Diagnosing P/B Failure (early A)

Connected a vacuum gauge/pump directly to the p/b reservoir on the inner fender. It would only pump up to 5" for some reason (first time I have ever checked it this way). I then attached the gauge to the hose that connects to the little tank and started the engine. When I pushed on the brake pedal I noticed a momentary change in idle speed and corresponding loss of a few inches on the gauge (maybe from 18" to 15"). Seriously considering changeover to dual master cylinder and aftermarket power booster. I already had the fsctory booster rebuilt once.

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