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On a recent 1,000 miles RV trip we experience some fuel tank pressure issues that caused the engine to die. It happened three times. Each time we were able to safely manage the situation and get the engine started again. I will fix the fuel tank venting issue. But this issue has given me an appreciation for how important it is that your brakes work at least one more time if the engine dies.
To that end, I added a vacuum reservoir in between the engine and the brake booster. In my tests, when the engine dies, I still get full power brakes for one press, and half power brakes on the second press. I am happy.
I did consider installing an electric vacuum pump instead of a vacuum reservoir. However I didn't like the complexity of it. It is another part that could fail and I still wanted my brakes powered by engine vacuum even if the pump didn't work. To avoid that complexity and multiple new failure points, I opted instead for a simple vacuum tank. Maybe if I had souped up engine with an aggressive cam and no engine vacuum, I would need the vacuum pump. But that isn't my current situation.
I got a high quality vacuum pump by CVR, a candadian company. It has a one way check valve and the ports can be rotated. It also includes a gauge so you can see the acutal vacuum level. It can be mounted horizontally or vertically. I am very happy with this tank. Movies
Vacuum tank installed.mp4 (24.4MB)
Pictures
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| | | | | ports can be rotated as needed | | | | | | vertical installion would work but could block future steering maintenance | | | | | Horizontal installation looks better to me | | | | | Old brake booster vacuum line, connects directly to intake manifold not carb | | | | | Runs up the driver side and forward to the booster | | | | | I replaced the vacuum line | | | | | | | | Fabricated a mount for the vacuum tank | | | | | | | | I left some length past that 2nd bolt in case I decide to mount more stuff to this bracket | | | | | | Looks great and fits well | | | | | | | 