| 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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