| Vacuum
Pumps |
| The
basic unwritten rule for deep vacuum on an automotive A/C system is about
500 microns. If your vacuum pump can't pull 500 microns connected directly
to a micron vacuum gauge, then there is no way it's going to perform any
proper service on the A/C system before recharging with refrigerants. Here's
a look at a vacuum pump that we checked and serviced. This particular pump
was provided to us in what was considered 'working' condition. |
| The
Initial Vacuum Pump test: |
| As
we have already established, our standard test starts with a direct connection
of the vacuum pump to our micron vacuum gauge. The pump is operated for 10
minutes in the exact condition that it was received, before recording the
actual micron reading.
Although
this pump looks a little 'worn', the technician reports that it's actually
been a good pump. We just found that it was lacking some service! |
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Traditionally,
the micron vacuum gauge would be 'spliced' into
the gauge set to confirm the vacuum reading. For the purposes
of our test, we're connecting the pump direct to the micron gauge. |
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| After
10 minutes of vacuum pump operation: |
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In
all of our vacuum pump tests, we operated the vacuum pump for 10 minutes
in the exact condition that it was received. Then, we recorded the level
of vacuum attained.
Why
a micron vacuum gauge? It's the only true measure of vacuum. Have a
closer look here. |
As
a starting point before any service, this particular vacuum
pump produced rather good results. According to the
chart,
this pump is pulling in the range of 99.9% vacuum. |
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| The
vacuum pump service starts: |
| The
vacuum pump oil drained from the pump was dark to say the least. Using a
clean white container it was easy to see the residue and debris (far right)
that was in this 'working' vacuum pump. |
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| After
running the Poly-Clean™ Vacuum Pump Cleaner and Conditioner through
this pump, it was drained 'dirty'. It looks like the product is doing what
it's supposed to do... help to remove varnish, dirt and debris from the pump.
Once
the Cleaner drained from the pump, we added the 4 oz. of Poly-Protect™
Anti-Friction Additive and then refilled the pump with Poly-Vac™ Premium
Vacuum Pump Oil. The complete service took about 20 minutes.
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Keep
in mind that this is a close up look at the Cleaner
and Conditioner that was drained after 10 minutes of operation (following
manufacturer's recommendations)
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| The
results of our service : |
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After
refilling the vacuum pump, we connected it back to the micron vacuum gauge
and operated it for 10 minutes. Following the clean up and oil change service,
we were able to improve the micron vacuum reading to under 200 microns! Now
we're ready to put this vacuum pump back into service! |
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| Vacuum
Pump Service Kit : |
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Polymax
Vacuum Pump Service Kit; 32oz Cleaner/Conditioner; 32oz. Vacuum Pump Oil;
4oz Anti Friction Additive - AR 4477
NEW!!
Now it's easy to get the maximum performance from your vacuum pump! The
Polymax™ Vacuum Pump service kit provides a cleaner and
anti friction additive that provides the 'lowest micron' formula!
$24.95
each Kit -
DETAILS
Add
to Cart |
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| Other
tools and manifold gauge sets available from your best direct source...
the COOL ZONE! : |
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Gauge
Set
AR 6245
All
brass manifold includes sight glass; metal hand wheels; hook to hang up gauges.
Hoses not included.
See details. |
Gauge
Set
AR 6239
Aluminum
manifold with site glass; front mounted on/off valves; hoses not included.
See details. |
Gauge
Set
AR 6246
Excellent
value for the Professional on the go or the DIY'er! Complete set includes
GAUGES, HOSE SET and R-134a COUPLERS plus rigid storage case!
See details. |
Gauge
Sets for R-134A
Professional
quality hose sets for R-134a gauge sets. Available in 3 lengths; see details.
Fits all R-134a hose sets.
See details. |
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All
gauge sets at the COOL ZONE include
calibration screw and low pressure gauge with 'retard'! |
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R-134a
Couplers
AR 6247
90°
chrome coupler set; manual 'open' and 'close'. Fits all R-134a hose sets.
See details. |
R-134a
Couplers
AR 6235
90°
all brass coupler set; Quick connect couplers snap onto charge ports. Fits
all R-134a hose sets.
See details. |
Couplers
- Converts R-12 hose set to R-134a
AR 6248
Chrome
coupler set; manual 'open' and 'close'. Fits all R-134a hose sets.
See details. |
Gauge
Set
AR6245
All
brass manifold includes sight glass; metal hand wheels; hook to hang up gauges.
Hoses not included.
See details. |
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See
more auto A/C service products at
the COOL ZONE On-line A/C Warehouse!
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Jump
to other Fast Track
Auto Air Conditioning information |
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