Actron KAL2512 User Manual
Instructions for Vacuum
Gauge/Pressure Tester
Cranking Vacuum Test For
Engine Condition
1. Start Engine and warm to normal
operating temperature.
2. Turn engine off and disable ignition.
3. Remove air filter and back out idle
speed screw counting turns until
throttle valve is closed.
NOTE: If carburetor is equipped with an idle
air bleed screw, turn clockwise, counting
number of turns until screw bottoms lightly.
NOTE: If vehicle is equipped with an
idle stop solenoid, disconnect electrical
wires at base of solenoid under rubber
boot or at connector.
NOTE: If vehicle is equipped with a PCV
(Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system,
remove valve at engine rocker arm cover
and plug valve on bottom with tape.
4. Using hose supplied, connect Vacuum
Gauge to fitting on carburetor below
throttle plate or a fitting on intake
manifold.
5. Crank engine and note Vacuum
Gauge reading.
6. Return adjustment screws to original
positions.
Test Results
3 possible gauge readings are:
A.Steady vacuum reading of the following
indicates correct engine vacuum:
4 inches or more on emission
controlled engines.
10 inches or more on non-emission
controlled engines
Idle
Speed
Screw
Idle
Mixture
Screw
Electrical
Connector
Manifold
Closed
Breather
Air Cleaner
Vacuum
Cap
10
Engine
Vacuum
15
20
25
Steady Vacuum of 4
inches or more
5
0
Fuel
Pump
7
30
Idle Stop
Solenoid
Rocker Arm
Valve Cover
0
1
2
3
1
2
4
3
5
psi
4
6
5
6
7
8
9
10
PCV
Valve
NOTE: See Manufacturers Specifications.
B.Really low, steady vacuum check for:
Leaking carburetor flange gasket
Worn carburetor throttle shaft
Leaking vacuum lines
Improper valve timing
Slow engine cranking due to:
- Battery or cable connections
- Defective starter motor
Mechanical drag in engine due to:
- Tight fitting pistons in rebuilt engine
- Thickened oil due to excessive
oxidation
C.Pulses unsteady indicates a leaky
condition that affects one or more
cylinders check for:
Burned or stuck valve
Intake manifold leak at a cylinder
Worn intake valve guide
Broken piston or piston rings
NOTE: A certain amount of even pulsing
is normal, notably on 4 and 6 cylinder
engines, and does not necessarily
indicate a leaky condition.
Running Vacuum Test For
Engine Condition
NOTE: It is possible to get a different gauge
reading than obtained during the Cranking
Vacuum Test For Engine Condition.
1. Using hose supplied, connect
Vacuum Gauge to fitting on
carburetor below throttle plate.
2. Start Engine and let idle until at
normal operating temperature.
Test Results
2 possible gauge readings are:
5
0
10
Engine
Vacuum
15
20
25
1
0
1
2
3
Fuel
Pump
4
5
6
7
10
30
Steady low vacuum
5
0
10
Engine
Vacuum
15
20
25
1
0
1
2
3
Fuel
Pump
4
5
6
7
10
30
Unsteady vacuum
2
3
4
5
psi
6
7
8
9
2
3
4
5
psi
6
7
8
9
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