Buying a Used Vacuum Pump = Bad Idea?

[Bull]

I need equipment to service multiple vehicle ACs. I would prefer to avoid HF or Amazon cheapies, though I have learned to be flexible. I have to be carefull with the Bull Bucks, but I always PREFER US made or foreign but of good quality.

There is a Robinair pump on Marketlpace for $100. I know that is or at least was a good brand.

Is this the kind of tool you dont want to buy used?

 

[vjquan]

If it works, why not?

 

[DGersic]

I need equipment to service multiple vehicle ACs. I would prefer to avoid HF or Amazon cheapies, though I have learned to be flexible. I have to be carefull with the Bull Bucks, but I always PREFER US made or foreign but of good quality.

There is a Robinair pump on Marketlpace for $100. I know that is or at least was a good brand.

Is this the kind of tool you dont want to buy used?

I semi-acquired a used pump, along with all of the other AC stuff, from dad. He’s downsizing. But sometimes he wants it all back, so right now it’s all in his garage again.

He bought the pump used. It worked fine, but the oil sightgalss leaked. That didn’t bother him, but it bothered me. So I bought a new sightglass. Some disassembly later, I cleaned out the old muck in the pump, installed the new glass, and reassembled. Afterwards, it still works fine, but doesn’t leave an oil spot underneath any more.

A working used pump should be fine. There’s not a lot to go wrong, and parts are available if it needs something.

 

[Bull]

I semi-acquired a used pump, along with all of the other AC stuff, from dad. He’s downsizing. But sometimes he wants it all back, so right now it’s all in his garage again.

He bought the pump used. It worked fine, but the oil sightgalss leaked. That didn’t bother him, but it bothered me. So I bought a new sightglass. Some disassembly later, I cleaned out the old muck in the pump, installed the new glass, and reassembled. Afterwards, it still works fine, but doesn’t leave an oil spot underneath any more.

A working used pump should be fine. There’s not a lot to go wrong, and parts are available if it needs something.

That's great news. Thank you.

My dad had pumps that I short sightedly did not claim while cleaning out his garage. He had his own HVAC business for decades.

 

[atikovi]

If it's made in the USA, it's at least 10 years old and could be over 20. I had the same one about 10 years ago I bought 15 years before that. It was working great and only sold it to upgrade to a more powerful pump. I wanted to buy a Robinair but when I saw they were all being made in China, I decided not to. Bought a Yellow Jacket pump instead.

 

[NHtoolguy]

Vacuum pumps require frequent oil changes. I believe this is due to moisture exposure when in use. If it works and you buy it, I would change the oil before using it, with the correct viscosity of dedicated vacuum pump oil. I have a similar Robinair pump and it's a high quality unit.

 

[no704]

Wouldn’t be afraid of a used pump. But do change the oil before use. Have a micron gauge you can hook up to verify that it’s working. They do wear out, but most can be rebuilt pretty inexpensively. .

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

I picked up a used pump at a garage sales years ago for $25. It was an estate sale and the wife could only remember it being used a couple of times when her husband was trying to fix her vehicles a/c.
In moving it I caused some of the oil in it to leak out (knocked over after looking at oil), and I planned on changing the oil before I used it. I was allowed to test it at the garage sale. Thinking of giving it to a friend soon, depending on future cancer scan. I'd rather it go to someone I knew that would use it, then it either sit with some tools that I will let the family decide on, after I'm gone, or I will find someone starting out that I can leave a bunch of stuff for. I had a fellow mechanic friend who was keeping his eyes out for someone starting out, unfortunately, he got involved with drugs and disappeared (maybe to jail?, I don't know), after a bad breakup (don't know which begat which).

 

[bonneyman]

I bought my pump new in 1988. I changes to oil every now and then but never on a schedule. last time I had a factory rep check it it pulled down so deep and fast he was surprised. It was 20 years old then. So I'd say grab it, flush out the old oil, and refill with fresh. Then hook up to a vacuum gauge. If it pulls down to 29 inches within 5 minutes (my rule of thumb) I'd say you're good to go.

I remember right out of high school I worked at an auto refrigeration shop, and they had a pair of these oldster pumps like from the 60's I think. Didn't even have an on/off switch - you merely plugged them in to start them! Dented steel canisters, dirty, been banged around the shop. Still worked fine.

 

[danski0224]

I need equipment to service multiple vehicle ACs. I would prefer to avoid HF or Amazon cheapies, though I have learned to be flexible. I have to be carefull with the Bull Bucks, but I always PREFER US made or foreign but of good quality.

There is a Robinair pump on Marketlpace for $100. I know that is or at least was a good brand.

Is this the kind of tool you dont want to buy used?

Unless you also own a micron gauge, you do not know how *well* it works. And new oil will change the results.

Turning it on, and having it come on, is only a small part of "does it work".

As far as the knockoffs go, the same thing applies.

Any vacuum pump should be checked with a micron gauge before use, to make sure that it actually works.

Whether or not parts are available to refurbish that one, or the cost, or the time spent doing so are all other variables.

Checking prices of new name brand ones may not be a bad idea, in order to make an informed decision.