Re: Vacuum Generator replacement Reply #25 – March 29, 2013, 10:25:58 pm Most of the time, less expensive (sometimes MUCH less expensive) replacements can be found for vacuum pumps, compressors, etc. The best way is to first, find out all the specifications you can for the original unit. In the case of a compressor, you would want to know the pressure it is capable off, the duty-cycle, in other words, can it run all the time (they may get hot and burn up the internal parts), half the time, etc., the capacity in cubic feet (or inches) per minute it can produce. Rule of thumb says it should be physically as large as the original. Mounting, fittings, wiring, dryers and maximum pressure shut off are usually less of a problem and may be located externally from the original compressor or easily adapted to it. It also pays to know what your OEM compressor looks like so you can see how the replacement you have in mind would fit in the same location. Smaller compressors that try to preform as well as larger units tend to make more noise while operating. Higher speed usually means a higher noise level.A compressor with less capacity would take longer to bring the air bags to proper position, longer to extend the slides, etc. and would need a longer duty cycle to get the job done. The vacuum pump replacement listed earlier in this post was a real easy one. Compressors only require a little more in their selection. The original parts like the GV air conditioning dash control, were chosen, not because they were better than anything else but because they fit the location, were available in the numbers required and were priced right. After a few years, better, less expensive alternatives MAY become available. A little research with a checklist in hand can save a bundle and even improve the operation. A bit of extra capacity may also mean that in case of an air bag with a small leak, it could cycle faster. Just saying a bit more in reserve is always good.I was just doing a quick scan on ebay when I saw the compressor I attached. Did not take the time to read the specifications in detail. Pierce Quote Selected
Vacuum for dash vent control Reply #26 – September 14, 2013, 09:59:21 pm My 12V dash vacuum pump is dead, and instead of replacing it, I want to change to a venturi vacuum pump. I understand that some of the older Foretravel coaches used this. Here is the one I purchased to experiment with:Dorman/Vacuum Suction Pump (911-400) | AutoZone.comI have been playing with it in the shop with compressed air and it works well and generates a strong vacuum. Does anyone have any tips on how to set this up for operation in the coach i.e. how to supply air to it, at what pressure, would a regulator be good to have in the line. Any and all suggestions appreciated. Quote Selected
Re: Vacuum for dash vent control Reply #27 – September 14, 2013, 10:18:37 pm Your old pump may have failed because of a fault on the Ford slide control on the dash AC/heater. Ours kept the pump running because of a leak if the control was in the far left position. I just remember to move it over about a quarter inch to the right and the problem is solved. Other options would be to make a stop of plastic, silicone, etc for the last quarter inch so the lever would not be able to go over that far.Any kind of 12V vacuum pump will work. Lots of cheap ones on ebay. Pierce Quote Selected
Re: Vacuum for dash vent control Reply #28 – September 18, 2013, 06:31:29 pm Peter,I took out the vacuum pump and all the vacuum motors and replaced the door operating motors with cable actuation. You might want to look at that. It took a few simple brackets and 2 vernier actuated locking cables along with 2 simple push pull cables. The vernier cables were needed, one for the fresh air door and the other for the vent direction(upper;lower) door. I did leave the original dash control in place to operate the fan and A/C switch along with the one cable that is operated from it.I posted some info on it a few years ago. I have limited internet access now so if you do a search you might find it. Absolutely no problems with that system anymore.Good luck,Rick Quote Selected
Re: Vacuum for dash vent control Reply #29 – September 18, 2013, 10:46:32 pm Rick, very interesting, I found your old post. I am going to try a fairly cheap ($50) 12v vacuum pump I found this weekend. If that doesn't work due to hidden vacuum leaks, etc. I will be up for your cable idea. What is involved in tearing into the dash vent box, is this a weekend project, or more involved than that...just want to start to get psyched up for it... Quote Selected
Re: Vacuum for dash vent control Reply #30 – September 19, 2013, 10:41:07 am If the Ford ac/heating sliding control is not the source of the vacuum leak, it's easy to start at the vacuum pump and then using a pair of vice grips or small clamps, just start clamping off the vacuum lines and move away from the pump towards the other components until you find the leak. The hoses/controls in the dash are not that hard to get to. You do have to find the hidden screws in the vertical carpet in front of the passenger's seat before you can pull that panel. Hopefully, you will find the leak before going that far. Goes without saying that the vacuum pump has to be turned on to do this. In a system without leaks, the pump should only turn on occasionally. Pierce Quote Selected
Re: Vacuum for dash vent control Reply #31 – September 19, 2013, 10:57:00 pm Another thing to try is to see if it holds vacuum with the selector push buttons in different positions - should help you pinpoint which circuit the leak might be in. There is one possibility of a leak in the Ford pushbutton selector: the fresh/recirculate valve. It's shown in this thread: Heat & Air Vacuum PumpI would stay away from a venturi vacuum. They use a lot of compressed air and are considered to be inefficient for the vacuum you get and the amount of power the compressor has to use to get it. Besides you'll need to add at least one air valve and probably a check valve too to control it so it doesn't bleed down the air when parked. Quote Selected
Re: Vacuum for dash vent control Reply #32 – September 20, 2013, 07:46:47 am I found a number of leaks but did not chase down all of them. I can not hear the pump running on the road so it comes on a bit more than it should and I have found the big leaks anyway. Quote Selected
Re: Vacuum for dash vent control Reply #33 – September 20, 2013, 03:53:07 pm I put in the $50 vacuum pump...and...my dash vents work again. The only leaks were where the hoses attach to the vacuum canister. I just cut off about 1/2 inch to remove the loose part of the hose, and pushed back on. I put on a vacuum gauge and it holds for a long time.Its amazing that the 22 year old Ford dash system still holds a vacuum and operates again. The new pump is much smaller than the old one, and I measured the current it draws and it is only about 0.5 amps. I put in a smaller 5 amp fuse in the fuse block (was a 15 amp fuse). Quote Selected
Re: Vacuum for dash vent control Reply #34 – September 20, 2013, 05:10:19 pm Peter,Please share source and part number for that inexpensive vacuum pump.Thanks.Brett Quote Selected
Re: Vacuum for dash vent control Reply #35 – September 20, 2013, 05:26:05 pm Quote from: wolfe10 – September 20, 2013, 05:10:19 pmPeter,Please share source and part number for that inexpensive vacuum pump.Thanks.BrettBoy, I second that! My vacuum pump in my 2002 has been disconnected for a long time after it just started clicking. I called FT and was told that it was $265 or something. Then a buddy found me one in a MH junkyard and it worked briefly before dying too. I could tolerate $50...but $265 was absurd. Quote Selected
Re: Vacuum for dash vent control Reply #36 – September 20, 2013, 10:22:15 pm Here is the pump, it has a built-in vacuum control switch. It has a weird socket for the 12v connection - I suppose that mates with the Ford plug. I just soldered wires to the pins. Dorman 904-214 Mechanical Vacuum Pump for Ford Truck:Amazon:Automotive Quote Selected
Topic: Vacuum Generator replacement