ebay A/C gauges and venturi vacuum pump? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

pizzachef · #1 03-19-2009, 11:44 PM

Has anyone used a set of A/C gauges that are sold on ebay?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380111193802

Are they junk? And, I haven't seen in the forums an actual determination that R-134a fittings are the same as the ES-12 fittings. Are they different? If so, one would need different gauges...

Also, has anyone used one of those venturi-effect vacuum pumps? You connect it to an air compressor and it can draw a vacuum to evacuate the a/c system. Do they work well enough to be useful or is a regular vacuum pump much better? I'm probably (hopefully) only going to fix up the a/c in one or two cars, and don't really want to invest in a real vacuum pump if I won't be using it for anything else. The venturi-effect things are like $15.

Thanks for the input.

C Sean Watts · #2 03-20-2009, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pizzachef

Has anyone used a set of A/C gauges that are sold on ebay?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380111193802

Are they junk? And, I haven't seen in the forums an actual determination that R-134a fittings are the same as the ES-12 fittings. Are they different? If so, one would need different gauges...

Also, has anyone used one of those venturi-effect vacuum pumps? You connect it to an air compressor and it can draw a vacuum to evacuate the a/c system. Do they work well enough to be useful or is a regular vacuum pump much better? I'm probably (hopefully) only going to fix up the a/c in one or two cars, and don't really want to invest in a real vacuum pump if I won't be using it for anything else. The venturi-effect things are like $15.

Thanks for the input.

I have used a venturi pump. They are lackluster at best. If you can find a scrap refrigerator there are a few you tube videos on converting them to vac. pumps.

Cr from Texas · #3 03-20-2009, 12:33 AM

Check rental places or auto parts stores. You can probably rent one.

JimmyL · #4 03-20-2009, 12:34 AM

Venturi vac is junk!!!!
Those are the same AC gauges as Harbor Freight sells. Cheaper there, but I have tried two different sets and both had issues with the connection ends. I would find another type of gauge. Trust me on this one.......

pizzachef · #5 03-20-2009, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C Sean Watts

..They are lackluster at best...

Quote:

Originally Posted by C Sean Watts

..You can probably rent one...

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyL

I would find another type of gauge. Trust me on this one.......

That's why I asked.

I'll heed your advice.

Quote:

Originally Posted by C Sean Watts

If you can find a scrap refrigerator there are a few you tube videos on converting them to vac. pumps.

I actually saved a scrap dehumidifier pump for that reason..to use as a vacuum pump for making a vacuum VO collecting device. I hadn't thought of using it for this. I'll plug it in and see how it works.

Quote:

Originally Posted by C Sean Watts

Raleigh NC - Home of deep fried sushi

Bleh..keep my sushi away from the faaaar.

compu_85 · #6 03-20-2009, 09:00 AM

I got mine from an old man at a garage sale... made in the USA

Check craigslist, etc. People have them available.

-Jason

tankowner · #7 03-20-2009, 09:38 AM

The gauges are the same ones they sell at Harbor Freight. I have a set from there that I picked up for $30 and have used them on about 3 different occasions - they've worked just fine for me.

vstech · #8 03-20-2009, 11:19 AM

the manifold is adequate for normal use... be VERY careful with the gauges themselves. the body is cast brass, and they break very easily. ask me how I know... the forged brass gauges are better. but as mentioned already, if you have a local harbor freight, go there, 35.00 no shipping. that vacuum pump is not worth the 10.00 they ask for them at the store...

tjohn · #9 03-20-2009, 11:38 AM

The venturi pumps can work - I've used one to pull right down to -28 on two different cars, BUT: 1. I'm at sea level 2. I'm using shop air, not a small home compressor to provide the air source. If you can fit into those parameters, they're cheap and effective. If not, get a real pump - you want to be sure you're pulling a good hard vacuum to get all the moisture out.

The HF gauges are fine for the type of occasional DIY work most of us do.

Matt L · #10 03-20-2009, 01:34 PM

-28 inches at sea level is nearly two inches of pressure. That's nearly 50,000 microns, which is nowhere near sufficient to remove water at any reasonable temperature.

C Sean Watts · #11 03-20-2009, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pizzachef

Bleh..keep my sushi away from the faaaar.

Tempura batter dipped and fried up real good in peanut and sesame oil. THAT WAY you don't worry about parasites from raw fish

.

But actually it's damn tasty.

Graplr · #12 03-20-2009, 03:01 PM

I have a set of HF gauges. They worked fine for me.

I picked up a recovery unit with a vacuum pump in it. I haven't tested it yet but will soon. If it works I will most likley sell my other vacuum pump I purchased new for ~$100 last spring. I only used it twice. If you are intersted, PM me and I'll check into everything this weekend.

pizzachef · #13 03-21-2009, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graplr

I picked up a recovery unit with a vacuum pump in it. I haven't tested it yet but will soon. If it works I will most likley sell my other vacuum pump I purchased new for ~$100 last spring. I only used it twice. If you are intersted, PM me and I'll check into everything this weekend.

Thanks for the offer, I'm going to check craigslist first for something local. If nothing pans out, I may take you up on that pump.

Quote:

Originally Posted by C Sean Watts

Tempura batter dipped and fried up real good in peanut and sesame oil. THAT WAY you don't worry about parasites from raw fish

.

But actually it's damn tasty.

Vegetable and shrimp tempura are succulent. Good fish is buttery smooth. Parasites must be weak

pizzachef · #14 03-26-2009, 11:08 AM

Anyone know if this type of pump is any good?
http://lancaster.craigslist.org/tls/1087664880.html
It looks like an electric motor coupled to a rotary pump. It doesn't specify in the ad, but I assumed its a rotary vane pump.

Any opinions?
Thanks.

JimmyL · #15 03-26-2009, 02:46 PM

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=98076