SO I just installed a new front bumper and had to relocate the vacuum pump. Completed everything and went on a 10 minute drive. Ate. Drove 10 minutes back at 60 mph. When I got back I opened the hood to run the wiring for new fog lights and WOW everything was very hot. I could not even put my hand on top of the plastic above the engine or anywhere else.

My first thought is my wiring sucked on the vacuum pump but then again what the heck is a vacuum pump on a JK? Everything I googled was its for brakes on cars. Maybe the engine is always this hot when its 100 degrees outside, even on a short trip and I am just now noticing since its the first time I opened the hood right after driving.

So, questions......what does the vacuum pump do and is there a way of testing it?
If my engine compartment did get as hot as what it felt to me, it should throw some warnings on the dash, right?

 

Here is a thread that explains the purpose of the vacuum assist reservoir:
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/modi...m-pump-250232/

I seriously doubt that it has any effect on the heat of your engine.
If your temperature gauge shows a normal operating temp and if the electric fans aren't working overtime, then you're probably ok

I've seen some posts where a JK with a relocated vacuum reservoir was used by dealers to deny warranty coverage for certain repairs, but that's a battle for another day...

 

Thanks. Strange I did a search on the homepage for "vacuum pump" before posting and got 0 search results back.