DIY Valve Seat Vacuum Tester - Cheap!

This R107 Video: DIY Valve Seat Vacuum Tester - Cheap!

I am documenting every part of this vehicle as I put it back together. The idea is to end up with the best documented 560SL rebuilds on the Internet.

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In this video I describe a valve seat vacuum tester tool that I made including all the necessary port fittings and gauges for under US$60. Then I am going to use this tool and test the valve seats on a cylinder head before I lap them to get a baseline.

There are plenty of videos that are similar to this, but I have a surprise. In this video I will do a valve seat vacuum test without valve seals or springs. In fact, no assembly is required to vacuum test your valves. I have not seen this done before, but I'm sure it has because it is so darn simple.

Links to any special tools used in this video is also below.

In this video I mention another video I happened to find titled "Leak Down Testing My Cylinder Heads On A Bench? PORSCHE 912 Engine Build Part 4". I thought this was a great video and a great resource. Here is a direct link to the video:

   • Leak Down Testing My Cylinder Heads O...  

I want everyone who visits my channel to know about a friend of mine name Tasos. His videos inspire me to be more like him. The man is amazing I feel. There is NO way I would be this far without his help. You can find his YouTube channel at:

   / tasosmoschatos  

My videos are not sponsored by anyone. The products and tools I use are products and tools I have purchased with my own money. I include links below to any special tools or products used in this video.

I bought the Harbor Freight vacuum pump. All you need is an air compressor and you are good to go:

https://www.harborfreight.com/air-vac...

These are the necessary plugs and tubing needed to vacuum test your valve seats without installing your seals or springs. I bought the 40 Pc 1/16" to 3/4" High Temp Silicone Rubber Tapered Plug Kit. I like it:

https://amzn.to/3cQz3y3

You then need this tubing for the valves. Latex Rubber Tubing Tube 5/16" (8mm) ID x 1/2" (12mm) OD:

https://amzn.to/3OKEID5

Parts used to create the suction cups and hoses. All of this is cheaper at my local hardware store (Home Depot, Lowes, Ace). I included links here for those that don't have the luxury of a hardware store close by.

You only need a 4x4, but this is a 6 x 6 x 1/4 Inch Aluminum Sheet:

https://amzn.to/3Q5rula

You can purchase a cheaper one, but this is the one I bought. This is the MEASUREMAN 2-1/2" dial, 1/4"NPT Lower, Glycerin Filled, Stainless Steel case, Brass Inside:

https://amzn.to/3Q8AiqF

These are the foam pads I bought. 4" X 4" X 1/4" Adhesive Foam Pad:

https://amzn.to/3zHtCKE

You only need one. Brass Pipe Fitting, SUNGATOR Bar stock Tee, 1/4" x 1/4" x 1/4" NPT Female Pipe (2-Pack):

https://amzn.to/3Q0Ja1t

You need two. 1/4" Heavy Duty Air Compressor Brass Ball Valve:

https://amzn.to/3oD0uxJ

I bought a 4 pack. 1/4" Hose Barb to 1/8 NPT Male Brass:

https://amzn.to/3oH4VrA

1/4-Inch Clear Vinyl Tubing. This is much cheaper at your local hardware:

https://amzn.to/3oFGYkk

This video is very detailed and is intended for the absolute beginner (ME). This is how I did things. If you see a problem, let me and the world know by leaving a comment.

Disclosure: I have never pulled an engine before and I have never rebuilt one either. This video series is documenting an inexperienced old guy tore apart his 1987 560SL.

I will be doing a Facebook Live (or YouTube live) when I start this car for the very first time since 2008. Make sure you get notified when I publish a new video so you don't miss this special event.