My Homemade Manometer (pics!)

[Matchless]

Here is the info if you want to make your own vacuum port adapters. You need the following:

Four 5mm x 0.8mm brass bolts about 30 mm long
Four 5mm x 0.8mm brass nuts
Four o-rings ID 5mm
Four 6-7mm metal pipe joiners (male both ends) also called barbs
A 5mm x .8mm tap
A 1.5mm drill bit
Thread locker

1) Cut the heads off the brass bolts so that you have four threaded pieces about 25mm long.
2) Use the 1.5 mm dril and drill a hole lengthwise through the shaft - use drill press if you have - keep this hole a small as you can, it helps with the dampening.
3)The metal couplers (barbs) are mostly brass with chrome plating. Use the tap to thread one end for about 8-10 mm deep.
4) Put a drop of threadlocker on the brass threaded part and screw into the coupler.
5) Put a drop of threadlocker on the thread (coupler side) and screw the nut in until about 8-10 mm of the thread sticks out.
6) Push a small o-ring up against the nut

You now have 4 vacuum take off connectors for your vacuum ports

You could also solder them together if you do not have a tap.

[Nessism]

This is a simpler method to make your own port adapters...

1) take 5mm x .8mm screw and drill a 3/32" hole or so down center
2) using a larger bit, 13/64" or so, open up the socket head hex to match tubing
3) epoxy piece of 5mm OD tubing into hex (hobby stores sell tubing like this)
4) install O-ring onto threaded end

These photos show the screw. The tubing was not epoxied in place and there is no O-ring but I'm sure you guys can figure that part out.

[Matchless]

This is a simpler method to make your own port adaptors...

1) take 5mm x .8mm screw and drill hole down center
2) using a larger bit, 13/64" or so, open up the socket head hex to match tubing
3) epoxy piece of 5mm OD tubing into hex (hobby stores sell tubing like this)
4) install O-ring onto threaded end

These photos show the screw. The tubing was not epoxied in place and there is no O-ring but I'm sure you guys can figure that part out.

Hi Nessism,
Thats definitely an easier way and even allows for a finger grip if you can get the allan heads with the ridges! Have you made up the "special tool" to reach down to the screws and locknuts from the top yet.
Keep well.

[1978GS1000custom]

Homemade Manometer is pretty darn cool in my book. homemade tools are always the best because you get the reward of knowing you won! would it be feasable to build another one alot smaller? if you want, i can measure everything on mine and send you these measurements and some pics. this would be a super weekend project for anyone who wants to check there sync from time to time and save some bucks and build it themselfs. it has been said," its never yours until you build it" i am pretty sure that goes for tools too. someone told me once along time ago if it wasnt for hillbillys and there contraptions nascar would have never been born. GOOD JOB! next is a static balancer and tire machine and a frame jig (all home made too) cliff

[Nessism]

Hi Nessism,
Thats definitely an easier way and even allows for a finger grip if you can get the allan heads with the ridges! Have you made up the "special tool" to reach down to the screws and locknuts from the top yet.
Keep well.

You talking about on the carb linkage to sync them? If so, I bought one. Could have made one but was going though a weak moment...

[C.V.]

Nice job.

Depending on the amount of fluid in your reservoir, you could probably lower the level to the bottom of the tubes, as long as the tubes are still immersed in fluid.
That would reduce your overall height of the manometer that much more.

Now, after it's all done (and, you say, worth it), just how much time to you figure you have invested in this project, including all the research, material acquisition and assembly?

How much do you value your time?

How do you plan to store your gauge until the next time you use it?

Do you think that overall, it was worth all the time (and its value) rather than $90 for a ready-made item (that is only about 18" long and won't leak)?

Please, expiring minds want to know.

.

Overall was it worth it? ABSOLUTELY! I did this mainly for the preoccupation, both mental and physical. The fact that it helps my bike is a fringe benefit. I literally have about 17 dollars into it, including the ATF, so moneywise it was worth it for sure. Time wise, all told, it was no more than a few hours, mostly researching the theory, and maybe an hour and a half to build it total. Given the free time i have at the moment, not to mention most of the research was done while I was still working..., yeah it was worth the time too. Where will I store it? In my garage I suspect...

From personal experience, I know that when you're between jobs, your time can be worth a lot less than than at other times, particularly when something costs the same as a week's worth of groceries.

Speaking of which, hey Victor, how's the job hunt going? Any more leads?

No new leads yet, but i have some side work doing a little painting, and the UI checks have started rolling in, so we're floating OK.

[Griffin]

Overall was it worth it? ABSOLUTELY! I did this mainly for the preoccupation, both mental and physical. The fact that it helps my bike is a fringe benefit. I literally have about 17 dollars into it, including the ATF, so moneywise it was worth it for sure. Time wise, all told, it was no more than a few hours, mostly researching the theory, and maybe an hour and a half to build it total. Given the free time i have at the moment, not to mention most of the research was done while I was still working..., yeah it was worth the time too. Where will I store it? In my garage I suspect...


No new leads yet, but i have some side work doing a little painting, and the UI checks have started rolling in, so we're floating OK.

Keep looking. When I was unemployed for a few months last year, I started mowing lawns (my neighbor has a groundskeeping business) and made several hundred $$ on some weeks.

Keep doing whatever it takes, and you'll make your own luck.

[Matchless]

You talking about on the carb linkage to sync them? If so, I bought one. Could have made one but was going though a weak moment...

Unfortunately not available here and I will have to make one. I have just found a bit of tube and a 300mm screwdriver, so just have to get to my friend who has a better welder.

[Nessism]

Found a piece of copper tubing at the hardware store that was a perfect fit. Just need to pick up some O-rings and they are done.

[Baatfam]

Found a piece of copper tubing at the hardware store that was a perfect fit. Just need to pick up some O-rings and they are done.

OK...looks good...but why not just thread the copper tubing? Or brass tubing??

[Nessism]

OK...looks good...but why not just thread the copper tubing? Or brass tubing??

Thread the tubing? Obvious solution. Didn't think of it. Need to see if there is a die in the garage.

[tkent02]

I threaded my tubing, it is too weak. A little accidental tug on the hose and it bends.
It works, but it's not very good.
Nessism's screw and pipe idea is a lot better.

[Guest]

That looks pretty good, C.V.! I'm wondering if that home made tool wouldn't in fact be more accurate than the available sync tools, due to the sensitivity from the difference in scale...... differences within two lines (close enough, according to the Carbtune manual) might show up on your device as several inches, making it easier to fine tune. It would be interesting to use both tools back to back, to check it out.

Tony.