I'm losing vacuum on my '82 Dodge Ram with an 3.7L 225cu in slant six. I've getting about 10-13 psi when the engine is idling. Sometimes it drops and then engine will die. Thanks for the help.

Sounds like you have a vacuum leak or your timing is out of adjustment, possibly both. Check the usual culprits:

(1) base timing (Make sure your timing mark hasn't slipped giving you a false reading)
(2) manifolds to head seal
(3) choke pulloff diaphragm on the carb
(4) carb base gasket

If those don't fix the problem, try looking in more exotic locations

(5) HVAC hoses that drive the flapper doors in the dash
(6) power brake booster
(7) the vacuum hoses themselves, cracks (also missing caps on the vacuum tee)
(8) porous or cracked factory aluminum intake manifold (check the floor near the EGR port under the carb

Good hunting!

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Casually looking for a Clifford hyperpak intake for cheap.

If vacuum is steady at idle but lower than normal, the ignition or valve timing may be retarded. Low compression, an intake leak or tight valves also can cause low vacuum at idle.

Low vacuum also can be an immediate clue to a plugged exhaust. To check further, run the engine at about 2500 rpm for about 15 seconds. If vacuum drops during this period and does not increase when you close the throttle, you may be looking at a restricted exhaust.

Two articles on reading a Vacuum Gauge:
http://autospeed.com/cms/title_Using-a- ... ticle.html
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_q ... _n8978956/

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'81 D150 with "Lean Burn"