Posted by Todd Wilson on Friday, May 03, 2002 at 2:48PM :
In Reply to: lesson learned posted by mannyc on Friday, May 03, 2002 at 2:25PM :
Tuning an engine takes a special person. My dads friend was visiting one time and he has been a mechanic for 30+ years and had my 71 Charger with points running the best it ever did and did it all with a few hand tools and listening to the engine. I wonder what it would have run like if he would have had the proper tools. At that time I didnt have much and have since aquired a timing light and dwell meter and vacuum gauge.
One thing I have learned is vacuum is a big deal for a gas engine. Have a leak and it causes problems all over the place.
Some of the 70's Dodge Trucks had a vacuum gauge as part of the instrument cluster. My 1974 doesnt have one and I have thought about installing one to see how the various things of weather effect my truck. I know on some days it tends to run a tad better then others. Would be curious to see what vacuum readings would be on those days.
I think they can be used for fuel economy keeping the gauge within a certain range.
Not that PW owners and myself with a 440 D200 are worried about fuel economy! ;)
Todd