I passed SMOG in November 2017 when I purchased this here in Los Angeles but truly not sure how I passed since the vacuum lines are a big mess and the EGR valve itself was clogged with carbon. I got my SMOG certification and have done some upgrades in the last few months. New EGR valve, new shocks, alternator, regulator, tires, interior door handle. Still wondering about the vacuum lines as there is no diagram in side the hood but did find a page from Mitchell's repair manual at my mechanic's shop. Been looking closely at that page that I took a photo of and getting ready to get the vacuum situation correct now that the new EGR valve is in place. I finally got around to removing the vacuum solenoid, cleaning it, blowing air through it and connecting 12v through the connector but no clicking...so we can assume it's dead now and was dead when I passed SMOG 3 months ago.
Been looking on Ebay and Amazon for a replacement solenoid but it's rare. I can't read the part number of the existing solenoid. I was wondering if anyone has ever tried to use a NOS early 1980's Ford or aftermarket vacuum solenoid with the newer plug in connector..... let's say for an Escort or another model with small engine. Will that mess with the ECU/ECM that my Pinto has? Different amps, different pumping rate? Or am I complicating things? I mean all of these vacuum solenoids run on 12v system so that shouldn't be a problem or should it? Then the only other issue remaining is to purchase the right connector (male or female) for the aftermarket solenoid and splice the wiring correctly? Or is it not that simple? I'm hoping (not truly expecting) that I can get a bit more performance out of this with a fully functioning vacuum system. All of the existing vacuum lines are in good shape but I will replace them all once I get the solenoid solved.
On another topic, I read from the original Ford brochure online that the axle ratio on the MPG is 3.00 compared to the other options which were 3.18 and 3.40. I wonder if this 3.00 ratio is partially responsible for the underwhelming first and second gear acceleration.. .apart from the fact that the pistons and seals etc. need a considerable amount of work. Regardless the car is driving much better but have been averaging a miserable 10-12 mpg in strictly city driving.
Any thoughts or recommendation s/suggestions are appreciated.