VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 Bench Testing the Vacuum Assist Unit

If I missed/there is not a response or conversation on this, I apologize.
So my unit is out. There is no boot on it and I was not able to test it with the engine running, therefore do not know the condition. It certainly (as it should) with the motor off was very stiff to shift.
So now that it's on the bench 2 questions:
1) Is the boot really necessary? (I heard they are a bear to get on).
2) Can you bench test it by using a vacuum on it? And do you do that via the port that comes from the intake manifold via the hose? I assume you can use a brake bleeder to do that and it should not leak down at all. Or.....a transmission shop can test it for you.
Thanks.

Hey Larry ...I took mine off and oiled it and cleaned it up and adjusted on the car while running ...get the tool for this job...basically a thick washer......Can`t help on bench testing, but as far as the rubber boot ....It`s a dust cover pretty much and I have made one out of heavy gauge black plastic and tie wrapped it on ....working for me .

THanks. Is that "thick washer" tool available from the usual sources?...Filling Station or Chev of 40's? or?
All that is well and good but unless it holds a vacuum it's not of any use.
But thank you.

I use my central vac to test wiper motors, etc. I take a small plastic funnel, tape a hose to the small end and hook it up. With the vacuum going, I put the hose end against the funnel and it snaps together. It gives me about 11 inches in vacuum.