Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] A/C vacuum pump
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] A/C vacuum pump [message #326192 is a reply to message #326191] |
Mon, 20 November 2017 21:50   |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Mike,
That certainly should do an adequate job.
But why anyone would spend anywhere near that much on a vacuum pump escapes
me. For 15+ years, I've used a fine little vacuum pump which will pull
down to near perfect vacuum. And it cost me nearly nothing.
What I did was get a still-functioning refrigerator compressor, which are
available for "a dime a dozen". Mine was free from an old ice maker
someone gave me.
I located a brass fitting (a 3/8" male flare fitting coupling, IIRC) which
the hose from my A/C gauge manifold would fit. I drilled the other end of
that fitting to the size of the copper refrigerant line on the inlet side
of the compressor, and soldered it in place on a stub of that line. Just
to keep the bugs out, I covered the stub of line on the outlet side with a
bit of filter material. With the addition of a power cord, I have a
near-perfect vacuum pump for Netters[/color]
>
> I may have asked before but is this suitable for general use..ie. GMC
> service ?
>
> The difference between then and now, is I am with money and I looked at
> the real thing today, not a picture!
>
> https://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/
> refrigeration/25-cfm-vacuum-pump-98076.html
>
> Opinions appreciated and thank you!
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] A/C vacuum pump [message #326193 is a reply to message #326191] |
Tue, 21 November 2017 01:37 |
midlf
Messages: 2212
Registered: July 2007
Location: SE Wisc. (Palmyra)
Karma: 1
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Kingsley Coach wrote on Mon, 20 November 2017 20:31Netters
I may have asked before but is this suitable for general use..ie. GMC
service ?
The difference between then and now, is I am with money and I looked at
the real thing today, not a picture!
https://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/refrigeration/25-cfm-vacuum-pump-98076.html
Opinions appreciated and thank you!
Mike from NS
If you can create a vac pump as Col Ken describes, goferit.
I have the pump you are looking at. I've had it for several years and it works just fine, so far. Being HF I wouldn't want to count on it to make a living with it. For my limited use it Has worked. Note the term limited.
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] A/C vacuum pump [message #326194 is a reply to message #326191] |
Tue, 21 November 2017 01:48 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I have one of those that I stripped out of something a few years back. It is still sitting on my work bench down about 3 levels. MY thought was not only to use it not only for a vacuum pump but to use the exhaust high pressure side to recover r-12 or whatever refrigerant and put it into a recovery bottle.
The project never got off of the ground because I also have a Snap-On vacuum pump similar to the HF one that you are looking at and I use is occasionally to vacuum systems.
If it is worth $100 to you, go for it. It should do the job.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] A/C vacuum pump [message #326199 is a reply to message #326195] |
Tue, 21 November 2017 09:02 |
Keith V
Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I have the HF one also. Life is too short to waste a day making something when I can buy it that cheap.
It works great.
________________________________
From: Gmclist on behalf of Rob Mueller
Sent: Tuesday, November 21, 2017 5:48:40 AM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] A/C vacuum pump
Mike,
I have one of these in Sydney and it works fine.
Based on the survey we conducted on the GMCnet awhile back before I buy ANY piece of electrical equipment from Harbor Freight I read
the reviews. In this case the reviews are overwhelmingly good.
Since the reviews are positive does the Canadian expression "fill your hat" apply?
Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] A/C vacuum pump [message #326201 is a reply to message #326199] |
Tue, 21 November 2017 09:43 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
|
Senior Member |
|
|
"waste a day"? Maybe 30 minutes once the compressor's in hand. Besides,
doing stuff like that is 50% of the GMC pleasure! :-)
Ken H.
On Tue, Nov 21, 2017 at 10:02 AM, Keith V wrote:
> I have the HF one also. Life is too short to waste a day making something
> when I can buy it that cheap.
>
> It works great.
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] A/C vacuum pump [message #326203 is a reply to message #326201] |
Tue, 21 November 2017 10:38 |
Keith V
Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Yes a day. You're forgetting 90% of the work.
Also I only have 1 MAYBE 2 days out of 5 to do GMC stuff, and that includes home maintenance, so if I get a whole day a week I'm happy
I'd have to find the fridge / freezer
tear it apart
Research how to do it..get lost on the internet for an hour...
find the fittings to make it all work
put it together
Test it.
VS stop at HF and buy the thing ~ 15 minutes
So theres a day wasted where I could be doing something useful.
________________________________
>
> "waste a day"? Maybe 30 minutes once the compressor's in hand. Besides,
> doing stuff like that is 50% of the GMC pleasure! :-)
>
> Ken H.
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] A/C vacuum pump [message #326204 is a reply to message #326191] |
Tue, 21 November 2017 10:48 |
roy1
Messages: 2126
Registered: July 2004
Location: Minden nevada
Karma: 6
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I have a commercial pump that cost a lot more then $100 but I needed it in the trade. Since I am now retired I would have no problem buying that little harbor freight pump for any work I would now do around the house there are times a vacuum pump is real handy. The days of blowing untold amounts of cheap refrigerant thru a system to limit vacuum pump use is now history.
Roy Keen
Minden,NV
76 X Glenbrook
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] A/C vacuum pump [message #326206 is a reply to message #326202] |
Tue, 21 November 2017 11:00 |
Kingsley Coach
Messages: 2691
Registered: March 2009
Location: Nova Scotia Canada
Karma: -34
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Now Ken, you've got me all excited about making my own...that is simply
music to a Scotsman's ears ! Are bagpipes not music?
The real problem is it sounds like my work area may be like
Ken's..'layered' .In my case that word may be more of something I could
only dream about
Rob, coming from the east coast where fishing is an industry, we use "fill
your boots" . Now you'll fit in with the locals should you arrive. There
are a few more east coast expressions but since not everyone here is a
sailor, ''modesty" prevents me from relaying them.
Terry, Steve, Keith and Larry...thanks !
Mike from NS
On Tue, Nov 21, 2017 at 12:16 PM, Larry wrote:
> I have that vacuum pump also, and it works just fine for the limited use
> that I put it to. Coarse...I bought it 10 or 12 yr ago on sale at half that
> price.
> --
> Larry
> 78 Royale w/500 Caddy
> Menomonie, WI.
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Michael Beaton
1977 Kingsley 26-11
1977 Eleganza II 26-3
Antigonish, NS
Life is too short to hold a grudge; slash some tires and call it even !
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] A/C vacuum pump [message #326207 is a reply to message #326205] |
Tue, 21 November 2017 11:04 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Back when R-12 was still being made and holes in the ozone layer were
unknown, when dirt was young, we used it like a solvent. Turn a 75# bottle
upside down on a bench, screw on a short piece of air hose with a non-OHSA
approved air nozzle. That stuff will clean injectors and like stuff and
leave no residue. Couldn't afford to use it like that today, and you could
go to jail if you did.
Jim Hupy
On Nov 21, 2017 8:50 AM, "James Hupy" wrote:
> Keith, you forgot the procrastination and decision making and pondering
> components. They could easily take up a full day. (Grin)
> Jim Hupy
>
> On Nov 21, 2017 8:39 AM, "Keith V" wrote:
>
>> Yes a day. You're forgetting 90% of the work.
>>
>> Also I only have 1 MAYBE 2 days out of 5 to do GMC stuff, and that
>> includes home maintenance, so if I get a whole day a week I'm happy
>>
>>
>> I'd have to find the fridge / freezer
>>
>> tear it apart
>>
>> Research how to do it..get lost on the internet for an hour...
>>
>> find the fittings to make it all work
>>
>> put it together
>> Test it.
>>
>> VS stop at HF and buy the thing ~ 15 minutes
>> So theres a day wasted where I could be doing something useful.
>>
>>
>> ________________________________
>>>
>>> "waste a day"? Maybe 30 minutes once the compressor's in hand. Besides,
>>> doing stuff like that is 50% of the GMC pleasure! :-)
>>>
>>> Ken H.
>> >
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] A/C vacuum pump [message #326208 is a reply to message #326205] |
Tue, 21 November 2017 11:07 |
Keith V
Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
And then it's 5:00 and you have to ponder life over a beer or two, ha ha ha
________________________________
From: Gmclist on behalf of James Hupy
Sent: Tuesday, November 21, 2017 10:50:49 AM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] A/C vacuum pump
Keith, you forgot the procrastination and decision making and pondering
components. They could easily take up a full day. (Grin)
Jim Hupy
On Nov 21, 2017 8:39 AM, "Keith V" wrote:
> Yes a day. You're forgetting 90% of the work.
>
> Also I only have 1 MAYBE 2 days out of 5 to do GMC stuff, and that
> includes home maintenance, so if I get a whole day a week I'm happy
>
>
> I'd have to find the fridge / freezer
>
> tear it apart
>
> Research how to do it..get lost on the internet for an hour...
>
> find the fittings to make it all work
>
> put it together
> Test it.
>
> VS stop at HF and buy the thing ~ 15 minutes
> So theres a day wasted where I could be doing something useful.
>
>
> ________________________________
>>
>> "waste a day"? Maybe 30 minutes once the compressor's in hand. Besides,
>> doing stuff like that is 50% of the GMC pleasure! :-)
>>
>> Ken H.
> >
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] A/C vacuum pump [message #326210 is a reply to message #326208] |
Tue, 21 November 2017 11:26 |
emerystora
Messages: 4442
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 13
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I remember that we used a can of R12 to power an air horn on my dad’s boat back in the 50’s.
Emery
> On Nov 21, 2017, at 10:07 AM, Keith V wrote:
>
> And then it's 5:00 and you have to ponder life over a beer or two, ha ha ha
>
> ________________________________
> From: Gmclist on behalf of James Hupy
> Sent: Tuesday, November 21, 2017 10:50:49 AM
> To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] A/C vacuum pump
>
> Keith, you forgot the procrastination and decision making and pondering
> components. They could easily take up a full day. (Grin)
> Jim Hupy
>
>> On Nov 21, 2017 8:39 AM, "Keith V" wrote:
>>
>> Yes a day. You're forgetting 90% of the work.
>>
>> Also I only have 1 MAYBE 2 days out of 5 to do GMC stuff, and that
>> includes home maintenance, so if I get a whole day a week I'm happy
>>
>>
>> I'd have to find the fridge / freezer
>>
>> tear it apart
>>
>> Research how to do it..get lost on the internet for an hour...
>>
>> find the fittings to make it all work
>>
>> put it together
>> Test it.
>>
>> VS stop at HF and buy the thing ~ 15 minutes
>> So theres a day wasted where I could be doing something useful.
>>
>>
>> ________________________________
>>>
>>> "waste a day"? Maybe 30 minutes once the compressor's in hand. Besides,
>>> doing stuff like that is 50% of the GMC pleasure! :-)
>>>
>>> Ken H.
>> >
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] A/C vacuum pump [message #326211 is a reply to message #326191] |
Tue, 21 November 2017 11:35 |
Tilerpep
Messages: 404
Registered: June 2013
Location: Raleigh, NC
Karma: 7
|
Senior Member |
|
|
If you are really on a budget I have used
https://www.harborfreight.com/air-vacuum-pump-with-r134a-and-r12-connectors-96677.html
the 18$ (and maybe a coupon cheaper) version with satisfactory results on several systems. As good? nope. 70% as good for 15% price? yep. and certainly good enough to know if system is leaking. A big air compressor helps a lot. I used to use it on a 10 gallon one...let it charge the air tank, discharge the vacuum pump, shut off vacuum, and recharge air. almost like bleeding brakes old style. 80 gallon air now, let er rip
1975 Glenbrook, 1978 Royale rear bath
Raleigh, NC
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] A/C vacuum pump [message #326213 is a reply to message #326211] |
Tue, 21 November 2017 13:22 |
Kingsley Coach
Messages: 2691
Registered: March 2009
Location: Nova Scotia Canada
Karma: -34
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Tyler
You've just answered a question I was embarrassed to ask !!
I bought one of those several years ago and never tried it..it looked to
cheap to effectively do anything. I think the last time I looked, it was
somewhere in the area of where I keep A/C stuff, which is under the trailer
wiring stuff I think, which is right under the last box of crap from my
long gone and forgotten Airstream....
Thanks
Mike from NS
Virus-free.
www.avast.com
On Tue, Nov 21, 2017 at 1:35 PM, Tyler wrote:
> If you are really on a budget I have used
>
> https://www.harborfreight.com/air-vacuum-pump-with-r134a-
> and-r12-connectors-96677.html
>
> the 18$ (and maybe a coupon cheaper) version with satisfactory results on
> several systems. As good? nope. 70% as good for 15% price? yep. and
> certainly good enough to know if system is leaking. A big air compressor
> helps a lot. I used to use it on a 10 gallon one...let it charge the air
> tank, discharge the vacuum pump, shut off vacuum, and recharge air. almost
> like bleeding brakes old style. 80 gallon air now, let er rip
>
>
> --
> 1975 Glenbrook, 1978 Royale rear bath
> Raleigh, NC
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Michael Beaton
1977 Kingsley 26-11
1977 Eleganza II 26-3
Antigonish, NS
Life is too short to hold a grudge; slash some tires and call it even !
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] A/C vacuum pump [message #326214 is a reply to message #326213] |
Tue, 21 November 2017 14:36 |
Dave Stragand
Messages: 307
Registered: October 2017
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I used an older version of the same unit. IIRC they did not have an
anti-reverse valve of any type, so they can suck air back in to the A/C
system as soon as you disconnect the air supply to the tool. Make sure
to disconnect the line at the A/C's vehicle connection before turning
off the pump.
-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of
Kingsley Coach
Sent: Tuesday, November 21, 2017 2:22 PM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] A/C vacuum pump
Tyler
You've just answered a question I was embarrassed to ask !!
I bought one of those several years ago and never tried it..it looked to
cheap to effectively do anything. I think the last time I looked, it
was somewhere in the area of where I keep A/C stuff, which is under the
trailer wiring stuff I think, which is right under the last box of crap
from my long gone and forgotten Airstream....
Thanks
Mike from NS
Virus-free.
www.avast.com
On Tue, Nov 21, 2017 at 1:35 PM, Tyler wrote:
> If you are really on a budget I have used
>
> https://www.harborfreight.com/air-vacuum-pump-with-r134a-
> and-r12-connectors-96677.html
>
> the 18$ (and maybe a coupon cheaper) version with satisfactory results
> on several systems. As good? nope. 70% as good for 15% price? yep. and
> certainly good enough to know if system is leaking. A big air
> compressor helps a lot. I used to use it on a 10 gallon one...let it
> charge the air tank, discharge the vacuum pump, shut off vacuum, and
> recharge air. almost like bleeding brakes old style. 80 gallon air
> now, let er rip
>
>
> --
> 1975 Glenbrook, 1978 Royale rear bath
> Raleigh, NC
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Michael Beaton
1977 Kingsley 26-11
1977 Eleganza II 26-3
Antigonish, NS
Life is too short to hold a grudge; slash some tires and call it even !
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
1978 Transmode (403)
Pittsburgh, PA
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] A/C vacuum pump [message #326215 is a reply to message #326214] |
Tue, 21 November 2017 14:59 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
|
Senior Member |
|
|
And for a decidedly different use for the 'little red box,' I attached air fittings and used it's vacuum ability to drain my water system for winterizing the GMC. Draws all the water out with vacuum, instead of trying to blow it out with high pressure air.
Attach to water heater drain, open all the faucets, turn on air compressor, enjoy watching water leave your coach rapidly. This worked for me for many winters in northern Virginia. Not much need here in Lower Alabama, where the outside temperature is in the upper 60's.
Tom
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goto Forum:
Current Time: Mon Mar 10 03:36:46 CDT 2025
Total time taken to generate the page: 0.00916 seconds
|
GMCforum
Search
Help
Register
Login
Home
