Homemade vacuum pump

[kroberts]

Anybody remember a thread in which a member here made a vacuum pump to leak check or prep his AC system from parts he bought at Hobby Lobby?

Any info or a link. I cant find it. Please.

Thanks

[kroberts]

Found it. It wasn't homemade, it was chinese (much worse) but probably cheaper.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=92475

[bimmer8604]

I know an old timer that still uses one of those at the dealer. He only uses it if the a/c machine is being used by somebody else.

[nkell09]

Found it. It wasn't homemade, it was chinese (much worse) but probably cheaper.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=92475

From my little bit of a/c experience, I can add that those units generally don't pull enough vacuum to get out all of the condensation.

This forum is very helpful, you should be able to do some search on those air operated pumps:

http://www.autoacforum.com/

Instead of using the air powered unit, I was advised to try use an old refrigerator compressor. You can cut the lines off then retrofit the adapters to hookup to your manifold gauges. I grabbed an old compressor from the junkyard and made my vacuum pump via this method. Granted it pulled a vacuum but it's still not as good as the real thing.

I think I saw entry level pumps on ebay for 100-150 dollars.

[Rigmaster]

ditto the old refrigerator compressor. I've always heard that, but never tried it. If you're at all mechanically inclined, I think it'd be a cheap, easy way to build a vacuum pump. Should be able to find an old refrigerator for free without too much trouble.



Bret

[Mr.sexymorningvoice]

we still have our old fridhe vacuum pump...we use a store bought one now obviously, but still have it. it is almost worth the money to get an ok pump from an auto parts store...because they will suck your system down in a heartbeat, as where the fridge version may take up to 20-30 minutes to fully evacuate all condensation from the lines. our vacuu pump can pump down a suv or van with more lines in about 5 minutes...and bring it down to around 18-22psi vacuum.

[nkell09]

we still have our old fridhe vacuum pump...we use a store bought one now obviously, but still have it. it is almost worth the money to get an ok pump from an auto parts store...because they will suck your system down in a heartbeat, as where the fridge version may take up to 20-30 minutes to fully evacuate all condensation from the lines. our vacuu pump can pump down a suv or van with more lines in about 5 minutes...and bring it down to around 18-22psi vacuum.

Agreeded, the regular vacuum pumps are far superior.