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.

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1993 Mercedes Benz 300D 2.5 205K (ex wife's)
1984 Mercedes Benz 300SD 320K (SOLD)
2004 Mercedes Benz C240 75K
1995 GMC Sierra 2WD 5.7L 188K
1983 Mercedes Benz 300SD 239K (SOLD)
1987 BMW 325i 220K (SOLD FOR SALVAGE)

609 Certification

Most of the R12 recovery/recycle machines will also evacuate the system. The prices are very reasonable on e-bay, last year I purchased a Sun MRC300 from a local e-bay seller for $125. This machine will recover/recharge and pull a vacuum all in one neat little package. The downside is that it will take up space in your garage and you really only need it maybe once every couple of years.

Checking for leaks also becomes much easier, you can charge the system with 1 lb of refrigerant and look for leaks with an electronic sniffer. If any leaks are found you just recover the refrigerant and fix the leak. Repeat the process until you are leak free.

Read this thread for an inexpensive refrigerant recovery / recycler machine source:

Check out my new A/C toys to go with my 609

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