A/C tools
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 105
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A/C tools
I plan to do a R134a conversion on my 88 ranger and intend to invest in some necessary tools. Who makes quality tools such as vacuum pump, gauges, electronic leak detector, etc. As always, thank you for any and all responses.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: MI
if you plan on buying quality tools for doing the job yourself, you are probably looking at $800 and over $1100 if you buy a recovery machine. not to mention you need a license to handle the stuff with the exception of the 1lb cans you find at the auto parts stores.
Posting Guru
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From: Niceville, FL.
Vacuum pump: JB Industries, Robinair, Mastercool, others.
Leak Detector: TIF, Robinair, Snap-on, others.
Gauges:Lots of good ones, even some of the cheapies. Look for ones that have features you want.
eBay: I got all my new or nearly new R134A tools over a period of about 4 months on eBay for less than $325 including shipping. Be patient, read descriptions carefully.
DO NOT waste your money on one of those compressed air operated vacuum pumps.
A good vacuum pump for automotive work should should be 2 stage, min. of 1.5 cfm, and capable of pulling vacuum down to at least 100 microns. Here is a link: http://www.forparts.com/techretrofit.htm to get you started on whats involved. Google "R134A Conversion" and "R12 Retrofit" for additional research. Good luck.
Leak Detector: TIF, Robinair, Snap-on, others.
Gauges:Lots of good ones, even some of the cheapies. Look for ones that have features you want.
eBay: I got all my new or nearly new R134A tools over a period of about 4 months on eBay for less than $325 including shipping. Be patient, read descriptions carefully.
DO NOT waste your money on one of those compressed air operated vacuum pumps.
A good vacuum pump for automotive work should should be 2 stage, min. of 1.5 cfm, and capable of pulling vacuum down to at least 100 microns. Here is a link: http://www.forparts.com/techretrofit.htm to get you started on whats involved. Google "R134A Conversion" and "R12 Retrofit" for additional research. Good luck.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: State of Misery (Missouri
OT question on compressed air vac pump
Originally Posted by Piffery1
DO NOT waste your money on one of those compressed air operated vacuum pumps.
A good vacuum pump for automotive work should should be 2 stage, min. of 1.5 cfm, and capable of pulling vacuum down to at least 100 microns. Here is a link: http://www.forparts.com/techretrofit.htm to get you started on whats involved. Google "R134A Conversion" and "R12 Retrofit" for additional research. Good luck.
A good vacuum pump for automotive work should should be 2 stage, min. of 1.5 cfm, and capable of pulling vacuum down to at least 100 microns. Here is a link: http://www.forparts.com/techretrofit.htm to get you started on whats involved. Google "R134A Conversion" and "R12 Retrofit" for additional research. Good luck.
Posting Guru
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From: Niceville, FL.
I really don't know, but I doubt its suitability for a clamping system or any continuous duty application. They work on the "Venturi principle" and require a lot of air (high CFM) so if you have a small compressor it may have to run continuously. Maybe if you could devise a large vacuum storage tank and valve system it could be made to work.
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From: Oak Harbor, OH
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: State of Misery (Missouri
Originally Posted by Piffery1
I really don't know, but I doubt its suitability for a clamping system or any continuous duty application. They work on the "Venturi principle" and require a lot of air (high CFM) so if you have a small compressor it may have to run continuously. Maybe if you could devise a large vacuum storage tank and valve system it could be made to work.
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A buddy of mine wanted to do the same thing, convert an R12 system to 134A. He bought an $12 DVD on the subject from Autozone? It was very informative, gave step by step instructions, a clear list of tools required and average prices to pay for them.
To me, it was a good first step in the monkey see, monkey do learning curve.
To me, it was a good first step in the monkey see, monkey do learning curve.