Vacuum Issue

[Red Leader]

After a recent annual, I noticed my vacuum system not pulling as much as it once did. Now I am seeing the vacuum gauge reading just at the bottom of the green arc during normal cruise. I had my shop look at it and they said they made an adjustment and is now pulling in the middle of the arc during a runup. After that, my last flight showed it is still at the bottom of the green arc at cruise. Should I replace the pump? Should I find another shop? Anyone know what pump I should be using on my Continental TSIO-360GB? I have a line on a Tempest 3215CC, will that fit?

[Guest]

I doubt the shop could have done much to screw up your pump.

[Shadrach]

7 hours ago, Red Leader said:

After a recent annual, I noticed my vacuum system not pulling as much as it once did. Now I am seeing the vacuum gauge reading just at the bottom of the green arc during normal cruise. I had my shop look at it and they said they made an adjustment and is now pulling in the middle of the arc during a runup. After that, my last flight showed it is still at the bottom of the green arc at cruise. Should I replace the pump? Should I find another shop? Anyone know what pump I should be using on my Continental TSIO-360GB? I have a line on a Tempest 3215CC, will that fit?

If your not happy with the vacuum level, ask them to adjust the regulator. That’s what it is for. It may be a good idea to replace the pump, but they don’t typically lose performance between flights. They either fail completely or slowly degrade over time.

[Red Leader]

Thanks guys, both responses are helpful. From what I am told, they did adjust the regulator but the results show no difference which is why am suspecting a leak or failing pump. I have a standby vacuum system and don't fly IFR so this isn't something I need immediately but does anyone have a replacement vacuum pump that'll fit my bird?

[N201MKTurbo]

7 hours ago, Red Leader said:

Thanks guys, both responses are helpful. From what I am told, they did adjust the regulator but the results show no difference which is why am suspecting a leak or failing pump. I have a standby vacuum system and don't fly IFR so this isn't something I need immediately but does anyone have a replacement vacuum pump that'll fit my bird?

What does the vacuum read with the standby pump on?

I used to have a standby system. You should run them periodically. I had to use mine once and it kept popping it’s circuit breaker for the first 1/2 hour, then it ran flawlessly for the next 5 hours. It seems it needs to be exercised.

[LANCECASPER]

9 hours ago, Red Leader said:

Thanks guys, both responses are helpful. From what I am told, they did adjust the regulator but the results show no difference which is why am suspecting a leak or failing pump. I have a standby vacuum system and don't fly IFR so this isn't something I need immediately but does anyone have a replacement vacuum pump that'll fit my bird?

I wouldn't spend the labor to replace a used pump with another used pump of unknown reliability. If you're going to spend the labor put on an overhauled or new pump.

[Aerodon]

You should be tracking the hours on all your accessories - turbo, alternator, starter, magneto, vacuum pump etc.  Then when you start having problems with anything, the first thing you look at at the years and hours since last replacement.  Then the decision process to replace is much easier.  

I've never had to have the vacuum adjusted.  It might be required if you change the number of air instruments you have, or if you change from a 211 to 215 pump, I believe they have different capacities.

Airplanes talk to you, if you have over 500 hours on the vacuum pump and are not getting your usual 5" -  I would listen.

 

Aerodon