Robinair (15500) VacuMaster Economy Vacuum Pump - 2-Stage, 5 CFM , Red

I committed the typical amateurish error of trying out cheaper two-stage vacuum pumps...with predictable results. They either didn't perform as advertised right out of the box, or they failed within several uses - even with proper maintenance.This thing, however, delivers on the promise.I filled it with the included oil. First time powering it up, it pulled the rated vacuum quickly when dead-headed.That first charge of oil became cloudy after just a few uses, so I drained it and replaced it with fresh Robinair vacuum oil. At that point, the ultimate vacuum plunged to 9 microns. (I suspect that the first charge of oil took the brunt of the break-in, and that's why it clouded up so quickly. But that's something to be aware of if you buy this pump. Keep a close eye on the clarity of the first oil charge, as it will probably cloud up pretty quickly.)Since then, this pump has been worked very hard. It has been operated for hours on end with no loss of performance whatsoever. Since my application doesn't expose the oil to excessive moisture, the oil has remained clear after the equivalent of days of operation.There is oil fog released when the pump is operated under no load, or when it is under load but evacuating at a high flow rate. It's inevitable and is present with all pumps of this type.There are aftermarket oil mist separators available that can mitigate the oil mist, but they're expensive. Just expect the oil mist, and make sure you have adequate ventilation wherever the pump is operating.

Has worked very well and pulls a good vacuum on the system. Robinair is a name that I trust to be a quality product, for many years to come. Made my summer better. It is a heavy pump, not cheap, and will get hot, but it works as it's supposed to all season long.

I chose to go with a brand name rather than one of the cheaper similar spec models. Never had a pump before but every car needs a new compressor if you keep it long enough. One pump and refill costs more that this pump (including Freon and oil). Easy setup, quiet, pulled good vacuum. Didn't check final vacuum as my gauges are not the best, but needle was basically pegged at highest vacuum level. The repair was: automotive - new compressor, all new seals on all components, full flush on what was left, new suction/discharge hose, new receiver drier). After sitting for an hour with no change in vacuum, added sufficient R134a for compressor to run and fully charged the system. Even with the new parts (all AC Delco - so double what i could have paid) plus the tools i didn't have (flush kit, flush, this pump) cost was half of dealer cost to just replace the compressor. After use I changed the pump oil - went from clear to noticably yellow with 45 minutes of use. Easy to change, just follow instructions provided. This is cheap easy maintenance. Can't comment on durability as i only used it once. Way quieter than the previous pump i borrowed.

Pump came damaged from poor packaging. The guard that covers the cooling fan was dented in and touching the fan. Very easy to fix and pump worked very well after. Comes with the three main sizes of inlet fittings. It includes a large bottle of vacuum oil. There is a little more than you need to do the first fill for the pump. Does not have enough to do the first change after break in. Pump is made of well made cast aluminum for the case and steel internals.

I have read some of the reviews of how the pump is used and the oil turns black or spit out oil i can say i did experience the oil turning a little dark but ive bought the pump with new Robinair Oil and followed the instructions, ive also let it ran 10 more minuets after the initial brake in period just to make sure everything worked well. ive changed the oil after and let it ran again to see if it was just old oil that came with the pump or if the pump was actually burning or was defective. i am happy to say that it was just the oil that came in the box. ive used it for 2 hours on a job and checked back and the oil is still some what clear but is understandable seeing how the AC system had a lot of moisture so the oil would look a little cloudy, changed it and started on another job and again no problems had a strong vac micron levels were where it should be. the oil that "leaded out" was dude to a very slight over fill of oil after ive adjusted the level no issues at all. my advice is to fill the pump up to the point were the edge of the oil surface tension reaches the sight glass line doing so in my case seems to fix the spitting oil out the exhaust filter, if you cant get it just right i dont see any reason to make a small extension to compensate the oil spitting out the exhaust filter, over all if your a DIY or dont know how to use a vacuum pump or service it ask some one for help because this pump works very well for small to mid side jobs. the only thing i want this pump to have was a larger oil capacity for a longer run time so i dont have to stop it and change the oil as often dude to the high humidity area where i had used this pump in. for the price you pay for it your getting a pretty good deal, most likely buy the 8 cfm in the near future just to save some time hope this helps someone.

Arrived fast. Works Great.