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If you had a choice???

jbrooks26 on Mon October 06, 2008 6:56 PM User is offline

If you had a choice between entry level vacuum pumps, which brand would you choose for a DIY wannabe A/C tech? I know ACKITS sells the Mastercool pumps but what brand would you all use if you were to choose? I have been watching the used units due to cost, but it appears that for as little as $40 more I can buy the same thing new sometimes. Anyway, there seems to be quite a price difference between brands and I was wondering if one was really any better than another? Thanks guys,

Josh

Chick on Mon October 06, 2008 7:08 PM User is offlineView users profile

All I can say is that I have a 6cfm pump, and bought the 5cfm mastercool pump from Tim a "few" years ago to keep as a spare, only because doing this for a living, you need spares. You don't want one to break down in the height of the season. But, when it arrived, I began using it, and my 6cfm pump is now on a shelf as a spare, because the mastercool pump is a lot lighter, easier to move around, and works just fine. But everyone will have their preference..

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Chick
Email: Chick

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Freedoms just another word for nothing left to lose

jbrooks26 on Mon October 06, 2008 7:20 PM User is offline

I appreciate the quick response Chick. On that note, my next question would be does it really matter what CFM and HP pump you get? I don't plan on opening a garage, but I may do 3 or 4 units a year for people I know and myself. Never any more than that, do I need a 5 or 6 CFM pump or is the 1.5 enough for my purpose? Thanks again, you have always been a great help to me.

Josh

Chick on Mon October 06, 2008 8:03 PM User is offlineView users profile

The 1.5 is enough, but I strongly suggest a dual stage pump. Check out 5cfm economy pump on times site, a lot less than the standard 5cfm pump, and it's the one I bought as a spare.. And as I said, during our season I use it every day, and it's never let me down. I had planned on buying the other 5cfm when my older one burned out, but that is still a spare since the mastercool pump is still working just fine.. The economy pump gives you the 5cfm vacuum at a real DIY'er price.. I can't speak for the other brands, as I do use mastercool tools with AC work, and have no experience with the other top names..I'm sure others here will, don't know how their prices will stack up against the mastercool pump though..Hope this helps..

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Chick
Email: Chick

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Freedoms just another word for nothing left to lose

jbrooks26 on Mon October 06, 2008 8:16 PM User is offline

Thanks Chick, I appreciate the help.

Josh

Matt L on Mon October 06, 2008 8:31 PM User is offline

I got that same 5cfm 2-stage "economy" pump, and it is pretty nice. Of course, shipping from AZ for something so heavy added a bit to the price, but probably less than sales tax would have been for a local (and almost certainly higher priced) purchase.

The AMA site says that the pump takes 18oz of oil or something like that, but the instructions for the pump call for 8oz, which does fill it to right between the min and max level in the window.

If you're using it for occasional stuff, change the oil after every use. Don't let it sit with old oil in it. The oil is cheap and easy to change.

Edited: Mon October 06, 2008 at 8:32 PM by Matt L

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