Adapter vs. universal vacuum coolant filler's.

[athyen]

Between work and home projects, I think I'm ready to look at purchasing a vacuum coolant filler. I think I am set on the Matco coolant filler (snap on and mac are the same, just more expensive) MCR102U or MCR102A.

Of those of you who have or have had these type of coolant fillers, which is preferred, the universal rubber cones or the adapter versions??? I will be using it on John Deere equipment, as well as various vehicles at home. My variety makes me lean towards the universal version, but I wonder if there are any issues with them sealing? I have found universal rubber cones for the adapter versions that could give me both versions.

So, what is preffered??? What issues have you all had with either version?

Side note: Anyone know who makes these for Snap-On, Mac, or Matco? They all appear to be the same, so someone has to be making them for them.

 

[rlitman]

The OEM is Airlift.

 

[athyen]

Ok, so they are just making a special one for the truck brands that doesn't require switching hoses to fill. I looked on their website and none of the 3 types they offer look remotely similar to the truck brand offerings.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Unless you are going to use it 10-15 times a month, it is not worth it.

Buy a Lisle Spill Free funnel - Amazon $25.12

Watch the video on how to use it. Sure it will add 15-20 minutes of time, but it work and it works well !

 

[WhiffySpark]

The funnel doesbt always work that well.

If I was still working I would own a snap on. It may be made by airlift but it is nicerimo. I just used our flush machine. Same principle pulled a vacuum and sucked it in.

I don't think they have a John Deere adaptor. Might have to go universal either way.

 

[shockwave]

If you have a Cornwell dealer they are usually cheaper than other truck brands

I use the cap style with assenmacher adapter work best and airlifts work well for leaks before you fill up it will loose vacuum immediately

 

[PoorOwner]

I think it is a cone shaped rubber plug with a hole in the middle so that makes it universal as long as you keep pressing on it.

The yellow fill kits doesn't work for me sometimes. Doesn't burp and you have a bowl of coolant have to wait till the car cools completely and hope it drains back down. So wasting a lot of time.

Also some European cars specify vac filling only. Some of their reservoir is pressurized with the filler cap on there.
makes it not so good for filling by funnel.

 

[theoldwizard1]

The funnel doesn't always work that well.

I gave not seen it fail

If I was still working I would own a snap on.

As I said, if you were doing 10-15 per month, it may be worth it. Less, and will take you many MANY months to pay for itself.

Not a fan of "flushing machines", but the old fashioned way with chemicals and rinse is just not practical for a commercial operation.

The place I take my cars to for work I can not do actually complimented my on how CLEAN the coolant and reservoir were on my 18 year old vehicle !

 

[gsingh]

I use adapters, but have seen others using universal ones.

 

[WhiffySpark]

It doesn't fail it takes way too long. Sometimes certain cars are harder to get the air out of. Nissan 3.5 is one

 

[JJThrasher]

I use the spill free funnel. Can't say I've ever found a need for anything else. That being said I'd go for an adapter setup over a universal setup any day.

 

[Formula]

I've seen more than a fair share of guys ship a car after using the spill free funnel only to have it come back later overheating.

Vacuum filling tools are the best option especially for vehicles that are hard to purge and burp.

 

[CaddyGuy]

For my homemade vacuum system, I used a spare resevoir cap, drilled a hole and put in a barb fitting. Then I injected JB Plastic weld with a syringe into the passage ways until it was air tight.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Get a vehicle with a pressurized remote coolant reservoir (pretty much all Fords). Fill, run until normal operating temp (thermostat opens), top off. Check again in a couple of days.

 

[ckeboss]

I have the air lift one. Its a universal, and is what GM specifies it its FSM. Works well, and the universal cone seals well. It does come with quite a few "adapter" rings that are made out of rubber that goes on instead of the code for smaller rad necks. Vac filling is a must if the car has a spot higher than the bottle/rad fill neck, like the corvette or some other gm offerings. And it's fast. Have a cold system filled in 5 minutes, rather than 20-30 minutes burping with the spill free funnel. I usually only use the air lift when the FSM calls for it though.

 

[JDon99]

I have the airlift as well. Works great. Just be sure to have enough coolant ready when you fill. I use a 5 gallon bucket to hold enough coolant for the job so I don't have to stop in the middle of filling.

 

[njric71]

I have heard that using those vacuum fillers on some cars can potentially blow the head gasket. If you get one I'd say be very careful how much vacuum you apply especially to an older car. Personally I don't do enough coolant changes to invest in one. Yellow funnel for me all the way.

 

[WhiffySpark]

The yellow bucket has failed me a couple times recently

 

[theoldwizard1]

The yellow bucket has failed me a couple times recently

Please expand on that statement.

 

[ttpete]

I have heard that using those vacuum fillers on some cars can potentially blow the head gasket. If you get one I'd say be very careful how much vacuum you apply especially to an older car. Personally, I don't do enough coolant changes to invest in one. Yellow funnel for me all the way.

The absolute maximum pressure differential you will have by pulling a vacuum is about 14.7 psi. That's less than you'd see in actual operation of the vehicle.

 

[WhiffySpark]

Please expand on that statement.

It's not that complicated. Have let several vechiles run for an hour still burping air out. After the t stat opens and closes figure all the air is out but nope. 2 over heated due to air pockets as soon as driving them.

It's old technology.

 

[shockwave]

Always use the airlift of possible when it has pressurized cap

I do the burping method with coolant bottle that circulates constantly and usually overfill a hair and recheck after cool down naturally