I decided to learn how to do my own ac work. Ive bought gauges and a few other tools. I need your opinion on a vacuum pump. I don't want to spend a lot of money but I don't mind buying quality. I DO NOT want to have problems with it and have to buy another. I will not be doing this for a living but just my own stuff. Might help out friends and relatives. Thanks in advance
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vacuum pump
- Thread starter snail81
- Start date
You should be able to find a good used one for around $125-150. Older USA-made ones can have alot of years on 'em and still work fine. My late 80's JB 3 CFM pump is still going strong.
The newer ones? Haven't had to buy one, so, can't offer any definitive opinions.
The newer ones? Haven't had to buy one, so, can't offer any definitive opinions.
Ohmthis
Well-known member
Is this pump for auto exclusively or auto/home work. A 2-3 cfm would be fine for auto, but for home AC systems it is much faster with a larger pump. I have an JB 7cfm pump and it is rebuild able which is great. My friend has a cheap import and has been using it for a few years and likes it. Look used first and then new. What is your budget?
wildbill23c
Well-known member
Don't you need to be certified to do this type of work, even for yourself?
mikebaker1129
Well-known member
Whatever you get ,change the oil and keep the vaccum pump sealed,even the exhaust.
The oil absorbs moisture like a sponge.
Be aware that hoses that are used or old sometimes have gaskets that are deteriorated or worn,these can and should be checked from time to time for wear. A worn hose gasket will have you scratching your head wondering why you cannot pull a deep vaccum.
The gaskets look like little black tubes on the ends of the hoses. You will need to remove the Schraeder depressor on the end with a pair of needle nose .
You can get the gaskets and oil at an AC/ heat supply.
I do aircondtioning/refrigeration for a living in Houston and my hoses get beat to death and good hoses are expensive.
I know this is way more than you ask,but that is what Garage Journal Is all about, sharing knowledge.
Wildbill23c in Texas you need to be registered or certified with the state to do work,but have to have a Contractors license to do or offer to do any work for anyone. It goes without saying in all states you must be EPA certified for handling the type of refrigerants and recovery and reclaiming of them.
The oil absorbs moisture like a sponge.
Be aware that hoses that are used or old sometimes have gaskets that are deteriorated or worn,these can and should be checked from time to time for wear. A worn hose gasket will have you scratching your head wondering why you cannot pull a deep vaccum.
The gaskets look like little black tubes on the ends of the hoses. You will need to remove the Schraeder depressor on the end with a pair of needle nose .
You can get the gaskets and oil at an AC/ heat supply.
I do aircondtioning/refrigeration for a living in Houston and my hoses get beat to death and good hoses are expensive.
I know this is way more than you ask,but that is what Garage Journal Is all about, sharing knowledge.
Wildbill23c in Texas you need to be registered or certified with the state to do work,but have to have a Contractors license to do or offer to do any work for anyone. It goes without saying in all states you must be EPA certified for handling the type of refrigerants and recovery and reclaiming of them.
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This will probably be just automotive use.
Then you want one compatible with R-134a. Which uses a synthetic oil.
atomicpunk
Well-known member
http://www.tooltopia.com/mastercool-90062-a.aspx , comes with oil.
There are often vacuum pumps at flea markets and especially at automotive swap meets.
Pick up a vacuum gauge and bring it with you if you go shopping at these places. Ask them if you can run the pump, and put your gauge on it.
While this won't guarantee it'll pull down to 50 microns it'll certainly reveal if the pump is badly worn.
dreasoner
Well-known member
I would second the use of a micron gauge to test the pump. There are flush fluids available to clean up vacuum pumps. The idea is to let the pump run for an extended period of time to get the flush fluid hot. It may take several times of flushing and draining to achieve the best vacuum. The pump I use for ultra low work will pull down to approximately 10-20 micron. The type of oil in the refrigeration system being evacuated does not matter to the pump.
marinusdees
Well-known member
If you have a sizeable air compressor, Horrible Fright sells a vacuum device for around ten bucks that uses only a lot of air and which is adaptable to your use. Uses Bernouli's Principle. My 30 year Toyota dealership mechanic buddy said it's what they used in the dealership. No worries about oil, etc. You may want to add a vac gauge, look on ebay or at the auto parts house.
Joelk
Well-known member
I use the compressor out of an old refrigerator and also have one out of a window A/C Unit. They both seem to pull a good vacuum. I have not used either one long enough to know about longevity, but the price(Free) is right.
mikebaker1129
Well-known member
I use the compressor out of an old refrigerator and also have one out of a window A/C Unit. They both seem to pull a good vacuum. I have not used either one long enough to know about longevity, but the price(Free) is right.
Either one of these ^ will work fine for automotive use.
slip knot
Well-known member
I used a fridge compressor for years. worked good enough for me. Got the HF air driven one as a replacement and it works ok. it doesn't pull down as low as the old compressor tho.