cooling system vacuum refill tool recommendations

[mrjaw14]

Greetings,

I’d like to hear you guys’ opinion on a cooling system vacuum refilll tool like an airlift.

There are two models I’m looking at right now:

Original AirLift: http://www.uview.com/index.cfm?DSP=...oryID=1330&pagepath=Products/Cooling&id=45700

Airlift II: http://www.uview.com/index.cfm?DSP=...oryID=1330&pagepath=Products/Cooling&id=45700

I know that the original AirLift is a tried and true product, the new Airlift II seems like an economy model because it doesn’t tighten down to the rad fill neck like the original it’s all plastic with cheaper valves. Having said that, it also seems like it’s upgraded design that allows purging of the fill line of air where as that’d be more difficult on the original version.

I’m really conflicted on what to buy. What’s driving me to get this is newer pressurized cooling systems. I have a Pontiac G6 that I just did a drain and fill on and I’m having a hack of a time getting all the air out. The needle stayed right around 200 degrees before I did the drain and fill, and now it struggles to get to 200 and stay there. Either there’s air in the system, or the T-Stat is stuck open. I was worried about an air lock and coolant not circulating causing an overheat.
I’m also about to do a newer F250 that has both the pressurized type and a standard type, and I sure don’t want to introduce issues into that.

If there’s another product other than AirLift that you guys think works better that’s not 2x the price please let me know.

Also, those of you who have vacuum cooling system refill kits I’d like to know your tips and tricks. I hear that reverse fill systems can be difficult. What’s you guys’ experience with these tools and how well do they work?

 

[WhiffySpark]

Subscribed. I'm interested.

 

[Jeeper]

Get the original airlift. Pretty sure the Airlift 2 is just a cheaper version with less adapters and options. I have the original and it's really handy. Fills a radiator quickly and I typically make less mess using it then when using a funnel. Also the best part is you replace a part in a cooling system, the Airlift can test out the integrity of the closed system.

 

[toddoky]

The Robinair 75062 also seems to get good reviews and it's reportedly made in the US. It's also typically cheaper than the Airlift.

 

[mrjaw14]

The Robinair 75062 looks almost exactly the same as the AirLift II, gauge is angled differently. The components look real similar though

http://www.robinair.com/products/coolant-refiller

 

[[email protected]]

go with the orig airlift have had mine and using it for about 8 yrs now with no problems

 

[mrjaw14]

How do you purge the fill line so it doesn't **** air in when you change the hoses? I'm assuming you dip the hose in water with the valve open, close the valve and connect to the main tool body then flip the valve on to begin drawing coolant? I've read the instructions for the original and it doesn't say to do anything like that, but on the airlift II models it does say you can purge the fill hose since you don't have to change anything out like you do on the original.

 

[mrjaw14]

What are some stories about using or not using these, as well as tips and tricks to getting air out?

 

[Jeeper]

I have never purged the air out of the fill tube. Wondered if it mattered but haven't any any problems with air in systems I have used the airlift on.

 

[toolman9w]

I have had this one for years. It will allow you to pull a vacuum and then pull the fluid up to the valve. Then proceed pulling a further vacuum on the system. I filled several over the road tractors with this one.
http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/MCR103U/COOLING-SYSTEM-FILLER/

 

[mcmtech]

I've had the original airlift for years, works great. Also, the lisle funnel works well too, i probably use that more

 

[pl_silverado]

Advantage Engineering Coolant Flush. Look them up. I am a distributor.

 

[trackwelder]

Advantage Engineering Coolant Flush. Look them up. I am a distributor.

Cool machine for sure. What's the retail on it?

 

[F150tech]

I have been using the original airlift kit for 3 years as aprofessional and would not consider using anything else

 

[xj31]

I have been using the original airlift for probably 15 years. I use it almost daily and I have no complaints. I work with guys that have the newer model, it works fine also. Any of the tools mentioned should be fine, I just like the original because its built a little more solid. As far as getting the air out of the hose, I have the actual original and it has ports to connect both hoses at the same time. You just vacuum the system and open the valve slightly to pull coolant into the fill hose. Close it and vacuum some more and you're all set

 

[Bobioz1]

Shop owns the Original Airlift. It's really loud and its bulky. Hated using it. Bought the Airlift 2 for my own use. It is smaller, quiter and seems to work better (faster). Costs less too.

 

[mrjaw14]

I've had the original airlift for years, works great. Also, the lisle funnel works well too, i probably use that more

I have the lisle spill free funnel, which works great on conventional radiators, but when my g6 warms up and builds pressure it suddenly starts coming out the fill bottle and goes everywher, so I can't leave the system open to burp it. It really did not like that lol! That's what got me considering the vacuum refill tools

 

[Showkey]

Factory fill of the cooling system and brake system use the vacuum for extremely quick and perfect fill with no bleeding and no air in the systems. Obviously the factory uses a huge pump and production fittings.

Airlift Uview is a common shop tool and there dozens of copies in the market. Amazon has a large selection with 100's of reviews.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Unless you are a professional where "time is money", I do not think they are worth it.

Buy a Lisle 24610 Spill-Free Funnel kit. These really do work !!

 

[theoldwizard1]

Factory fill of the cooling system and brake system use the vacuum for extremely quick and perfect fill with no bleeding and no air in the systems.

Actually, the reason why Ford uses remote coolant reservoirs on all of their cooling systems is that vacuum was still not "perfect" !

Just fill to the Max Cold line and double check after a few days.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I have the lisle spill free funnel, which works great on conventional radiators, but when my g6 warms up and builds pressure it suddenly starts coming out the fill bottle and goes everywher, ...

Simple. Pinch off the house going to the overflow bottle.

Or is this a pressurized, remote reservoir that is higher than the radiator cap ? If so, put the cap on and use the funnel on the reservoir.

Low temp usually means stuck thermostat. Air will cause spikes in the temp.