
0
Engine
Vacuum
5
10
15
20
25
30
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
1
2
3 
4
5
6
7
Fuel
Pump
psi
0
Engine
Vacuum
5
10
15
20
25
30
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
1
2
3 
4
5
6
7
Fuel
Pump
psi
0
Engine
Vacuum
5
10
15
20
25
30
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
1
2
3 
4
5
6
7
Fuel
Pump
psi
®
CP7803
VACUUM GAUGE/
PRESSURE TESTER KIT
INSTRUCTIONS
CRANKING VACUUM TESTS
Engine Condition Test
1. Start engine and allow it to warm to normal 
operating temperature. Stop engine. To prevent the engine from starting, disable the ignition system.
2. Remove the air filter. Back out the idle speed 
screw (see Figure 1) until the throttle valve is 
tighly closed. If the carburetor is also equipped 
with an idle air bleed screw, turn the screw 
clockwise until it bottoms lightly. In both cases, 
count the number of turns so the screws can be 
returned to their original positions after the tests.
3. If the vehicle is equipped with an idle stop 
solenoid (See Figure 1), disconnect the electrical wire at the base of the solenoid under the 
rubber boot or at the connector as shown.
4. If the engine is equipped with a PCV (Positive 
Crankcase Ventilation) system, remove the PCV 
valve at the engine rocker arm cover (see Fig-
Fig. 1
IDLE 
SPEED 
SCREW
IDLE MIXTURE 
SCREWS
DISCONNECT 
ELECTRICAL 
CONNECTOR OR 
TERMINAL UNDER 
RUBBER COVER
Fig. 2
SOURCE OF 
MANIFOLD 
VACUUM
CLOSED 
BREATHER 
CAP
RUBBER 
COVER
AIR CLEANER
ROCKER ARM 
VALVE COVER
IDLE STOP 
SOLENOID
PCV 
VALVE
ure 2) and plug the valve on the bottom with 
tape or other suitable means.
5. Using the hose supplied, connect the Vacuum 
Gauge to a source of manifold vacuum. This 
may be a fitting on the carburetor below the 
throttle plate, or a fitting in the intake manifold. 
See Figures 2 and 9.
6. Crank the engine and note Vacuum Gauge 
reading.
(After testing, return adjustment screws to their 
original positions.)
Test Results
The general condition of an engine is indicated by 
one of three possible gauge readings:
A.(Figure 3) A reasonably steady vacuum read-
ing of 4 inches or more on emission controlled 
engines, and 10 inches or more on non-emission controlled engines (pre-1968) indicates 
correct engine vacuum. Readings may vary 
considerably on different engines, but should 
not fall below these minimums. (See 
manufacturer’s specifications).
Fig. 3
10
15
20
Engine
Vacuum
25
5
0
1
0
1
2
3
Fuel
Pump
4
5
6
7
9
10
30
Fig. 4
5
0
2
3
4 
5
psi
6
7
8
10
Engine
Vacuum
15
20
25
1
2
0
3
1
2
4
3
Fuel
5
Pump
4
6
5
6
7
7
8
9
10
30
B.(Figure 4) An excessively low, steady vacuum
is caused by a condition which affects all cylinders equally.
Check for:
1. Leaking carburetor flange gasket.
2. Worn carburetor throttle shaft.
3. Leaking vacuum lines.
4. Improper valve timing.
5. Slow engine cranking due to:
A. Battery 
B. Battery cable connections 
C. Defective starter motor 
D. Excessive mechanical drag in engine caused by:
1. Tight fitting pistons in rebuilt engine.
2. Thickened oil due to excessive oxidation.
C.(Figure 5) A reading which pulses unevenly
indicates a leaky condition which affects one or 
more, but not all cylinders.
NOTE: A certain amount 
of even pulsing is nor-
Fig. 5
mal, notably on 6 and 4 
cylinder engines, and 
does not necessarily indicate a leaky condition.
Check for:
1. Burned or stuck valve.
2. Intake manifold leak 
at one cylinder.
3.Worn intake valve 
guide.
4. Broken piston or piston rings.
RUNNING VACUUM TEST
Engine Condition Test
While performing a running vacuum test, it is 
possible to obtain a different gauge indication than 
that obtained under the cranking vacuum test.
1. Connect the vacuum gauge to a source of 
manifold vacuum. See Figures 2 and 9.
2. Run the engine at normal operating temperature and idle speed.
Fig. 6
5
Engine
Vacuum
25
0
1
2
0
1
2
3
Fuel
Pump
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
30
psi
10
15
20
Test Results 
A.(Figure 6) A steady reading between 15 and 22
inches indicates a mechanically sound engine.
B.(Figure 7) A pointer which sweeps or wanders
erratically through several inches indicates a 
malfunction affecting all cylinders unequally 
and inconsistently. To help isolate the troubled 
area, run the engine at about 2000 RPM. If the 
pointer steadies, check for:
1. Ignition and/or timing.
2. Carburetor mixture adjustment at idle.
If the sweep gets larger, check for weak or 
broken valve springs. If the sweep becomes 
shorter and more rapid, check for:
1. Carburetor or intake manifold leaks.
2. Sticky valves.
Fig. 7
3
4 
5
psi
6
7
EXHAUST RESTRICTION TEST
With vacuum gauge connected to a source of 
manifold vacuum, increase engine speed to 2000 
RPM, maintain this speed, and note the vacuum 
gauge reading. A gradually decreasing vacuum 
reading may indicate a restricted exhaust system.
(Partially blocked muffler or tailpipe.)
POSITIVE CRANKCASE 
VENTILATION (PCV) VALVE TEST
1. Unplug the PCV valve, plugged previously with 
a piece of tape (Step 4, Cranking Vacuum 
Tests) and crank engine.
A. If the PCV valve is operating properly, the 
vacuum will drop to about one-half the value 
noted in Step 6, Cranking Vacuum Tests.
B. A reading much lower than one-halfindicates 
excessive flow which could upset the proper 
carburetor air/fuel ratio causing rough idling 
and burned valves.
C. No change in the vacuum indicates a clogged 
PCV valve.
2. Return the idle screw (and idle air bleed screw) 
to its original position. (See Step 2, Cranking 
Vacuum Tests).
3. Re-enable the ignition system.
4. Re-connect the wire to the idle stop solenoid.
5. Re-connect all hoses and vacuum lines.
6. Re-install the PCV valve in its proper location.
PCV SYSTEM TEST
1. Operate the engine at normal temperature and 
idle speed.
2. Remove the hose connected between the air 
cleaner and valve cover or oil filler/breather cap 
as shown in Figure 8. Plug the oil dipstick tube 
to prevent an air leak.
Fig. 8
UNIVERSAL 
RUBBER 
ADAPTER
PLUG OIL 
DIPSTICK HOLE
FILLER/BREATHER CAP
VENT 
HOSE
AIR
CLEANER
 

3. Hold the vacuum gauge with rubber universal 
adaptor firmly over the valve cover hole or filler/ 
breather cap opening.
A. A properly working PCV system will draw a
vacuum of about 3 to 5 inches within 10 seconds.
B. If there is very little or no change in the 
gauge reading in the first 10 to 15 seconds of 
the test the PCV valve is clogged or frozen, or 
there is excessive air leakage in the vacuum 
hose between the intake manifold and PCV 
valve (or other leakage into the crankcase).
4. Repair or replace the defective parts as needed 
and reconnect hoses.
DISTRIBUTOR VACUUM 
ADVANCE MECHANISMS
The amount of spark ignition advance needed is 
determined by the intake manifold vacuum and 
engine speed.
The vacuum advance mechanism in the distributor 
is connected to the intake manifold or carburetor by 
a rubber hose. To measure the amount of vacuum 
at any RPM, disconnect the hose from the distributor and insert a “Tee” connector (Item 4, Figure 12) 
in line with this hose and another back to the 
distributor as shown in Figure 9. Also, connect the 
gauge to the “Tee” as shown.
Fig. 9
5
ALTERNATE VACUUM 
CONNECTION ON CARBURETOR
MANIFOLD VACUUM 
CONNECTION
Test Results
On many systems, little or no vacuum is applied to 
the distributor at idle; as the throttle is opened wider 
(engine RPM increases), the vacuum gradually increases. The manifold vacuum drops when the engine is accelerated in proportion to the amount of 
throttle advance. The gauge should read between 
18 and 21 for normal engines. Check vehicle manual 
for your car for proper value.
If the vacuum gauge does not change or changes very 
little with a change in RPM as described above, the 
vacuum hose may be open or cracked, or the diaphram 
in the advance mechanism may be punctured.
0
1
10
2
0
3
1
Engine
2
4
Vacuum
15
3
Fuel
5
psi
Pump
4
6
5
6
7
7
20
8
9
10
25
30
NOTE: The vacuum reading can appear to be 
normal during the above tests while the advance 
mechanism is defective; that is, frozen due to rust, 
dirt or corrosion.
FUEL PUMP TESTING
CAUTION: Use extreme care in disconnecting 
fuel lines. Catch all gasoline in a container and 
discard. Leaking gasoline is a serious fire 
hazard.
Initial Inspection
Before testing, check tightness of all fittings and 
connections.
Check the rubber fuel lines at the fuel pump for 
deterioration, such as splitting, cracking and 
spongyness.
If leaks are evident in lines or fittings, repair or 
replace as necessary. If leakage is detected in the 
pump at the diaphragm flange, in the sheet metal 
cover, or in casting breather holes, replace the 
fuel pump. Check fuel level and remove any kinks 
in the fuel line. It is not necessary to remove the 
fuel pump for any of these inspections.
Procedure
1. Disconnect the fuel line between the fuel pump 
and the carburetor and attach the vacuum gauge 
hose to the fuel line, using adaptors as necessary. (See Figure 10).
NOTE: The fuel in the carburetor fuel bowl will be 
sufficient to run the engine for these tests.
2. Operate the engine at idle. Hold gauge at 
carburetor height and note the reading. Stop 
engine and re-connect fuel line.
Test Results
Compare the observed reading with the 
manufacturer’s specifications. If specifications are 
not immediately available, fuel pump pressure 
can be considered satisfactory if it is between 4 
and 6 PSI, with lower readings for smaller displacement engines. If pressure reading falls outside this range, consult the manufacturer’s specifications before replacing the fuel pump.
Fig. 10
5
0
1
10
2
0
3
1
Engine
2
4
Vacuum
15
3
Fuel
5
psi
Pump
4
6
5 
6
7
7
20
8
9
10
25
30
TO 
FUEL 
TANK
CARBURETOR 
CONNECTION
Fig. 11
GASOLINE
CARBURETOR 
CONNECTION
TO 
FUEL 
TANK
VOLUME TEST
1. Operate engine with fuel line connected to fill 
carburetor fuel bowl. Stop Engine.
2. Disconnect the fuel line at the carburetor and 
connect a flexible hose to the fuel line using the 
adapter as shown in Figure 11. Insert the other 
end of the hose in a proper gasoline container.
3. Have an assistant start the engine. While holding the gasoline can, carefully collect the discharge from the fuel pump for exactly 30 
seconds. The assistant must count off the time 
precisely and turn off the engine after the 30 
seconds to get an accurate measurement. Reconnect the fuel line to the carburetor.
4. Remove the gasoline from the engine area. 
Pour the contents of the gasoline can into 
another container marked off in fluid ounces 
such as a kitchen measuring cup. Record the 
fuel quantity.
5. After taking all measurements, return the fuel to 
the vehicle’s gas tank.
Test Results
Consult the manufacturer’s specifications for required fuel delivery rate. If specifications are not 
readily available, use the following table as a guide.
Engine Displacement Ozs. Collected 
(CID)  (30 seconds)
Up to 225 8 
225 to 350 11 
Over 350 16
If the above conditions are not met, replace or 
repair the defective components.
®
Actron Manufacturing Company
9999 Walford Avenue 
Cleveland, Ohio 44102-4696
Fig. 12
5
0
10
1
0
2
1
3
Engine
2
Vacuum
15
20
4
3
Fuel
5
psi
Pump
4
6
5
7
6
7
8
9
10
25
30
3
4
1
6
5
2
Vacuum & Pressure Tester Kit
Repair Parts
Key 
No. Part No. Description
1 31-269 Vacuum and Pressure Gauge 
2 400-384 Black Rubber Hose for air
and fuel (24")
3 1000-1113 Universal Adapter –
Fuel line, air and PVC 
4 400-810 "Tee" Fitting 
5 400-819 Tapered Hose Adapter 
6 180-784 1/8 NPT X 0.187 Barb
2-202002 Instruction Manual
One Year Warranty
If within one year from the date of purchase this 
equipment fails due to defect in materials or workmanship, return it to Actron and Actron will repair it 
free of charge.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you 
may also have other rights which may vary from state 
to state.
Customer Service
For product information or customer service 
please call 1-800-ACTRON-7 (1-800-228-7667) 
Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 
4:30 p.m. Eastern time or fax anytime at 
(216) 651-2388.
Actron can also be reached by Email or on the 
Internet.
Email address: sunpro@actron.com 
Internet home page: http://www.actron.com
©1997 Actron Manufacturing Company. Sunpro is a 
registered trademark of Snap-On Tools Company and is 
used under exclusive license.
2-202002