Original part for ‘53?

[53buickconvert]

I took this off my parts car (53 Riv) and not sure what it is and if is an original or add on item. It was located in the left inner fender wall and I believe plumbed to the vacuum system. Any info. would be appreciated.

 

Tim

[Beemon]

That looks like an old Trico vacuum pump. They're pretty desireable for guys trying to build a fuel injection 57 Chevy. Pretty good system to supplement vacuum wipers if you can get it running. Does it still have the brown circuit board with fuse? 

Edited February 19, 2018 by Beemon (see edit history)

[1953mack]

Tim,

You have what Ben says: a TRICO brand electric vacuum pump (EVP).

 

♦  Your picture shows the TRICO ELECTRO-VAC model that was factory-installed on all 1953 Buick Roadmasters at the very tail end of the 1953 production run to address deficiencies (read: hard brake pedal) in Buick's first-year power brake system. Buick literature notes that power brakes were not offered on the 1953 Super or Special Series Models. There is the possibility that you might see one of these on earlier-1953 Buick Roadmasters if owners elected to upgrade their OE power brake system. You might also see this brand on some early-1954 Buicks with power brakes (using up the left-overs from 1953?). 

♦  The EVP was not used for windshield wiper operation because if wired properly, the EVP doesn't run continuously.

♦  Consider the EVP as an auxiliary vacuum supply designed to attain/retain sufficient vacuum pressure for a soft-touch power-brake pedal only when (1) the ignition was turned to the ON position and the engine was not started-up or running yet, (2) if engine RPMs were below ±250 RPMs after start-up or fell below that range just short of a stall, or (3) the engine stalled-out completely. The EVP kicked in and out via its own electrical relay that tied-in the generator and ignition . . . no brown circuit boards.  

♦  In 1954, Buick introduced a second brand of EVP (MORVAC) that was manufactured by GM's Moraine Products Division to replace the TRICO brand EVP. The 1954 EVP is not as rare as the 1953. 1953-1954 were the only years Buick used the EVP.

♦  Parts are not interchangeable between the two brands/models and are somewhat difficult to find. You might have to find two to come up with one good one. Usually the motors are burned out due to improper wiring, ignitions that are left on the ON position for extended time periods without the engine running, or lack of oil.

 

Sad to say and as I mentioned before on this Forum, Buick's 1953 power brake system had problems including a recall. Power Brake Cylinder problems continued on into 1954-1955. My contention is that the power brake system on the 1953-1954 Buicks remains to be the most understood part on the entire car. Unfortunately, there is also a lot of misinformation out there in shiny-paper magazines that adds more confusion to the already-confused owners trying to figure out how all the confusing-looking power brake-related parts should work. 

 

I would hang on to your EVP, relay, and hardware if the pump's motor isn't toasted. The next owner might be interested in upgrading your restored 76C. They are not that difficult to add onto your existing power brake's vacuum line run. You would also need to address the 1953-only vacuum check valve if you decide to install one of these EVPs. Good luck.

 

Al Malachowski

BCA #8965

"500 Miles West of Flint"

 

Edited March 1, 2018 by 1953mack (see edit history)

[53buickconvert]

Thanks Al, that is very helpful  information. On the EVP that I have, the motor will not run and one of the hose connectors to the housing is broken. I have to admit that during my restoration, I attempted to keep everything as original as possible, but I did put a late model brake booster on so I was better able to avoid any damage to the expensive stainless and chrome on the front of my Roadmaster.

 

Tim