Automotive AC Tools

[Machspeed]

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

[85lebaront2]

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.

[Gary Lewis]

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.

[grumpin]

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.

[FuzzFace2]

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 ----

 

[Machspeed]

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?

[FuzzFace2]

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 ----

[Machspeed]

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?

[FuzzFace2]

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

[Machspeed]

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:nabble_smiley_wink:

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.