So, I'm going away next week. I decided that I'd replace the seals on my Vacuum pump as despite being done 3 years ago, there's a slight weep and knowing my luck, it'd turn in to a leak and cause me a breakdown just when I don't need it !
So, I order a set of seals and when they arrive , dismantle what I need to and discover it's just the main seal from the back of the pump to the engine. I clean everything of oil and replaced the seal. BUT just as I was about to reinstate it, I decided that as I had the other 2 seals and the pump was already out, that it would be a good idea to change them all for piece of mind and save me doing it all again in the future.
The top valve would not budge - I guess it was hardened with age as the side tabs wouldn't compress. I applied a little more pressure then,,,,,,,,,,,ping !


1 scrap vacuum pump !

That was last Thursday. I got straight on to the internet to find a replacement. Not cheap.£125 -£350 ! Tried Ebay.Found a genuine used one for £50 - but although I knew it would fit, I'd still need to replace the seals and that valve may be just as troublesome and land me back at square 1.
I found a new one - £39 with free postage, but the vendor was away until the next day and as he was only around 12 miles away, I wanted to collect the pump so I could guarantee it was a good quality item as I couldn't find any information as regards the stated manufacturer. I never received a reply from them, despite several messages over the next few days - I couldn't risk it not being sent in time if I pressed the BIN.
I was watching a QH brand pump at £95 with a 3 day delivery time. I decided yesterday I had no choice to buy it as even then, I'd be pushing it time wise as delivery stated "by Friday" and I couldn't risk not getting one in time. But as luck would have it there was a 20% off offer just as I went to buy it so I got it for £77 !
It arrived today, less than 24 hours later ! Phew - crisis averted.
All fitted within 25 minutes . The first time I did the job it took me 3 hours.

This I totally understand!

Phew. that was close, well done.  DAVE.