vacuum pump

November 18, 2024, 09:10 AM

329L

Half a can of brake cleaner into pump before you start, Start the engine and spray rest of through engine. Another suggestion is to pull lines of vacumm pump and let "air out" after a night of racing.

November 18, 2024, 12:24 PM

Lenny5160

Every couple weeks, I'll pull the vac pump inlet hose off the valve cover during warmup and, with the engine running, shoot brake cleaner into it for about a 5 count.

At idle, I can definitely feel a big difference on the gauge or when tapping the hose fitting to my palm. As long as I do it often enough, it doesn't make a difference on the gauge downtrack.

November 18, 2024, 02:17 PM

FootbrakeJim

Just a note of caution about using Brake Cleaner spray. Yes, it is as good as anything for removing oil & grease. But please pay attention to the label.(Yeah, I realize most of us know this, but not everyone does):
Chlorinated brake cleaner is Non-Flammable, while Non-Chlorinated versions are EXTREMELY Flammable.
Both types work well, and I highly recommend that you use the non-flammable "Chlorinated" type if you are spraying it anywhere near a running engine. The risk is small, but the potential results can be devastating.
(BTW, the Non-Chlorinated version makes great starting fluid).

November 19, 2024, 05:37 PM

SmokeEm

ok thanks....

November 20, 2024, 09:24 AM

TomR

quote:
Originally posted by FootbrakeJim:
Just a note of caution about using Brake Cleaner spray. Yes, it is as good as anything for removing oil & grease. But please pay attention to the label.(Yeah, I realize most of us know this, but not everyone does):
Chlorinated brake cleaner is Non-Flammable, while Non-Chlorinated versions are EXTREMELY Flammable.
Both types work well, and I highly recommend that you use the non-flammable "Chlorinated" type if you are spraying it anywhere near a running engine. The risk is small, but the potential results can be devastating.
(BTW, the Non-Chlorinated version makes great starting fluid).

Also remember, NEVER use Chlorinated brake clean on anything you intend to TIG weld.

November 25, 2024, 10:53 AM

FootbrakeJim

quote:
Originally posted by TomR:
Also remember, NEVER use Chlorinated brake clean on anything you intend to TIG weld.

Never heard that, TomR, curious what the issue would be? I didn't think brake cleaner left behind any chemical residue, once it has evaporated.

November 25, 2024, 03:45 PM

CURTIS REED

quote:
Originally posted by FootbrakeJim:
quote:
Originally posted by TomR:
Also remember, NEVER use Chlorinated brake clean on anything you intend to TIG weld.

Never heard that, TomR, curious what the issue would be? I didn't think brake cleaner left behind any chemical residue, once it has evaporated.

I believe it’s the possibility of chlorine gas if there just happened to be a pocket of it is why. Bad stuff.

November 30, 2024, 11:38 AM

moparacer

I just pull my Star off and run parts washer fluid back and forth through it a few times, blow dry it with air, and put it back on the car every few months.

January 16, 2025, 07:41 AM

arthurjohnston

Some solid tips here! If cleaning isn’t solving the problem, it might just be time for a new pump. I switched to a more updated hydraulic pump recently, and it’s been working great way less hassle. Happy to share what worked for me if anyone’s interested!

January 16, 2025, 08:36 AM

TomR

quote:
Originally posted by FootbrakeJim:
quote:
Originally posted by TomR:
Also remember, NEVER use Chlorinated brake clean on anything you intend to TIG weld.

Never heard that, TomR, curious what the issue would be? I didn't think brake cleaner left behind any chemical residue, once it has evaporated.

The story below was the first time I had heard of it.

https://www.brewracingframes.c...r--phosgene-gas.html

"The chemical in the brake cleaner is Tetrachloroethylene. When this chemical is exposed with excessive heat and argon (used in MIG and TIG welding) it also produces phosgene."

January 16, 2025, 06:38 PM

Wildman

quote:
Originally posted by TomR:
quote:
Originally posted by FootbrakeJim:
quote:
Originally posted by TomR:
Also remember, NEVER use Chlorinated brake clean on anything you intend to TIG weld.

Never heard that, TomR, curious what the issue would be? I didn't think brake cleaner left behind any chemical residue, once it has evaporated.

The story below was the first time I had heard of it.

https://www.brewracingframes.c...r--phosgene-gas.html

"The chemical in the brake cleaner is Tetrachloroethylene. When this chemical is exposed with excessive heat and argon (used in MIG and TIG welding) it also produces phosgene."

Thank you for sharing Tom, I have wondered if that was a good idea, I have used brake clean when I am out of acetone.

January 19, 2025, 02:06 PM

Cashflow

Thanks for posting that article about phosgene. Wow, bad stuff!

January 20, 2025, 07:29 AM

JAFR

quote:
posted January 16, 2025 07:41 AM Hide Post
Some solid tips here! If cleaning isn’t solving the problem, it might just be time for a new pump. I switched to a more updated hydraulic pump recently, and it’s been working great way less hassle. Happy to share what worked for me if anyone’s interested!

Tell me more about this setup, please. What pump did you use etc.

January 20, 2025, 08:40 AM

TD3550

On the Moroso units when they wear out. They make vane and bearing kits to rebuild it.

January 20, 2025, 09:46 AM

CURTIS REED

quote:
Originally posted by TD3550:
On the Moroso units when they wear out. They make vane and bearing kits to rebuild it.

Same for Star, or you can send it to them and they will rebuild and test it.