So my cars ac is dead completely. I need to get a vacuum pump but I don't want one that is one time use like HF **** pumps. I've read a lot of reviews on Chinese vacuum pumps and it seems to be hit or miss. You either get a good one or you use it once and it stops pulling a good vacuum. I'm looking at a JB 6 cfm 2-stage vacuum pump since I could do many jobs and not worry about the pump. Also looking at Mastercool aluminum manifold gauges to go with my pump. What are your thoughts?
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Automotive ac vacuum pumps
- Thread starter alexp1289
- Start date
Ohmthis
Well-known member
I've got the 7 cfm version of the jb, love it! I will say, that you don't really need 6 cfm for automotive. The systems are fairly small. A 2 or 3 cfm is all you really need. As far as the Chinese pumps, my buddy bought one of the little pumps off eBay. It has done a very good job for him. I will say he uses a name brand pump oil and that could make it last. As far as gauges go, get the best you can afford and don't be afraid of used. I like yellow jacket and they can be rebuilt, so you might get a really good deal on a used set. The gauge itself can be swapped, so don't worry if what you find isn't set up for R134A.
So my cars ac is dead completely. I need to get a vacuum pump but I don't want one that is one time use like HF **** pumps. I've read a lot of reviews on Chinese vacuum pumps and it seems to be hit or miss. You either get a good one or you use it once and it stops pulling a good vacuum. I'm looking at a JB 6 cfm 2-stage vacuum pump since I could do many jobs and not worry about the pump. Also looking at Mastercool aluminum manifold gauges to go with my pump. What are your thoughts?
You better add a Micron meter to your list. Most analog manifold gauges aren't accurate down to the <500 micron level which you need to get to.
rcjoy
Well-known member
I just got a Robinair 15434. Assembled in USA with a made in China motor. 4 CFM, which is probably the largest flow you should get for automotive use. My Ford truck service manual says to use 4 CFM or less.
It has fittings for both R134a and R12/R22. A nice feature is the built-in ball valve to isolate the pump from the system.
It has fittings for both R134a and R12/R22. A nice feature is the built-in ball valve to isolate the pump from the system.
I got the JB vacuum pump because I'd like to do vacuum molding. Further research has shown me that the JB will **** the air out faster but will perform the same quality job after achieving a vacuum. But theoretically you can only pull so much air from a manifold gauge set using 1/4" tubing so I don't need to worry because the tubing becomes a bottle neck (correct me if I'm wrong). So my decision was to purchase based on reliability. I hate buying things twice if the first breaks or under achieves.I just got a Robinair 15434. Assembled in USA with a made in China motor. 4 CFM, which is probably the largest flow you should get for automotive use. My Ford truck service manual says to use 4 CFM or less.
It has fittings for both R134a and R12/R22. A nice feature is the built-in ball valve to isolate the pump from the system.
Last edited:
You better add a Micron meter to your list. Most analog manifold gauges aren't accurate down to the <500 micron level which you need to get to.
Would you mind expanding on that comment? I'm looking to buy a set of manifold gauges and a pump. If there's something else I should be buying (link would be helpful as well if there's a specific one)...thank you!
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009ALXFPW/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Reads small leaks better than a dial gauge.
Reads small leaks better than a dial gauge.