DeTomaso Mailing List: May 2000, Message #142

John Parsons mentioned yesterday in his SUPER writeup of his 'Vegas
track time (and in 'Vegas) that he had lost vacuum (and thus his brakes)
almost causing a crash on the course. I talked with someone during the
concourse about this and he mentioned that some diesels use an electric
pump that pulls something like 29" of vac - it's always there and gives
about twice (?) the boost. 

In the HR magazine I got today there's an add on page 66 for Master
Power Brakes (888-251-2353) for their AC2723K electric vacuum pump.
Specs are 7x6x3 inches, 5 lbs, 20" vacuum, and 3 amps. It sounds a
little bigger than the one described to me, but still small enough.

So, anyone ever used such a thing? Know of any deisel (truck?) units?
Would something like a diesel VW use one? Is this a solution for those
complaining that they can't press hard enough on their brakes - I seem
to remember a recent Profiles (or NL) article where someone went to
great lengths to change the MC diameters to get more leverage. Seems
like this would be a better way to go (assuming the booster can handle it).

BTW, I suggested to John that maybe there was a leak in his booster, its
check valve, or lines as there should be plenty of vacuum for at least a
couple of brake stabs even with no vacuum at the engine when the brakes
are applied.

Richard Barkley