Vacuum Pump - delete or not???

[QinVB]

Several months ago the inet was full of enthusiasm for deleting the vacuum pump(VP) on 6.5 TD engines when they crapped out like mine just did. Now the consensus seems to be that it's better to replace, and keep, the VP for several reasons - better fuel mileage, engine longevity, "that's the way it was designed and meant to be", etc.

So what is the best way to go? Cost is comparable. Actually I can replace the VP for less than the cost of eliminating it, unless I make a home made turbo master style controller and get a good deal on a 99.9" serp belt, but add in the boost gauge and it's close to the same cost; close enough to do the VP if that is the wise thing to do. This truck has to last and be trouble free. That's why I'm doing all this preventative work on it. I can't afford to replace it. If I could I wouldn't have bought a $1275.00 dollar truck. I have a good foundation, I just want to build on it, not hot rod it up and break it somewhere down the line. I'll be 70 soon and I'm not really enjoying doing mechanical work in my driveway anymore, and it's getting colder. So - what's better long range???

Fermanator - would appreciate your input on this.

 

[QinVB]

BTW: I did a search here and on other forums and didn't find any definitive answer to this question. That's why I'm posting as a new thread.

 

[Will L.]

Consider an electric vacuum pump? Still end up getting a shorter belt and eliminate the mechanical pump cost, replaced by a cheaper pump.
There is idler pulley that can be bought to replace the vacuum pump, but fabrication is required to fit it there.

If you are going to upgrade the turbo later to the ATT or hx turbo, dont spend the money in a pump now. Keep in mind many people that tow with their truck report increases of mpg with ATT over stock.

A home made turbo master can be done on the cheap, but yes better mpg out of the vacuum pump for the stock turbo.

Long term use is what it really comes down to, and not spending cash on temporary things helps get the end result sooner. How heavy do you have a the service truck loaded down and how much towing could be the factors of outing the turbo over a bad vacuum pump instead of outing it later when it dies, and selling the still working turbo to recover a bit of cash.

 

[QinVB]

After reading more about the turbomaster - home made or not - I've decided to keep things stock for now. Vac pump on its way from RA. I'm looking for longevity and it seems that better fuel mileage goes along with that if I keep it stock.