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Old 12-11-2008, 01:43 AM   #5 (permalink)
Clev
Wannabe greenie
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Yorba Linda, CA
Posts: 1,098

The Clunker (retired) - '90 Honda Accord EX sedan
Team Honda
90 day: 29.49 mpg (US)

Mountain Goat - '96 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4 SuperCab
90 day: 18 mpg (US)

Zippy - '10 Kymco Agility 125
90 day: 65.03 mpg (US)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sean T. View Post
What exactly does a vacuum gauge do?
It measures the vacuum at the intake manifold. As engine power increases, the engine generates less vacuum. The upshot is that a vacuum gauge can show you approximately how much the engine is putting out. In my case, for instance, when normally driving up the hill, I'd see between 0 and 3 inches on the gauge. By adjusting my speed and throttle a little bit, I'm able to climb at about 6 inches at nearly the same speed. Therefore, I'm using less fuel by being very subtle with the go pedal. The vacuum gauge gives me that instant feedback.
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