Can a Harbor Freight Vacuum Pump Pull a Deep Vacuum?

HVAC Shop Talk is a KZbin channel that celebrates the guys and girls in the skilled Trades - especially HVAC. In this video I test a Pittsburg vacuum pump (purchased from Harbor Freight) to see if it is capable of pulling a vacuum to 500 microns.
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[@KpxUrz5745]

Glad to hear it seems ok. I do not work in the industry, just a regular homeowner trying to install a mini split. I got a bargain on this pump, paying just $71. A lot of the jargon used in the industry is over my head, just trying to learn and see if I can do this without paying someone thousands. PS: I already called the HVAC company who put central air in my house, and with whom I have always done business. Guess what? They refused to say they would even inject coolant into the new mini-split on the grounds that they did not install it!!! One thing that really bothers me about this entire industry (home a/c) is that it appears to be CHOCK FULL OF CROOKS! We had a 2nd home in nearby city, just to lessen the commute, and once called a busy HVAC guy to check the a/c and attend to the usual (like replacing a $9 capacitor). He charged well over $1000 for an hour's work, and insisted on immediate online payment. He admitted to "earning" $7000 for his half day's work, and stated that he was trying to hurry because he wanted to spend the rest of the day on his jet ski's. The more I learn about typical a/c problems (such as replacing inexpensive capacitors and contact switches), which I have seen commonly marked up from, say $9 to $260 each, the more I realize how homeowners are gigantically just ripped off as a matter of everyday business. I'm sure I will hear defenses from industry workers, but I don't care. Seen all this with my own eyes!

[@todddavis5433]

Exactly the reason I started learning all I could about ac units. Guy charged me 250 for a 12 dollar contact plus a 90 dollar service charge..almost 350 for 30 minutes of work

[@KpxUrz5745]

@@todddavis5433 I could never work in that business because I don't have it in me to be so corrupt and dishonest with people, overcharging ridiculous prices just because everyone with a broken A/C is desperate and willing to pay any price. It all sickens me. At this point in life, I am actually very wealthy but never earned a penny dishonestly or by overcharging. Even now, I still work for $75 per day when necessary to fill in. I used to live and work in NYC, but I NEVER made anywhere near the kind of money I discussed above in the A/C service business: many thousands per day. I should also mention, I hold an Ivy League masters degree and other educational credentials. Whereas all the crooks charging thousands per day to fix A/C's didn't even need a high school diploma. Now I see that one thing they should have taught back in high school was servicing A/C's, so we call all prevent being scammed.

[@EristiCat]

I had one of those crooks try to tell me the main breaker on my old house (100 amp) was a $900 item just for the part.

[@KpxUrz5745]

@@EristiCat Haha. Outrageous!!! There should be a bureau to report such thieves.

[@packrat76]

You can always go to school for 2 or 4 years and become a technician yourself. HVAC requires thousands in tools, a reliable vehicle and the gas to drive it around. Some of the parts you may replace might not be that expensive but often time you need to diagnose the issue to figure out the problem.

[@zolar7a]

I actually bought this pump to do vacuum bagging for fiberglass work. It works great for that in a home workshop environment. A couple of years ago the evaporator core in my car went out and I used this pull a vacuum after I replaced it. Don't know if it did everything 100% correct, but 2 years later the car is still making cold air so I count that as a win.

[@Ted_E_Bear]

Zack, I enjoyed watching your demo of the vacuum pump! You do good work !

[@HVACShopTalk]

Thank you.

[@ajfreeze215]

Surprised! I bought one years ago for a vacuum fixture for my milling machine. It worked fine for that. I have been planning a mini split install, now at least I know I don’t need a new vacuum pump! Thanks for the video.

[@the497jepthal]

I used a newer model of this pump rated st 3.5 CFM and 75 Microns. It easy pulled to 300 microns fairly quickly. Cost $149.95 in new inflated dollars.

[@am529]

I was just at HF last week and picked one up at that same price, but it was 3 CFM (two-stage) and 22.5 micron rated.

[@AnthonyClay]

"new inflated dollars" @the497jepthal - I chuckled, and cried. Thanks for the new term.

[@jasontaylor9871]

Got in a pinch today when my Robinaire pump died, Harbor Freight was the only choice I had since the supply houses around here are closed on Saturdays Just pulled a 2 ton 30 year old Carrier system down to 300 Microns in 40 minutes. This is with the king valves open, pumped indoor, lineset, and outdoor unit down. Not bad for $90 bucks

[@dagorithe]

I bought an Amazon version. I would trust it for my own autos and home A/C as an initial test and check. But I wouldn’t use it professionally in any situation. Thanks for the video. I used it mainly for the initial set up. The instructions mentioned an oil inlet but couldn’t find one. Very helpful.

[@redluck01]

I use the harbor freight vacuum for pulling down A/C systems in cars and it works great.

[@Raulhp01]

good job with the test, it help me to make decision what to do, thanks

[@AimGobalWorldBibleSchool]

Thanks man...good to know..Good Job!

[@wolfman7393]

Works well every time I use mine. No leaks at all. Manifold gauges work good too.

[@thisissoeasy]

I think you did a really fair test! Cheers from outback Australia...

[@danielgrant407]

I have the Harbor freight 3CFM pump I've done plenty of 5 Ton Goodman units And had no problem pulling them down to a 130 microns And it didn't take too long to do it I will say I'm pretty impressed with the Harbor freight pump And for the price couldn't beat it

[@monteglover4133]

I’m a 40+ year HVAC&R tech I used one in a pinch it did work better than expected. My primary pump is a 40 year old cast iron pump that out performs most new pumps.

[@caru3257]

I tested my Fieldpiece micron gauge today with a fieldpiece vacuum pump and an old vacuum. Guess which vacuum pump worked better. Not the old one.

[@monteglover4133]

@@caru3257 Caveat to what I’m saying I’ve been mostly out for about 5 years. If you’re saying ultimate deep vacuum probably you are right. But speed ?? I was doing mostly refrigeration, lots of low temp, do not use a single pump down always break with a dry gas and repeat. My old pump has literally 500,000 miles riding in a service truck and I’ve wrecked several newer pumps. I will say the newer pumps don’t vaporize nearly as much oil, the old pump is usually oily and slimy.

[@SparkeyDogfish]

I bought a “kit” on line for about $150. My logic was I am a homeowner who is installing two units. If I had to call in a hvac tech (maybe twice because of timing finishing both units at the same time) it would have cost me way more. I probably will not need to use the kit again. Worked great for my needs.

[@Kilticstudios1]

Thank you, sir! I really appreciate the video.

[@r134awhole5]

FYI. Most auto parts stores have free tool rentals. Most have a very similar pump. Nice to have as an option if you need a pump in a pinch. Usually can keep for days for free. Sometimes you get lucky and you get a brand new pump with bottle of oil included. I think the other fitting is the ACME fitting. Easy to connect to auto 134a cans and hoses. Just need and adapter from yellow Hackett to connect. Good video 🤪

[@HVACShopTalk]

Great tip!

[@jonasculpepper8247]

I'm an HVAC Technician.I bought this exact pump a few years ago as a backup and it surprisingly has held up pretty well. Really worth the money.

[@InsideOfMyOwnMind]

On mine the second fitting was the same size but it was a blind fitting to store the dust cap while in use.

[@ronie1337]

Thanks for the info.

[@Masterlowen21]

thanks for the video!

[@deseremere]

It is a rebranded FJC pump. Used it the first time yesterday, pulled 200 microns no problem while testing with non-vacuum hoses. Be careful when use Fieldpiece manifold with an internal micron gauge, stupid me released vacuum by opening a valve on a different hose after shutting down the pump and it sucked some oil out of the vacuum pump into the connected hose, lol. BTW manual says this pump uses 46 viscosity oil, I plan to switch it to synthetic Supercool oil.

[@carllee2338]

Not surprised at all I've been using

[@tomcostello5058]

Have used this primary for a few months in light commercial until I was able to get the pump I wanted. Never had a issue.

[@HVACShopTalk]

Cool, thanks for the info. I wonder how long these would last.

[@CBRRR-eh3ky]

What pump did you get. Im looking for a good heavy duty pump. Not sure why one to pick

[@tomcostello5058]

@@CBRRR-eh3ky I just had the small one at the time but if the 2 stage is affordable I'd def go with that

[@tomcostello5058]

@@HVACShopTalk I don't know whatever happened to mine but my old co worker still uses his. I'd say he uses a couple times a month.

[@CBRRR-eh3ky]

Thanks for your rwply I ended up ordering the OMT 3.5 cfm HVAC Vacuum Pump Kit and A/C Manifold Gauge Set for 134a 22 12 & 502 What is the advantage of a 2 stage VS the single stage? The one i have is a single stage

[@gregprocise4009]

My pump quit working supply house was close harbor freight was nearby I bought one been using it for five years still working good

[@BruisersBeaters]

I have this exact pump and have had it for about 7 years now. I use it for automotive A/C and have never had issue with it. I've left it on non-stop for many many hours. I also use it for bleeding brakes. Made up my own adapter set and large glass catch tank, it makes bleeding brakes alone very easy. Also works as a general purpose fluid extractor, as well. I'm sure it's bad for the internals of the pump but I'm in 7 years of hard use and abuse and it's still going. For what the thing costs? Highly recommend.

[@erics9213]

I bought the Harbor Freight 3.0 CFM 2-Stage vacuum pump years ago for automotive AC work, then I got into doing my own residential system. The pump always pulls to 25 microns and with a micron gauge attached o the 1/4" port. I used it when I installed my 3.5 ton heat pump 4 years ago and it pulled to 400 microns after about an hour. My 7 CFM bullet doesn't do much better and you have to use YJ pump oil on it or you won't get a deep vacuum. The port on top is the automotive 1/2" ACME size port and fits the one hose that came with the H.F. A/C gauge kit. I purchased a 1/2" ACME to 1/4" adapter online just in case.

[@paulsosa1872]

What's the difference between the one & 2 stage Pittsburgh pumps?

[@rivergate950]

@@paulsosa1872 ones pulls to 300 microns and his post says the 2 stage pulls to 25 microns so better performance and osts $150 instead of $95

[@TheClapper4]

I own a harbor freight vacuum pump and as much as I use it works well. I also use there floor jacks and they have held up well

[@adrianlara796]

Nice im about to try it out

[@dalethomasdewitt]

Reed valves do rust with humidity. Gentle steel wool works wonders sometimes.

[@kangaroogod]

Good vid 👍

[@montana1636]

I might try one out for that price, I was skeptical of weather or not they would pull enough vacuum

[@lewisellis7608]

well done

[@UpRisingDown]

I have the 2 stage 4.5 CFM of this variant. I go usually between 30-40 microns in my heatpump systems.

[@HVACShopTalk]

I was going to get the two stage to test but I was curious what the most basic model would do. That’s pretty good on the two stage.

[@UpRisingDown]

@@HVACShopTalk It works very good in the swedish northern winter also. Just to let u all know 😊

[@Saladon89]

Could u review the kozyvacu 500 and the 2 stage harbor freight vacuum?

[@fireriders8319]

I've been using the Harbor Freight pump at our shop (Heavy Construction Company) for three years now. Has not let us down once. A/C in our trucks and heavy machines is Ice Cold.

[@bradbeck2601]

Hey, I'm in a similar field (heavy equipment in a quarry) and I'm curious what your HVAC gauges say once you've pulled a vacuum. I had a harbor freight single stage pump and recently upgraded to the two-stage pump (because I've been using the single stage pump to pull vacuum on hydraulic tanks while I work on the system). The single stage pump used to get me between 26 and 28 inches of mercury on the gauge and now that I've upgraded to the two-stage pump, I'm only getting between 24 and 26 inches of mercury and it takes forever. I'm not sure if maybe my gauges got bumped around and it's not accurate anymore or if this pump is defective. How many inches of mercury do you usually get , and do you have a single stage or two-stage pump?

[@fireriders8319]

@@bradbeck2601 Hi Brad, I use the single stage pump also and like you get 26 to 28 inches. It's not a perfect 29-30 but never had an issue with our A/C units. Yesterday found someone walked off with my gauges and hoses but left me my pump. Could have been worse I guess but I think they will re-appear as fast as they disappeared.

[@bradbeck2601]

@@fireriders8319 thanks! Yeah, I haven't had any problems yet only getting 24-26 inHg I just thought it was strange since I anticipated a deeper vac with 2 stage. Maybe there's something else I'm missing, I'll have to investigate further. By the way, your workplace sounds exactly like mine, tools go missing for days and magically show back up on my toolbox, sometimes right after buying a replacement.

[@fireriders8319]

@@bradbeck2601 I usually get them back bent , broken or even rusted solid.

[@Diogenes30]

Thanks

[@tomstrum6259]

According to instructions, the smaller threaded Red plug is the oil fill port...Why you used the larger Black air vent port plug ?? Thx for the video.

[@Prosecute-fauci]

I used my 2.5 cfm vacuum pump to pull a 400 micron vacuum yesterday on a 30lb recovery bottle. It worked but it took about 15 minutes.

[@DuaneKerzic]

The two stage pump can do less than 100 mTorr. Works great. The decay test has nothing to do with how well the pump works. That has to do with how dry the system is.

[@thetechgenie7374]

I got the two stage version and it pulled down 130 which surprised me. It is a good pump especially for car HVAC work. You can rent pretty much same pump different name at auto parts store for free, but ended up buying the 2 stage version at harbor freight and already used it on 4 cars. You do have to drain and change oil in vacuum pump every time to get it to pull super low microns/vacuum, but to be expected, as even my expensive 10 CFM pump for commercial HVAC I change oil with every use. I used the 3 CFM on cars instead of the 10 CFM as the 10 to powerful and freezes the lines.

[@ZeroScapes]

I'm about to buy one just to repair my vehicle AC. Sounds great as a home gamer KZbin mechanic who works on their own vehicles

[@TellTheTruth1]

I’ve always wondered how our vacuum pumps rated. I’ve used vacuum pumps, my whole life to bleed the brakes on my vehicles and to do vacuum bagging for carbon fiber and fiberglass, etc.. but I never really understood how vacuum pumps are measured. I know vacuum is a factor, but you were talking something about microns filters. I understand the smaller than microns the harder it would be for air molecules to pass so is that how vacuum pumps are more precisely rated?

[@CDX825]

I figured it would do half decent honestly. It would probably do better if it had some quality vacuum pump oil in it. Ive been wanting to get one of the pneumatic vacuum pumps they sell and see what it can pull for microns. It has no practical use in our trade but it would be fun to experiment with.

[@HVACShopTalk]

You must be like me, wanting to test every random thing to see how well each would go.

[@InsideOfMyOwnMind]

@@HVACShopTalk I want to do that with a 3d printer although I have absolutely no use for one.

[@patrickpatrick9132]

I purchased one just about like that from Harbor freight. It worked great twice. I moved and apparently it must’ve been damaged even though I can’t see any damage doesn’t work anymore. It sounds like it’s doing something but it won’t pull the vacuum.

[@firesprk]

Pretty surprised. Would be curios how this time compares to other brands.

[@HVACShopTalk]

I agree, I need to torture test it a little.

[@Oregonhvac]

Harbor Freight tools are hit or miss but their prices are usually tempting 🤔. With clean copper it seemed like the the 40 min was a long pull for only 300 microns? It would have been interesting to put the micron gauge straight to the pump to see where it would pull down to. Great video, thanks 👍.

[@HVACShopTalk]

As I write this comment the same pump is running in my shop with the micron gauge directly on it. I will let you know.

[@OnePointLander]

​@@HVACShopTalk Where did it end up ?

[@fcholman]

@@OnePointLander Mine did 19 microns in 59 seconds, out of the box, with a CPS digital guage.

[@dr.knockers]

Can u show where the residue goes when vacumning a old contaminated system?

[@nickbrutanna9973]

I have a question -- would this do at all well in a vacuum former, or is it too low in CFM?

[@romano54321]

I bought this pump used at a garage sale, no instructions. What weight vacuum pump oil should be used with i?

[@TurboV8boi]

I'm not surprised the pump worked well lol.

[@Cotton088]

I’m curious about the harbor freight dual stage pump

[@uGoGop]

Should we jimmy up a shut off valve?

[@donb3026]

I have seen that in Harbor Freight and been curious about it myself so it was nice to see a video about the performance of it in real time. Nice know it could be used in a home air conditioning system. I suppose in the end 500 Micron does the same regardless of Automotive use or home use. I have shopped at Harbor Freight numerous times before and find that their quality has come a long way from what it used to be. Hand tools not so bad but anything requiring torque is generally pretty poor or for short-term success. Or both. Let's face it, most of that stuff is made in China and they don't care about generating Goodwill they care about generating more money. End of story. Love your Channel by the way and your basic philosophies involving life and religion.

[@allegory7638]

The top port is for a R134a gauge set connection.

[@JAYJAYJAY53]

In the 5 years HarborFreight has upped the quality of many of their products . But don’t worry they still sell a line of cheap stuff for those who want them

[@waggtech4883]

These pumps will last longer than you’d think. What will happen is that one day it just won’t pump into a deep vacuum. That’s when you know it’s time for a new one. It really doesn’t matter to me that it’s 2.5 cfm. But here’s the back story… one contractor I’d worked for wanted to provide a high volume pump but want the cheapest priced ones for their techs. So what we got was a pump that weighed over 50#. All of our work was in roofs meaning all the gear had to be tag lined from the ground. It didn’t take long to decide to buy the cheapest and lightest vac pump since it would be an out of pocket expense to get a suitable tool. The pump I wound up with was one of these with another name on the side. I used it for hundreds of hours and was more than happy to have not roped the heavy POS up on every job…

[@superiorcomfortheatingairl4636]

I was hoping this pump would pass and hoping it will fail as well. In summer months when I am busy for long days or weekends it is good to know if my good vacuum pump fails and it after hours or weekends when my distributors are all closed, I can run to Harbor Freight to pick one up just to get the job done. On the other hand where there is so many consumers buying mini splits on the Internet, this can eliminate customers contacting HVAC contractors to perform this procedure.

[@HVACShopTalk]

I don’t know how bad access to this pump would be for contractors. I bet it’s pretty rare, but I admit that a few folks would go that. I will continue the testing to see how much this little joker can take.

[@paladain55]

People work on their own cars and have access to random shade tree mechanics. Still most people use certified shops and dealers. Only that odd 5% who are more interested in it will actual do it like that.

[@cooldude2245]

I wonder how long it will last or how many vacuums it does

[@robertosalazarjr1205]

I don't work in the field of hvac... I work as a facilities maintenance electrician... I do have my EPA universal... Took a 10 month program... I don't intend on going into the field of hvac... I do however want to put my knowledge to use at my facility because we have air conditioning units on all our electrical panels and I would like to get them working... Would you recommend ror someone like me

[@universalservicetechust3578]

Shoot just bought me a new one of them, works great 😊

[@HVACShopTalk]

Great, how long have been using it?

[@LuisRamirez-pt4eb]

I suspected it would be fine for small systems. Good for small side jobs, like you said just residential work

[@HVACShopTalk]

Seems like a good fit.

[@fandechavalones3022]

I overfilled with oil a little bit obove the line is there a problem or its okay ?

[@jaredj631]

I’ve been wondering if this would be a good substitute to leave on a job site overnight for a contaminated system. Come back 12 hours later and see how her did.

[@Saladon89]

Robert Deniro doing vacuum pumps review??

[@patrickpk6299]

they have two newer two stage units, one battery. HERCULES 20V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 2-Stage Vacuum Pump - Tool Only

[@robertsmith2956]

Is that the single stage or dual stage pump?

[@dolphine3120]

yes

[@juancamedino6173]

Quiero comprar una máquina para doblar láminas de madera . Cuál me recomienda.. es verdad que hay una variedad pero me gustaría la opinión de la experiencia.. gracias.

[@jodystrickland9150]

Seems like a decent pump

[@justintyme1449]

I bought a Harbor Freight Brake Bleeder Kit Pneumatic.....but it did not perform well.....so I’m considering buying one of these vacuum pumps and connecting it through a glass mason jar to create a direct vacuum at each bleeder screw....instead of their air compressor version 🤔

[@jonboro2000]

Vacuum bleeding tends not to work a lot of the time. You can pull air through the piston seals, introducing air into the system, the opposite of what you're trying to accomplish. More/better vacuum will make that problem worse.

[@bnasty267]

I'm thinking you should have done a breakin procedure and/or used better oil. I did that with a cheapo 1stage from Amazon and easily pulled 130 micron on a system with 30ft lines (I didn't test pump alone.) Break in: Fill with oil and let sit for 10 minutes, remove all caps and start it wide open, let it run for a minute (will be fuming, so do it outside), put cap on intake side and let it run for 20 minutes (check oil level throughout), open everything again, drain oil. You can use the crap oil it comes with for this process, then refill with some good stuff (I used TSI Supercool v32). Going forward, if possible, always start/stop the pump wide open (no vac) and obviously keep caps on when storing and keep oil in the range at all times.

[@Lloyd.B.]

I asked the people on Ali Express "Yonntech" who apparently make these sorts of cheapo pumps, what oil to use and they said 100" or 68". I got some 68 iso and then when it came, in the manual it said 32 iso >.< I wonder how much difference it makes?.. The most I can get at the moment is around 28 Hg I think. Wondering if 32 iso would allow it to go higher.

[@bnasty267]

@@Lloyd.B. The oil probably shouldn't make that much of a difference in how deep the vac is. It's more about how well it lubes the seals/valves and how much abuse it can take. You probably need a real micron gauge to test it. Hook it up directly to the port (no rubber hoses) and see what it can do. Even the cheapest pumps should be able to pull

[@Lloyd.B.]

@@bnasty267 Thanks. I can't afford a micron gauge, I'm already spending too much getting the stuff to do a mini split lol. I imagine 28 inHg is probably enough. The manual says to go to 29.5. It'll do a better job than the hand brake bleeding pump I was going to use :D Should it be able to easily max out a manifold gauge?.. On this chart I found it says 500 microns = 0.5 mmHg. This makes no sense to me at all. My manifold gauges go UP to 76cm Hg = 760 mmHg - 0.5 mmHg would be virtually no vacuum at all on that gauge, so far as I can tell. The numbers are going the wrong direction I think.. No vacuum on the chart is 760 mmHg. I'm guessing they are NOT both mmHg, one is starting at perfect vacuum and one at atmospheric pressure?. On the chart it has an A after it "mmHg (A)" Is that atmospheric?..

[@jkato3706]

🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🙈🙉🙊 you could try a torture test on it or do a head to head test with the 2cfm battery navac with dry and wet conditions 🤔

[@HVACShopTalk]

I think I am going to put some serious run time on this thing to see how it handles wear and tear.

[@emailfilters]

2:59 - Please help me understand the reason for overfilling the vacuum pump with pump oil. Or, the difference it makes in your test (parallax error from the camera angle, perhaps?)

[@HVACShopTalk]

It was just slightly overfilled. I believe that it will have no effect.

[@simonhorning2470]

Can you clarify what size fittings are used for the pump. The manual says R12/22 and R134a but I don't know what fitting sizes that translates to.

[@tharinolsen878]

R12/22 = 1/4 inch SAE and R134a = 1/2 inch ACME

[@nickguitarguy1]

I bought this product because local vacuum and charge cost for 1 car was similar to the cost of this pump and I thought, owning the tool would pay for itself after a couple uses. It did well on first car. Then I stored the pump 2.5 years before needing again. The cast aluminum oil tank broke during storage and was unusable for second use. I would say the quality difference is what makes it inferior. I believe better brand pump wouldn't have broken from being hit during storage. I don't HVAC enough to warrant the purchase of a better brand so this time I'll just be paying for a vacuum and charge.

[@world.need.love.69]

*What's the name of the oil? Thanks. 🙏*

[@Butdoyouhaveacar]

can anyone give me good advice for my first vacuum pump purchase ? i have a 500$ budget and i was trying to figure out if a corded is better vs battery powered or not and which brands to get i have a four port field piece digital gauge set to go with it i got for 700$

[@hvacguru-Kansas]

Unfortunate there is only one 1/4" inlet. With core and depressor removed, you can only achieve maybe 1.5 CFM at best with 1/4" hose. Would take too long to evacuate anything other than line set and coil on new installations. Thanks for the review. I've seen them and was curious about it's performance. Now, I wonder if anyone has a video on Harbor Freight 3 CFM 2 stg pump? How well would it do on a complete system with exposed/saturated oil?

[@HVACShopTalk]

I aim to get one of those pumps (2 stage) as soon as I can

[@deseremere]

There are 1/2 acme to 3/8 sae adapters out there that consist of 1/2 acme to 1/4 sae, then 1/4 to 3/8, or just get yourself a basic 1/2 acme to 1/4 sae - those a easy to find. That way you can connect two hoses.

[@jonathanpetersheim3304]

Can anyone tell me if its normal to have oil vapor just bought it last week and put it to the test today.

[@anthonymakley1530]

Have the exact same pump doesn’t say anything on it. Been working fine for the half dozen times I had to use it

[@zundfolge1432]

so will this pump connect directly to the harbor freight automotive manifold gauge set yellow hose?

[@paulj5813]

Mine fits. One port appears to be for the R12 style connectors, the other is for R134 type.

[@jackdonovan2270]

I thought it did ok, but it didn’t have an evaporator coil, lineset or outdoor unit, I have used my reclaim machine as my vacuum pump, I was in the middle of nowhere and my pump took a dump 😂

[@HDXFH]

Same as a vevor

[@Bobherry]

minisplits and appliances it would be good.

[@HVACShopTalk]

Seems like a good pairing.

[@1marcelfilms]

I would simply buy 2 and carry one as a spare. or alternate using them

[@Honestandtruth]

I would be more COMFORTABLE with RonbinAir vacuum pump with good records in Reliability 😂😅

[@markavery2888]

I have used one for years...

[@longdriver2]

I have a unbranded vacuum pump that looks very similar to the HF pump you have here I use for wood turning. I ran it todayfor about 20 minutes to hold a bowl on my lathe. When I finished the pump side was very HOT. I don't have much experience with these pumps. Do they normally get so hot? Thanks for any information you have.

[@justicerefrigerationcallth1576]

Yes 😁

[@wasimedoo7994]

Looks good to me

[@HVACShopTalk]

So far so good.

[@rdalemd76]

I was on my way to start a major job and realized we forgot the vacuum pump. After some brainstorming on what we could do, We decided to stop at the closest Harbor Freight and buy this Vacuum Pump. It simply got the job done and gave it to the apprentice.

[@HVACShopTalk]

I think that’s a success story.

[@renearnett8057]

Geeeeze ours won’t pull a vacuum at all! Idk what the problem is. Our gage won’t budge! 😢

[@joebasile738]

why did why did you take out the Schrader valve

[@HVACShopTalk]

More flow without the restrictions

[@sylviaisgod6947]

Pump cost $76 today after 20% off Labor Day coupon.

[@patrickpk6299]

oil quality matters too. try it with name brand oil

[@scottjones7279]

Very surprised but not buying one. Will it last?

[@HVACShopTalk]

Good question. I may do a long run test for several hours/days to see how it holds up.

[@williamhawkins4326]

Mine does so far after a year and around 40 cars

[@jaschalowfitz2040]

Compare the accuracy of Harbor Freight AC Gauges accuracy compared to Your professional ones

[@stephwaylonwells3218]

👍

[@drrobotnikmeanbeanma]

Can a Pump Vac drain water out of a basement what about a Shop Vac ?

[@MrTheHillfolk]

Cant say i trust any gauges at all anymore. At least not on this job. Tried the old sears vacuum gauge on a pump and deadhead i would see 22". Hook it on the car,i was getting 25" on the gauge set. Unsure if that was good , borrowed another pump and the sears gauge gave me 23". Hooked it on the car,id see like 27". Whatever, if that's good enough ive got time, let it run for a week i guess.