a/c vacuum pump recommendation

[Ronnie's.930]

I'm going to buy an a/c vacuum pump to use on my 930 as well as on my other personal vehicles. I was wondering what CFM rating is considered "good". I did a search but couldn't find anything . . .

[Gordo2]

Ronnie,

COLB might chime in - he bought the Harbor Freight vacuum unit for the R134 conversion we did on his car recently.

First Project thread: 88 Cab A/C retrofit on the Cheap

The little pump seemed to do a sufficient job evac'ing the system. We ran it for about 15min initially to see if the system had any gross leaks, then a full hour for complete evac prior to charging with R134.

Considering the (hopefully) limited frequency that a non-pro would be using a vacuum, it's hard to beat the price.

Spec's may be on HF website.

Gordo

[Mr Project]

I have a small 1.5CFM pump. I believe it's this one:
https://www.ackits.com/pc/90060/Vacuumpump/90060+-+Mastercool+1.5+CFM+Dual+Stage+Vacuum+Pump

I've used it on probably 10 cars, it works OK, with time and repetition it will pull down about 21 inches of vacuum - no more. In hot weather (85+ degrees) I have to run a box fan or something on it while it is running or it will overheat after 5-10 minutes and shut down. In cooler weather (50-60 degrees) it does great. But who works on A/C when it's cool out?!

Anyway, good enough for occasional use and I believe it is higher quality/more effective than the air-compressor driven units. But not pro quality.

[SilberUrS6]

You don't need a vacuum pump. Just use two SPAL fans and trinary switch. Your AC will be fine.

[Mr Project]

BTW, the one I linked, I think you can find for about $100 now. I think I paid just a bit more than that a few years ago, not sure why the high price on ACKits.com.

[Ronnie's.930]

Originally Posted by SilberUrS6

You don't need a vacuum pump. Just use two SPAL fans and trinary switch. Your AC will be fine.

Ha! Now it is time for YOU to get the ceeeegarrrrr!

[Ronnie's.930]

Thanks for the suggestions.

[wwest]

Originally Posted by Gordo2

Ronnie,

COLB might chime in - he bought the Harbor Freight vacuum unit for the R134 conversion we did on his car recently.

First Project thread: 88 Cab A/C retrofit on the Cheap

The little pump seemed to do a sufficient job evac'ing the system. We ran it for about 15min initially to see if the system had any gross leaks, then a full hour for complete evac prior to charging with R134.

Considering the (hopefully) limited frequency that a non-pro would be using a vacuum, it's hard to beat the price.

Spec's may be on HF website.

Gordo

HF is currently handing out 25% discount coupons for use ONLY on the 4th.

http://www.harborfreight.com/25-cfm-vacuum-pump-98076.html

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CDEQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.harborfreight.com%2Fmanuals%2 F98000-98999%2F98076.pdf&ei=_um7Uf_MMcWtqwGHq4GADg&usg=AFQjCNH2MGr0IZh7ojTtsZVnqA8YQltdJg

[crownarch]

You can buy a 2.5 cfm unit from Harbor freight Tools for a little over 100 bucks.

[Synchro Joe]

Originally Posted by SilberUrS6

You don't need a vacuum pump. Just use two SPAL fans and trinary switch. Your AC will be fine.

Now that is funny chit!

[shadowjack1]

Your local FLAPS may let you use one for free. You put down a deposit, use it and then return it for a full refund.

[rusnak]

I have the 6 cfm Robinaire pump, but you can get a smaller 4 cfm unit as well.

Be sure to change the pump oil each time (Grainger carries it). I would not buy HF on this item.

[69-912-swt]

Originally Posted by shadowjack1

Your local FLAPS may let you use one for free. You put down a deposit, use it and then return it for a full refund.

+1