Automotive AC Tools

I need to delve into the AC on my 86 F-150 and need some gauges and a vacuum pump. Can I get a recommendation for these items? I don't need to have the best but I hate junk tools the either don't work or fail shortly after purchase.

Thoughts on this: https://www.amazon.com/XtremepowerUS-Vacuum-Refrigeration-Manifold-Gauge/dp/B00SZ4QFW0/ref=pd_sbs_263_2/146-2775998-9194861?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00SZ4QFW0&pd_rd_r=a595d28b-108d-4744-89f7-bbedacba80e8&pd_rd_w=z5fm6&pd_rd_wg=l5wGs&pf_rd_p=bdc67ba8-ab69-42ee-b8d8-8f5336b36a83&pf_rd_r=M39BF8DWYW0RG6N57VT2&psc=1&refRID=M39BF8DWYW0RG6N57VT2 

Doesn't look too bad, carrying case is a plus. If I didn't already have two gauge sets and a killer vacuum pump I would grab it.

That's a nice looking set, and with the vacuum pump included for that price it looks like a winner.

I have the gauges and pump from Harbor Freight and they have been fine.

I like the ones you linked. I bought a valve for the service port and this one has one. Also bought a valve that punctures the small cans too.

grumpin wrote

I have the gauges and pump from Harbor Freight and they have been fine.

I like the ones you linked. I bought a valve for the service port and this one has one. Also bought a valve that punctures the small cans too.

I just came from HF to get gauges and look at a pump.
The gauges were for R134A only with a hard case and quick disconnects for $60,Pump was $90.
I did not get either as I wanted gauges that also do R12 and think I can get a loner pump from AZ as I cant see using a $90 pump once and have it sit.
Dave ----

They rent that vacuum pump, Dave? It this is true, Ill mix the pump purchase too. Let me know on that if you will?

Machspeed wrote

They rent that vacuum pump, Dave? It this is true, Ill mix the pump purchase too. Let me know on that if you will?

I checked with my local store today when trying to return AC parts that did not fit and yes they do.
They also had 2 different gauge setup, one for $70+ with out a case and $85 with case and both were R134A only also.
With out the case gauges looked cheap and had big space between the readings, went mostly by color of green / yellow / red and not much on PSI.
I did not open the case gauges but the picture showed nice PSI markings like a real gauge would and almost got it.

Think I will swing back by HF and look there gauge setup that also came with a case, over a little better and if it has good gauge markings I will get it as it was cheaper then the AZ set.

If the HF don't pan out when I rent the pump from AZ I will get the gauge kit with case then.
Northern Tool, at least mine, does not carry AC gauge setups.
Dave ----

Thanks Dave. I was in Orielly's yesterday and they rent both the pump and the gauges. For a long time now I've need some gauges so I'll be springing for a decent set. Let me know what you end up with?

Machspeed wrote

Thanks Dave. I was in Orielly's yesterday and they rent both the pump and the gauges. For a long time now I've need some gauges so I'll be springing for a decent set. Let me know what you end up with?

LOL well I hit HF on the way home from work today and went for the gauge set, it looked to be the same as AZ set (gauges, quick connects & case) and was less $$, and got the vacuum pump as it came with oil.
We can always use more tools LOL both came to $160 and change.

I did not check on the gauges thru AZ but the more I got thinking of it, look who rents the tools and what they may go thru.
Pumps run dry and had junk sucked up into it and guessing I would need to buy pump oil that they most likely don't sell. Gauges dropped who knows how many times.

I also don't know when I might use them because of the heat down here and my work hours.
Once I get going I don't like to stop, run down the street to rent, if they have any at the time, the equipment or they may not be open at that time. I may be going out to work on the truck at 2am when it is cool and I know AZ is not open then LOL

You were looking for an excuse to buy tools......bet you told wifey all that too....lol!!! I know how to justify a tool purchase

But good for you! As I know now that I can rent the pump and have long needed a set of gauges, I ordered up a set of Yellow Jackets. The reviews on them were really high and the price wasn't all that bad either.

Yep, hotter in Arizona than Oklahoma but man have we had a few hot ones lately. I don't think I deal with that heat well anymore.  

I got to say I was happy with the HF gauges & the vacuum pump they both did a great job.
Only thing is make sure you can hook up both the low side and high side of the gauges.
My low side screwed onto the dryer but the high side would need an adaptor to hook up.
The hose was to large for the fitting on the line at the pump.
Dave ----

Does that kit mentioned by original poster include the parts I need to re-furbish the AC on an 1986 F350?  THe Ambulance had split the lines for an evaporator in the back.. so .. going to replace them with OEM style.  What other parts should I replace pre-emptively? The Thermactor air pump is gone and the AC compressor is not even on a fan belt....  Who knows, might work?