Vacuum pump questions and help.

[Loose Ctrl]

I have one of those 2 stage no name 5cfm vacuum pumps sold all over the internets. I recently did an AC system overhaul on my Furd Strangler. It puked out over a quart of vacuum pump oil during the 45 minute draw down. I went longer on the vacuum cycle than I normally do (30 min) because I kept having to stop and top off the oil in the vacuum pump every 10 minutes. The pump was on a level surface, and I did not over fill it. I have had this pump around 15 years, and used it many times without it puking so much oil out. Is there anything I can do to lessen the oil puking problem? I have three auto AC system overhauls coming up, adding onboard AC to a camper van, and installing two mini-split AC systems in a mobile home. I really need this pump, and I really don't want to buy another one. I will end up working for free, since I'm already doling out the friends and family pricing on these jobs just to get some work and hopefully some referrals.

This is what I'm looking at to replace it if I can't salvage my old one. It's a bit spendy for someone that isn't getting much paying work.

Robinair 15500VacuuMaster $236.26

 

[WildBill]

My Yellow Jacket starts doing that every 5 years when it needs rebuilt. Robinair ones are usually OK, should work great. I always figure if a job pays for a tool I need it works out, because now I have the tool to make more money with.

 

[Toold_up]

I like Yellow Jacket and JB Eliminators. The smaller CFM work just as well as the larger ones. The only time a larger pump shines, is when you have the larger hoses and ports...