AC Vacuum Pump

[motorcity]

Anybody buy one of the AC vacuum pumps from Harbor Freight?

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

http://www.harborfreight.com/two-stage-3-cfm-air-vacuum-pump-66466.html

 

[duaneb9729]

will you be using this for automotive work?

 

[motorcity]

Yes, does that make a difference?

 

[Chris142]

Should work ok I guess. Don't bother with the ones that use air pressure. Those are junk.

 

[duaneb9729]

well for hvac use i would say get the big one for automotive use i would buy the small one, HVAC systems are much bigger

 

[robshelton]

They will probably work ok, just be sure to change the oil in the pump often.

 

[05ChevyI5]

3cfm is a plenty for auto a/c work. We use 6 & 7cfm for res. and light commercial a/c work up to about 25 tons.

 

[Martin1974]

I bought one a few days ago to repair the AC on my truck

 

[motorcity]

Martin1974, which one did you buy?

 

[Martin1974]

The 2.5 CFM Vacuum Pump. I figured it was large enough for automotive A/C. I have not used it yet though. I am going to hopefully try it out this weekend.

 

[moklock]

I have had the 2.5 CFM for about a year but have only used it three times so far. It works fine IMO.

I did dump the included generic oil after the first use just to be safe and used fresh Robinair oil each other time after that.

 

[Martin1974]

Good idea to dump the generic oil. I will probably do that too on mine.

 

[porcupine73]

I just bought the 3CFM because it was on sale, plus I had a 20% off coupon. The 3CFM is a dual stage unit rated down to something like 25 micron vacuum. The 2.5CFM is a single stage and it says 75 micron vacuum.

I'm trying to figure out a good oil to use in this, the manual for the 3CFM says HFV-46 low viscosity vacuum pump oil. It looks to be a vaccum pump oil from China (which is probably where these pumps are made anyway). I'm thinking that's an ISO 46 viscosity.

 

[lipadj46]

I have the 2.5cfm pump and it works great in auto use. If I had the extra money at the time though I would have got the larger dual stage pump that goes into deep vacuum. I evacuated and refilled both my Land Rover Discovery and Toyota Corolla. The HF AC manifold gauges and halogen sniffer are great for the money too.

 

[porcupine73]

Sounds good. I have a beat up old Subaru wagon that someone had a front end hit and bent and ruptured the condenser. I have a used condenser to put in, so then I can evacuate it and refill. I got the gauge set too last year but haven't used it yet. I got a new dryer too.

I have another wagon that has a slow a/c leak (I think around one of the condenser lines because I see a small amount of oil around it), so I got new o-rings. Then I can replace the dryer and evacuate and refill.

 

[mr_dunce]

i bought the 2 stage rated to 25 microns only $50 more I think for the money good buy.my pulls 29.9 hg. Other than car and a/c Its better than a foodsaver get mason jar adapter can foods marinates in 20 min what takes 24 hrs.Or entertain your kids science project boil water at room temp. put a marshmallow in see what happens.Vacuum pumps are sweet

 

[2Fast4U]

I've got this vaccum pump. Used it 2 different times. Never had any issues. If you're actually looking to spend what you posted pick up a air compressor if you have the room.

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-vacuum-pump-with-r134a-and-r12-connectors-96677.html

 

[2009Edge]

Rent one from Auto Zone. You get all your $$ back when you return it.
Ultimate cost is ZERO