freon recovery/recycle machine questions

[James L]

Are the R12 recovery/recycle/recharge machines also able to pull a vacuum (evacuate before charging?). I could use a vacuum pump and thought for a few dollars more I can get the complete machine to recover, recycle, vacuum and recharge. Last time I rented the small mastercool 1.5cm single stage from Autozone.

I have been waching on ebay, local pawn shops; Robinair 17600B, 17400, White Industires 01085, 01050, Pinnacle 1000-CA are aroundr $150-$400+ (these are all used R12 CFC type machines).

I did go on the robinair website and the manual for that model said recovery compressor not a vacuum pump. Is this the same for most of these type machines?

My R12 1984 w126 has a leak in the condenser u tubes near the high side port, also that famous suction side GM seal washer is leaking slightly on my NEW R4 (H-green washer, L-yellow washer, 1.5mm all around and even, with cfc nylog, held a vacuum). found these leaks with my CPS sniffer, no dye is showing.

I have a condenser on my 1983 parts car, the tubes look thicker but it has the same connections, Is there anyway to test this one for leaks before I remove it? it is disconnected and open (saran wrap/rubber bands on the ends) because I robbed the hoses for my 1984. I have shop air, how would I pull a vacuum on a condenser? remove it fill it up with shop air and submerge watching for bubbles?

I will get the rebuilt R4 with the 0-rings next time, should be fine since i wll be using lower pressure R12.

sorry for all the questions.