOMOTIVE MAINTENANCE

SAFETY EQUIPMENT SETTING THE BRAKE

Fire Extinguisher. Never work on your car Make sure that your car is in park or neutral and
without having a suitable fire extinguisher ham that the parking brake is firmly set.
dy. A 5-1bor larger C02 or unit NOTE: Somo vehicles have an automatic
specified for gasoline/chemical/electricalfires release on the parking brake when the engine is
is recommended. started. This must be disconnected when any
testing is to be done in DRIVE. Refer to your Sun
Fireproof Container. Rags and flammable liquids Specification Card for more information.
should be stored only in fireproof,closed metal
containers. A gasoline-soaked rag should be
allowed to dry thoroughly outdoors before being
discarded.
Safety Goggles. We recommendwearing safety HOT SURFACES
goggles when working on your car to protect Avoid contact with hot surfaces such as exhaust
your eyes from battery acid, gasoline and dust manifolds and pipes, mufflers (catalysts), the
and dirt flying off moving engine parts. radiator and hoses. Never remove the radiator
cap while the engine is hot as escaping coolant
NOTE: Never look directly into the carburetor under pressure may seriously burn you.
throat while the engine is cranking or running as
sudden backfire can cause burns.

SMOKING AND OPEN FLAMES

Never smoke while working on your car.
LOOSE CLOTHING AND LONG HAIR Gasoline vapor is highly flammable, and the gas
(MOVING PARTS) formed in a charging battery is explosive.
or
Be very careful not to get your hands, hairfan
clothes near any moving parts such as
blades, belts and pulleys or throttle and
transmission linkages. Never wear neckties or BATTERY
loose clothing when working on your car. Do not lay tools or equipment on the battery. Ac-
cidentally grounding the "HOT" battery terminal
can shock or burn you and damage wiring, the
battery or your tools and testers.
Be careful of contact with battery acid. It can
JEWELRY burn holes in your clothing and burn your skin or
Never wear wrist watches, rings or other jewelry eyes.
when working on your car. You'll avoid the
possibility of catching on moving parts or
causing an electrical short circuit which could
shock or burn you.
HIGH VOLTAGE
High volts—is present in
the ignition coil, distributor cap, ignition wires
and spark plugs. When handling ignition wires
VENTILATION while the engine is running, use insulated
Always work on your car in a well ventilated area.
Never run the engine in a closed garage without to avoid a shock. While not lethal, a shock may
venting the exhaust outside. cause you to jerk involuntarily and hurt yourself.

ELECTRIC CORPORATION
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
0692-5006cp Printed in U.S.A.