MAHLE RTI Spooter - Manual (Page 3)

2
WARNINGS
Do not attempt to pump refrigerant that has a pressure exceeding 200 PSI. Do not attempt to recover
refrigerant from an operating refrigeration system.
Servicing refrigeration or air-conditioning systems improperly can cause pressurized refrigerant gas to
violently explode. Precautions must be observed to protect both the person doing the work and the
equipment involved.
The SPOOTER is intended only for use by professional service people familiar with the equipment being
serviced and the precautions necessary to satisfactorily complete the intended service operation in
accordance with the instructions furnished.
Always follow the service procedures and do not exceed the maximum working pressure ratings.
MAINTENANCE
Check Valves:
The SPOOTER is dependent on a series of three check valves that must all be operational. Most problems
encountered are because of check valves not functioning properly. Most check valve failures occur
because of foreign particles getting stuck in them.
The best way to avoid check valve malfunction is to use a small refrigerant filter on the inlet side of the
pump. If the SPOOTER doesn’t seem to work, try the following:
First, put a finger over the top port and pump the SPOOTER. If it is operating properly, the gauge should
pull down to a 30 In-Hg vacuum in about two pumps and stay there. Remove your finger and the pressure
should return to zero. If it does, the SPOOTER is probably alright.
If the plunger pumps up and down easily but the gauge stays at zero with your finger over the top port, this
is almost always an indication that the middle check valve is stuck open. This check valve is a fitting that
looks like a close nipple right under the T fitting that the gauge is installed into. Sometimes this check valve
can be freed by removing the 10 inch hose between the bottom and the top and inserting a piece of wire
into the T fitting to push the valve open and closed. Pumping oil through the pump will sometimes also
clean this valve out.
The other two check valves are very easy to check. They are the ¼” male flare fittings where the hoses are
hooked to perform an evacuation. These check valves can be taken out and blown through to see if they
are operational. You should be able to blow through them one way, but not the other. Also, by inserting a
wire into the outlet side of these check valves, the piston should pop up and down freely.
Seals:
The two locations for seals in the SPOOTER are surrounding the piston and around the rod at the top.
Refrigerant leaking around the rod at the top indicates that the shaft seal needs to be replaced. This seal is
included in the SPOOTER Repair Kit (RTI Part Number 026-80169-00).
The seals around the piston rarely fail. They should be the last thing investigated on an inefficient pump.
You can remove the 10 inch hose, unscrew the rod end cap and pull the whole piston assembly out to
check these seals. If they don’t look nicked or torn, they are probably alright. Replacement seals are also
included in the SPOOTER Repair Kit (RTI Part Number 026-80169-00).