A/C Vacuum Pump Oil Question

[scottb]

I just scored a Ritchie Yellow Jacket 6 CFM vacuum pump from Craig's List. Of course the manual for the pump says to use Ritchie oil or the warranty will be voided. This pump is long out of warranty. Is there any need to use Ritchie oil, or will any oil specified for vacuum pumps (e.g., Robinair, Envirosafe, etc.) be OK?

Thanks!

[Brian 162]

It's like when the dealer says warranty void if oil changes not performed by the selling dealer.

To answer your question you can use any approved vacuum pump oil.

[scottb]

Thanks, Brian!

[Hugh R]

Unless its British, then you must used Castrol!

[scottb]

Why is Castrol required in British vacuum pumps? And, would you agree that any vacuum pump oil can be used in my non-British Yellow Jacket pump?

Thanks, Hugh!

Scott

[brcorp]

Scott,

I guess this means you'll be doing some AC work then posting pictures. I'll bet you can't find the condenser now....

BTW, almost any vacuum pump oil will work.

[scottb]

Bill: Yeah, I'm thinking this is the winter to finally add that condenser. It's a stock item, so I'm sure I'll be able to find it somewhere. And, I just bought myself a little MIG welder (with gas) so I'll be able to fab up the brackets myself.

Once I get going I'll document the process (and hopefully not be too embarrassed about my crude fabrication and welding).

[Jim Sims]

IMO and experience any vacuum pump oil (Ritchie, Robinair, etc.) will be fine. What is more important is changing the oil often; whatever is in the systems being evacuated ends up in the pump oil. Water vapor is especially problematic and ubiquitous as it raises the ultimate pressure (reduces the vacuum) one can achieve with the pump when the water vapor contaminates the oil.

The pump can be used with your existing gage/manifold set although you may have to obtain an adapter fitting to attach the charging/evacuation hose (often colored yellow) to the inlet port of the vacuum pump.

[scottb]

Thanks, Jim!