Robinair Model 15448 - Manual (Page 5)

Operating Manual
To use the gas
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ballast feature
Moisture from the A/C-R system that is carried
into the pump as a vapor tends to condense into a
liquid and combine with the vacuum pump oil.
When moisture contaminates the pump oil, it
reduces the pump’s ability to reach its ultimate
deep vacuum level.
The gas ballast valve purges a small amount of
atmospheric air through the exhaust chamber.
This extra volume of air mixes with the vapor from
the refrigerant system to prevent condensation
and to help exhaust moisture in the form of vapor
from the pump.
To use the gas ballast, start the pump and open
the gas ballast valve until the system has reached
approximately 1000–3000 microns.
Close the valve to allow the pump to pull down to
its ultimate vacuum level. The gas ballast valve is
located beside the handle, opposite the inlet
fitting.
The gas ballast valve may be opened or closed at
any time during pump operation. It is fully open at
two turns counterclockwise.
NOTE: Robinair recommends the use of a
thermistor vacuum gauge to most accurately
measure vacuum levels.
5
To maintain your high
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vacuum pump
For maximum performance, Robinair recom-
mends changing vacuum pump oil after each use.
Vacuum pump oil
The condition and type of oil used in any high
vacuum pump are extremely important in deter-
mining the ultimate attainable vacuum. Robinair
recommends the use of our Premium High
Vacuum Pump Oil. This oil has been specifically
blended to maintain maximum viscosity at normal
running temperatures and to improve cold
weather starts.
Robinair Premium High Vacuum Pump Oil is
available in handy quart containers or in conve-
nient gallon containers. Order by part number:
13203 — Quart (shipped 12 quarts per case)
13204 — Gallon (shipped 4 gallons per case)
Oil change procedure
1. Be sure the pump is warmed up.
2. Remove the OIL DRAIN cap. Drain contami-
nated oil into a suitable container and
dispose of properly. Oil can be forced from
the pump by opening the inlet and partially
blocking the exhaust with a cloth while the
pump is running. Do not operate the pump for
more than 20 seconds using this method.
3. When the flow of oil has stopped, tilt the
pump forward to drain residual oil.
4. Replace the OIL DRAIN cap. Remove the
OIL FILL cap and fill the reservoir with new
vacuum pump oil until the oil just shows at
the bottom of the sight glass. The approxi-
mate oil capacity of the pump is 400 millili-
ters.
5. Be sure the inlet ports are capped, then turn
ON the pump. Allow it to run for one minute,
then check the oil level. If the oil is below the
sight glass OIL LEVEL line, add oil slowly
(with the pump running) until the oil reaches
the OIL LEVEL line. Replace the OIL FILL
cap, making sure the inlet is capped and the
drain cap is tight.
6. If the oil is badly contaminated with sludge
that forms when water is allowed to collect in
the oil, you may need to remove the oil
reservoir cover and wipe it out.
Repeat this procedure as required until the
contamination is removed. Replace the OIL
DRAIN cap and refill the reservoir to the proper
level with fresh pump oil (see Step 4).
Cleaning your pump
Clean the pump with soap and water only. Do not
use commercial cleaners that contain degreasing
agents that can damage polycarbonates. The
pump handle and base are made of Lexan*, one
of the toughest polycarbonate plastics available.
However, it is sensitive to degreasing agents.
*Lexan is a registered trademark of General Electric
Motor Lubrication
After three years of normal service or one year of
heavy-duty service, add oil annually. Use electric
motor oil or SAE 10 oil.
To shut down your
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pump after use
To help prolong pump life and promote easy
starting, follow these procedures for shutdown:
1. Close the manifold valve between the pump
and the system.
2. Turn the Iso-Valve to the CLOSED position.
3. Remove the hose from the pump inlet.
4. Turn the pump power switch to OFF, then
return the Iso-Valve to the OPEN position for
a few seconds to relieve any vacuum inside
the pump.
5. Cap the inlet port to prevent any contamina-
tion or loose particles from entering the port.