TecMate VacuumMate Allweather Service Manual

VacuumMate Allweather

The complete Intake Vacuum Synchroniser with Dynamic Engine Check & RPM

Read the whole of this manual before starting to use the VacuumMate

1. OVERVIEW

VacuumMate’s 3-in-1 functions are all essential for rapid, precise and reliable intake synchronising.

Use the RPM mode for the essential adjustment of the engine speed to the correct value as stipulated
by the constructor, prior to and after synchronising. (No need for a separate tachometer instrument or
the need to rely on vehicle tachometers, usually imprecise at low-end engine speeds).
Then accurately synchronise in the “AVE” mode to the constructor-specified value(s). If synchronising
seems difficult to achieve, flick the selector switch over to the “DYN” mode for an immediate visual
check that the cylinder seals and valves are functioning correctly. A valve leak or other sealing defect
affecting the manifold pressure will thwart any attempt at a correct synchronisation of the relevant
cylinder’s intake.

More details of these three functions are given in the following sections of this manual.

The purpose of "synchronising" throttle valves is to bring the average vacuum settings in the various
intake channels as close to their specified values as possible. Their specified values are (usually)
equal but for some engines one or more cylinders may need a slightly different value from the others
for specific reasons such as differential heat expansion in control linkages of differing lengths. It is
therefore essential to consult the service manual. Precise adjustments are essential to ensure a
stable engine idle speed and a good engine response.

VacuumMate has four highly visible LED bar-graph displays for monitoring up to 4 channels (or 4
cylinders). These fast, precise & frictionless columnar displays replace outdated toxic mercury columns.

VacuumMate’s compact size & weight allows use anywhere, whether in the workshop or at the track –
the ideal tool for the professional mechanic, for power sports vehicles, 4-stroke outboard motors and
multi-carburettor classic sports cars. The bright protective holder and custom storage and travel case
lend added protection to the robust water- and shock-resistant construction.

The VacuumMate VMR6ME model has an internal rechargeable 7,2V NiMH battery, ideal for outdoor
use, for example on outboard motors on board boats. The battery can be recharged simply by
connecting to an external charged 12V vehicle or storage battery.

In addition to it’s protective holder and custom travel case, the VacuumMate kit includes the external
battery cord-set, a fuel-line Tee-connector and 2 sets (of 4) unique “flexi-rigid” connection adapters
with M5 & M6 threads for easy connections to all types of engines. Additional connection adapters are
readily available to order, (order references M5ADPFR & M6ADPFR respectively).

Legend

flexi-rigid adapters. 4) 4 LED-array displays. 5) 3 graduated “AVE” mode scales. 6) RPM scale.

7) Low battery warning LED. 8) Function switch RPM / VAC. 9) Scale range switch, AVE mode.

10) Function switch AVE / DYN. 11) RPM selector switch for 2-stroke/4-stroke engines. 12) Storage
case. 13) Switch for selection of internal battery & to reset to “ON” (model with internal battery only).

14) Optional StandMate custom mobile stand for VacuumMate, IgnitionMate.

: 1) External battery connection cord-set. 2) Flexible (replaceable) santoprene hoses. 3) 2 sets

1

2. UNITS OF MEASUREMENT OF VACUUM & THEIR EQUIVALENTS..

For our purposes, vacuum is negative pressure, or pressure which is below atmospheric pressure at
sea level which is equal to the pressure exerted by a column of mercury (Symbol: Hg) with a height of
about 76 cm. Atmospheric (or “barometric”) pressure can be expressed in various different units :-

1 atmosphere = 76 cm Hg= 1,013 bar = 1013 mb (millibar)= 101,3 kPa (kiloPascals)= 14.7 psi (Ib/in²).

1 psi = 5,17 cm Hg = 68,95 mb = 6,895 kPa. 1 cm Hg = 1,333 kPa = 13,33 mb = 0,193 psi

Examples : 10 cm Hg = 133 mb. 20 cm Hg = 3,86 psi. 200 mb = 15,0 cm Hg. 5 psi = 25,85 cm Hg.

Most service manuals today give the vacuum settings in cm Hg so this is the unit used on the
VacuumMate’s synchronising scale displays. So when the displayed vacuum value is 20 cm Hg, this
means the intake pressure = atmospheric pressure at the place you are working, less 20 cm Hg

.

3. AVERAGE (“AVE”) & DYNAMIC (“DYN”) VACUUM MEASUREMENT MODES.

The pressure in the intake system of an engine is not constant, as it is caused by piston movement
which causes the vacuum to oscillate between a minimum and maximum level in the form of a wave,
called the vacuum waveform. Mechanical (& some other electronic) vacuum gauges display only the
AVERAGE value (“AVE”) of the vacuum waveform. This is the parameter used for the synchronisation
of throttle valves on carburettors or injection systems. However such instruments lack the speed &
precision needed to follow DYNAMICALLY the very fast fluctuations of the vacuum waveforms
themselves so as to monitor the heights and relative positions of the crests and troughs of the
waveforms of each cylinder. And it is only by monitoring and displaying these DYNAMIC
characteristics that one can reveal the existence and nature of engine seal defects which will distort &
thwart attempts at synchronisation.

The VacuumMate’s electronics & LED bar-graph displays react extremely fast, fast enough to show in
DYNAMIC (“DYN”) mode the vacuum waveform heights and relative positions for each connected
channel. This is displayed as a column of light on each LED display channel, extending between the
crests and troughs of the waveforms. By comparing the relative heights and positions of the columns
of light for each channel one can detect various problems which would normally require disassembly
and detailed investigation of engine components such as valves & pistons. See § 8. DIAGNOSTICS
below.

AVERAGE (“AVE”) & DYNAMIC (“DYN”) VACUUM DISPLAY MODES COMPARED

Use the AVE / DYN selector switch (#10, illustration, inside front cover) to select AVE or DYN mode as
required. In AVE mode the VacuumMate measures average vacuum in 3 ranges : 5-25 / 20-40 / 35­55 cm Hg, selected by the 3-position selector switch (#9, illustration, inside front cover). The
overlapping scale ranges help to avoid “losing sight” of the display on one or other channel if the
measured values are somewhat out of synchronisation and close to the end of the scale range.
Resolution is a precise 0,5 cm Hg on all scales.

2

Use the DYN mode to check for and analyse defective engine seals in case of apparent difficulty in

terna

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V

arriving at a satisfactory synchronisation, even after several attempts and probably associated with an
irregular engine rhythm. The function of the DYN mode is to compare the waveform heights
connected channel (cylinder) and the relative positions of their crests & troughs
similar for each channel. The precise values themselves
details on using the “DYN” mode, refer to page 7, section §8. DIAGNOSTICS.

are not relevant to this purpose. For more

, which should be

of each

4. ENGINE SPEED, RPM (Revolutions Per Minute)

In RPM mode the VacuumMate monitors the waveform pulses from the pneumatic engine
connections, so no other pick-up or probe is required. As the waveform pulses are not subject to
interference or other HT parasitic stray signals they provide a much easier and more reliable signal
input than other methods. The RPM function receives it’s signal input from the waveform pulses from
the #1 channel hose connection, so it is important to connect this hose in cases where not all four hose
connections are made.
The RPM function is selected by the RPM/VAC selector switch (#8, illustration, inside front cover).
For many Japanese motorcycles and some other engines, adjustment of the engine speed to within
about 50 RPM of the correct value (as stipulated by the constructor) is essential for precise intake
synchronisation. Vehicle tachometers are usually imprecise at low-end engine speeds and should not
be used for setting or monitoring engine speed for synchronising purposes. This is therefore a vital
feature of the VacuumMate. The engine speed should be re-adjusted accurately to the correct idling
speed on completion of the synchronising task.

The RPM mode displays engine speeds from 500 to 2500 rpm, with 50 rpm resolution. The 2-stroke /
4-stroke selector switch (#11, illustration, inside front cover) allows correctly displayed values for both
types of engine. Incorrect selection will display either double the true RPM (4-stroke selected for 2­stroke) or half of it (2-stroke selected for 4-stroke).

5. POWERING THE VACUUMMATE

The VacuumMate (standard model, ref VMR6WS) requires a 12Vdc external power source such as a
charged 12V battery with a capacity of at least 4Ah. To connect to this, a cord-set with alligator clips is
included in the VacuumMate kit. (Replace this immediately in case of damage or wear, see § 9.
SERVICE). Alternatively, use a well-regulated DC power supply with a power rating of at least 20W
and delivering between 11Vdc & 15Vdc. NOTE : Use only a DC power supply which you have
ensured is correctly rectified, filtered and regulated. To do otherwise may damage the VacuumMate
circuitry & invalidate the warranty. If using a 12 Volt vehicle battery make sure it is in good condition. A
battery in poor condition or a bad connection can give rise to unstable power conditions such as
voltage spikes that may damage the VacuumMate.
The VMR6ME model has internal rechargeable 7,2V NiMH batteries. These can be recharged when
necessary by connecting an external well charged 12V battery or regulated 12Vdc power supply using
the connection cable set supplied. The external source can also be used to power the VMR6ME, but
NOT, for safety reasons, when used on boats. On shore, whenever an external battery or 12Vdc
power source is to be connected to power the VMR6ME or for recharging the internal batteries, place

.

BATTERY SELECTION

Ex

l 12V Internal NiMH

LO

BATTERY

MR6ME LED

the battery selection switch in the 12V position before connecting and leave it so until the task or
recharging is completed, then disconnect.

3

A well charged external 12V battery or power supply can be left connected to the model VMR6ME
when not in use to ensure that the internal batteries are always charged up. To connect the external
battery, (for VMR6ME, first place the battery selection switch in the 12V battery position), connect the
red alligator clip to the positive terminal and then the black clip to the negative terminal of a charged
12V battery. Then plug the cable set into the VacuumMate (between the rubber hoses). If the input
voltage is below 9Vdc or above 15Vdc or if the connections are incorrect (inverted), the VacuumMate
will not function. The Low Battery warning LED (see panel at the bottom of the previous page), will
indicate if the battery or power supply voltage drops below 7V and the LED bars of the display will go
into “dimmed” mode until the voltage level is again satisfactory. Note that when powered up, the LED
bars of the display will go automatically into “dimmed” mode in periods of inactivity to conserve energy,
automatically reverting to “bright mode” immediately on resumption of active measurements. When
working on internal battery power, the model VMR6ME will automatically switch itself off after 5
minutes of inactivity to conserve the battery. To re-start, move the switch to the left, then right again.

CAUTION!
even cause electric shocks! Connect ONLY to a 12V battery or suitable regulated power supply.

6. PNEUMATIC CONNECTIONS

To function correctly and give true readings all of the VacuumMate’s hoses & connections must be
absolutely air-tight
engine. Protect the hoses and connection elements from physical damage & stress and before
synchronising conduct visual & pneumatic checks to ensure there are no defects such as holes or cuts
in the hoses.
For ease of replacement the hoses are fitted to external nipples protruding from the enclosure. The
VacuumMate hoses are oil & fuel resistant and any replacement hoses should be of a similar
specification. You are advised to replace hoses only with original VacuumMate replacement hoses,
available individually, order reference VMHOSE (see § 9. SERVICE

The SERVICE MANUAL of the engine manufacturer should indicate where to make the necessary
hose connections on the engine to measure the intake vacuum. In some cases, the rubber hoses can
be fitted directly onto the vacuum connection ports (or nipples) at the manifold once the clips and
rubber sealing plugs are removed. Most engines, however, have vacuum connections plugged with
screws. Connect a rubber tube directly to each 'male' vacuum port (after removing the rubber plug) or
use the VacuumMate’s threaded adapters in case of a threaded vacuum port, after removing the
sealing screws. Connection of the channel 1 hose is essential for correct functioning of the displays.

Connection to an alternating current (AC) input will damage the VacuumMate and may

, including the connections to the adapters and at the connection points on the

).

The VacuumMate comes with unique and versatile connection adapters. The "flexi-rigid" guide tubes
can be bent slightly. They act as a guide for the plastic tubes within them, which can be rotated for
tightening the thread. This helps to make connections even where the points are hard to reach*.
Reverse thread construction at the junction of the plastic tubes & their threaded metal end pieces allow
the unscrewing of the adapters from hot engines without the risk of the metal pieces sticking in the
threaded ports. There are 4 adapters with M5 thread (Honda & Suzuki) & 4 with M6 thread (Kawasaki
& Yamaha). When the adapters are in place, insert the plastic adapter pipe(s) firmly into the rubber
hose(s) of the VacuumMate. Some silicone oil (not engine oil

• * A useful accessory kit is available, comprising a set of connection aids which are fixed permanently
to the threaded female points on the intake manifold, and terminate in readily accessible metal
nipples sealed off with rubber caps which (on removal) allow the VacuumMate’s rubber hoses to be
pushed directly onto the nipples. These kits are available with M5 & M6 threads with 40 cm of

) may help if this seems difficult.