Do you have a DIY vacuum / pressure tester?

[ESGWheel]

I plan on cobbling together a sterndrive vacuum / pressure tester for my VP SX-M. I found this device (link and pictured below) that uses Bernoulli's principle to create the vacuum side. My compressor can meet the requirements of the device to pull needed vacuum, so I am wondering if anyone has experience with this device or can recommend a similar one. I am also interested in what others have put together vs. buying one of the hand pumps.

Searching around on the internet provides a lot of constant applied pressure devices which is not the same as drop test and I did find anything on this forum.

Thanks for your thoughts and ideas.

 

[dingbat]

I plan on cobbling together a sterndrive vacuum / pressure tester for my VP SX-M. I found this device (link and pictured below) that uses Bernoulli's principle to create the vacuum side. My compressor can meet the requirements of the device to pull needed vacuum, so I am wondering if anyone has experience with this device or can recommend a similar one. I am also interested in what others have put together vs. buying one of the hand pumps.

Searching around on the internet provides a lot of constant applied pressure devices which is not the same as drop test and I did find anything on this forum.

Thanks for your thoughts and ideas.
View attachment 413048

What exactly are you trying to do?
A leak down test?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Mity vac 8500

 

[ESGWheel]

What exactly are you trying to do?
A leak down test?

I will be performing both the vacuum and pressure testing of the sterndrive as outlined in the Workshop Manual (7743008) that has both pressure testing (two stages) and vacuum testing (also 2 stages) up to 14-16 in of mercury. Typically, I read that folks use the hand pump to do this. Since I have a compressor, I figured I can make up a device that does both. I was surprised at the lack of home grown devices > at least in the way I searched.

 

[ESGWheel]

Mity vac 8500

Thanks Scott. I was looking at that one and since I already have a vacuum brake bleeder (but does not get to the needed vacuum of 14-16) I figured I would have some fun cobbling one together.

 

[bruceb58]

I have these:

Vacuum Tester - Gearcase - 507982

Gearcase Vacuum Tester A gearcase that holds pressure will hold lubricant, but may leak in the opposite direction, allowing water the enter the unit. Use this tool to test for inward leakage. Replaces: 507982, 995-102

www.offshoremarineparts.com

Pressure Tester - Gearcase - 507977, 90890-06762, YB-35956, S-34

Gearcase Pressure Tester Used to pressurize the gearcase / outdrive to locate leaks. Adapters are required to use this tester for gearcases other than Johnson / Evinrude or Mercury. Replaces: 507977, 90890-06762, YB-35956, S-34

www.offshoremarineparts.com

Tried the DIY method and was very disappointed.

 

[Scott Danforth]

If you have a mity vac brake bleeder, it will get to well over 20" of vacuum. If not, oil the seal

 

[Lou C]

I have these:

Vacuum Tester - Gearcase - 507982

Gearcase Vacuum Tester A gearcase that holds pressure will hold lubricant, but may leak in the opposite direction, allowing water the enter the unit. Use this tool to test for inward leakage. Replaces: 507982, 995-102

www.offshoremarineparts.com

Pressure Tester - Gearcase - 507977, 90890-06762, YB-35956, S-34

Gearcase Pressure Tester Used to pressurize the gearcase / outdrive to locate leaks. Adapters are required to use this tester for gearcases other than Johnson / Evinrude or Mercury. Replaces: 507977, 90890-06762, YB-35956, S-34

www.offshoremarineparts.com

Tried the DIY method and was very disappointed.

I have the same ones, very helpful, also used them for other things like checking anti-siphon valves....

 

[ESGWheel]

If you have a mity vac brake bleeder, it will get to well over 20" of vacuum. If not, oil the seal

Soctt, thanks and I should have highlighted that the rest of the story is I have a ‘vacuum device’ from HF (for brake bleeding) but it is one of those cheapo units and not an actual pump. Instead, it uses my compressor as well (so Bernoulli) but it barely draws a vacuum hence my concerns of the device above and looking for feedback. Their stated “will get to about 28 inches” caused me to be suspect but I only need to get to about ½ that, so was thinking may be ok.

I do know these are incredibly inefficient but only need to draw a smallish volume and then seal off and watch for the change, thus I thought to see if any experience / what others are doing….

 

[Scott Danforth]

A newer shop vac will pull down to 20". We used to use a shop vac to pull a vac on hydraulic reservoirs

 

[ESGWheel]

A newer shop vac will pull down to 20". We used to use a shop vac to pull a vac on hydraulic reservoirs

I have a newer one and did not even think about testing it. Thanks!!

 

[BRICH1260]

Check ebay. I bought my pressure and vacuum tester there. Used but still functional and much cheaper than buying new.

 

[Lou C]

Not DIY but I’ve bought both a pressure and vacuum tester a few years ago and am using it now to check for leaks in my old fuel line/fuel pick up tube….