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Parker-Racor Vacuum Gauge

Discussion in 'Engines' started by SplashFl, Feb 9, 2025 at 12:33 PM.

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  1. SplashFl, Feb 9, 2025 at 12:33 PM
    #1
    SplashFl

    SplashFl Senior Member

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    Purchased new gauges July 24 and just noticed the thin black needle reading about 28 when engine is off. The black needle on the other engines filter reads 0 and when running the thin red needle shows it was at 3. Filters appear clean, not had any diesel issues and not yet heard back from Racor. Anyone else seen this ??

    Racor Gauge.jpg
  2. Capt Ralph, Feb 9, 2025 at 2:00 PM
    #2
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    With the gauge in a warm hand, holding the gauge with the rubber plug up, crack that rubber plug on the top. This will equalize the pressure inside the gauge.
    Some gauge oil may seek out, not a problem.
    Gauge should now return to zero.
  3. SplashFl, Feb 9, 2025 at 2:21 PM
    #3
    SplashFl

    SplashFl Senior Member

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    Not tried the "warm hand" thing yet but is that little vent plug supposed to then be pushed back down ??
  4. Capt Ralph, Feb 9, 2025 at 2:31 PM
    #4
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    I try to just lift the edge of that plug with my fingernail to equalize. But if removed, yes, plug it back in.
    Other oil filled gauges have a pin to remove then re-install. Others have a mini plastic lever to open/close.

    These cost-reduced gauges are not temperature or altitude compensated. If you are a perfectionist, temperature compensated gauges may be required.
  5. SplashFl, Feb 9, 2025 at 4:03 PM
    #5
    SplashFl

    SplashFl Senior Member

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    The other one has its plug down. Hand warming did nothing. None of the much cheaper oil filled ones had the indicator needles & I prefer the concept of these providing the ability to view vacuum when at the dock. Turning the center knob turns the thin red needle and with it the thin black one but regardless of where I leave it the black will only remain at 28 where as with the other engine's filter the black goes to 0 and leaves the red at the highest vacuum reading as designed. I suspect this gauge is ready for the deep 6. Shame on me for not noticing it when received last July.
  6. Capt Ralph, Feb 9, 2025 at 4:40 PM
    #6
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Red-neck try;
    While holding a finger over the rubber plug, with your other hand squeeze the front and back together.
    This developes some pressure in the gauge case and may move the black needle down a bit. If the needle is just stuck, this may help.
    Holding the plug down helps it from leaking or blowing off as the gauge case is pressurized.

    If it still does not move, blow some compressed air up the orifice.

    If you trash it, save me the rubber plug please. I have some gauges in my shop missing that plug.
  7. SplashFl, Feb 9, 2025 at 5:25 PM
    #7
    SplashFl

    SplashFl Senior Member

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    I'll give it a shot but I know the black is not stuck in place as it springs back to 28 whenever I turn the center knob. It does go with the thin red when I turn that so if it's stuck anyplace it's to the red and it pulls the red with it to 28.
    I'm sort of expecting Racor will do the right thing and ask me to send it back for repair or exchange but if not I'll send you the plug. Meanwhile the hunt for the receipt goes on if they'll want to see that.