DIY vacuum testing plates

[camel2019]

I want to get an idea on what you guys are using for vac testing saws mainly the diy route. Going to be using the brake bleeder type of pump.

 

[pioneerguy600]

For making blocker plates I use 1/4 inch aluminum plate of which I have plenty of, one can tighten the screws down on it without worry about bending it and use rubber occluders made from the rubber roof typegaskets used around pipes that protrude through the roofline, it`s already flat and of a thickness that does nor roll up upon its self, cuts to shape easily with just large frame scissors or my metal snips.If one needs or wants to include a port to pull vac or pressure through then it is easy to drill the 1/4 aluminum plate and thread in a brass hose barb.

 

[camel2019]

For making blocker plates I use 1/4 inch aluminum plate of which I have plenty of, one can tighten the screws down on it without worry about bending it and use rubber occluders made from the rubber roof typegaskets used around pipes that protrude through the roofline, it`s already flat and of a thickness that does nor roll up upon its self, cuts to shape easily with just large frame scissors or my metal snips.If one needs or wants to include a port to pull vac or pressure through then it is easy to drill the 1/4 aluminum plate and thread in a brass hose barb.

I useally have some off cuts of aluminum plate laying around. Have way more steel though about 2 tons of it.

 

[pioneerguy600]

I useally have some off cuts of aluminum plate laying around. Have way more steel though about 2 tons of it.

Steel would be fine, I just like working with aluminum much more, it does not rust and is softer to cut and drill.

 

[camel2019]

Steel would be fine, I just like working with aluminum much more, it does not rust and is softer to cut and drill.

A little paste wax on steel tools goes a long way

 

[cscltd]

Two pieces of silver duct tape stuck to each other and poke holes in wear muffler or carb bolts go through And reattach muffler or carb.

 

[camel2019]

Two pieces of silver duct tape stuck to each other and poke holes in wear muffler or carb bolts go through And reattach muffler or carb.

Thought most guys draw a vac from the impulse hole or intake/ exhaust ports?

 

[cscltd]

use spark plug adapter that has hole for hose nipple. as can test if carb not fitting correctly on intake.

 

[camel2019]

Making a spark plug thread adapter right now

 

[camel2019]

I suspected the tank on my 08s was leaking into the crank case so I tested it and nothing.

 

[ChillyB]

Bare bones solution since was just testing one (until the next time): spark plug adapter from Amazon, two layers of painters tape over exhaust port, slobbered up thumb on intake boot.

 

[nckcalifornia]

I test/pressure through the spark plug port and cover the exhaust and intake/impulse with rubber gasket material. Just remember to turn the crank while testing to make sure you get your pressure/vac into the crank case.

 

[ChillyB]

I thought about crank position while testing mine (my first and only vacuum test). Right or wrong, I decided the ring gap should be more than adequate to draw on the crankcase. What do you think?

 

[nckcalifornia]

You probably right. But if you’re testing through the spark port, probably worth putting the piston at BDC or at least opening the transfers just to be sure. Should be able to get a visual before you attach your adapter or whatever to the port.

 

[cscltd]

Best to rotate crank from bdc to tdc while testing and trying to move crank ends up and down back and forth at same time for seals that are just barley holding
vac is recommend to test before pressure as pressure can push seals out if they are borderline and give a false reading.

 

[singinwoodwackr]

I’ve made up a bunch of cover plates for the various exhaust ports…1/8” steel and some rubber I had.
intake plates with braised on nipple have worked well.