I know very little about diesels.  Can someone tell me why they need
vacuum pumps.  Isn't there enough vacuum at the intake to run power
brakes etc.?
  My Saab 900 has an electrically powered vacuum pump just for the
cruise control.  While walking thru a Pick-N-Pull the other day I saw an
identical vacuum pump on a Quantum diesel.  Got me wondering...

Larry A.

Mary Beth and Chris Geiser wrote:
>
> Jim,
>         I haven't taken the vacuum pump out on the van yet, but on my
> old Rabbit, you pull it out by loosening the two bolts on the clamp that
> hold it down.  Then it pulls right out.  There's a membrane in there
> that ruptures and then you don't get vacuum.  Pull the hose off and see
> if there's vacuum at the pump when engine is running... if you see lots
> of oil or no vacuum, then membrane is tore - get a new one for cheap and
> replace it.  If there's vacuum and the assist still doesn't work on your
> brakes, then start looking elsewhere....  To put it back it, I just
> shoved it back down the hole... no real aligning needed as I recall...
>
> Chris
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM] On Behalf
> Of Jim Arnott
> Seems to run well
> though there is a problem with the vacuum pump (NO BRAKES!!!)
>
> Who can talk to me about Diesel vacuum pumps? I'm curious about the
> position (rotationally).  Does it affect anything other than fit? In
> other words, why no power to the brakes?
>
>
> Jim