I have the inoperative indicator on my vacuum gauge indicating the right engine vacuum pump is inoperative. Any suggestions on where to purchase a new unit or have the pump rebuilt? How many hours is normal before failure on these pumps for those people who have owned the twin commanche for a long period of time? I am wondering if I should replace both pumps or wait until the left engine pump fails. I have a 1966 PA-30B.

Thanks,

John W.

Vacuum pumps are avalable pretty much anywhere. On the 4 cyl engines they last about 1000-1200 hrs. Being you have 2 pumps, my suggestion is to replace the faild one, and then when the other one fails replace it. You have 2 pumps for a reason. Don't change them both at the same time, then they will quit at the same time...
-Zach

Zach,

That sounds like a good plan. Do you recommend new or rebuilt? Or, doesn't it matter?

John

John, this is also a good time to check your hoses and check valve as well. We have recently had to address these in my twin.

I always go new on single pump systems, but rebuilt will save a few bucks when you have two pumps. The life expectancy of a rebuilt is somewhat less, and does not seem to be as predictable.

Zach

When running a charter operation in the late 80's, vacuum pumps were always an issue on our deiced Navajos and Aztecs. At that time, I couldn't find a rebuilder who could make them last as long as a new Airborne pump. Rapco was the best and at the price delta, were a better value. We averaged around 700 hours on the Airborne pumps and about 500 on the Rapco pumps. I had Tempest overhaul the two vacuum pumps in Magge when I got her. These are the big pumps for the deicing system. They have 400 hours on them and are going strong.

If anyone ever runs across at 441CC-11 pump, I would be interested in a spare. They are rather rare.