Vacuum for leak testing

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72gmc4x4
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Re: Vacuum for leak testing

Post by 72gmc4x4 »

Allied Gas
$160 for tank and gas and tax
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wptski
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Re: Vacuum for leak testing

Post by wptski »

72gmc4x4 wrote:Allied Gas
$160 for tank and gas and tax
Sounds like a better deal than I got!
72gmc4x4
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Re: Vacuum for leak testing

Post by 72gmc4x4 »

Im having a hard time hooking up the manifold gauges to the pressure regulator.

Did you have to get an adapter?
72gmc4x4
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Re: Vacuum for leak testing

Post by 72gmc4x4 »

I bought an adapter. None of the hardware stores had any. I had to go to the AC parts store to get it. $10. 1/4 female to 1/2 male adapter.
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Dave in Texas
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Re: Vacuum for leak testing

Post by Dave in Texas »

Since last post I've been comparing prices. Amz w/20CF tank(empty) delivered is $85. Smith 30 series regulator $84 delivered. Cost to fill tank locally $10 but they only exchange. That is assumming Amz tank is recently certified. Amz did have less expensive regulator (Uni-Weld) brand but poor reviews from buyers.
Purchase filled 20CF tank locally $100 (exchange refill tank $10), same Smith regulator $85 locally.
To me that is a 'wash'. Amz or local same sales tax rate. If I decide I need this, I will purchase at local welding supply shop.
Retired IBEW Electrician. Veteran ('61-'67)
1981 F100 (bought new) 300-6 4-sp stock truck(R12)
1987 Coupe Deville (R134a)
2003 Harley Low Rider
72gmc4x4
Posts: 41
Joined: Wed May 04, 2016 11:19 pm

Re: Vacuum for leak testing

Post by 72gmc4x4 »

I bought a uniweld regulator and have no issues with it. Granted I've only used it once and I had to track down a 1/4 female to 1/2 male adapter to be able to connect the manifold gauges.

Once connected I opened the low side and increase flow through regulator till pressures reached 125 psi. The manifold gauges agreed with the pressure regulator as far as pressure.
72gmc4x4
Posts: 41
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Re: Vacuum for leak testing

Post by 72gmc4x4 »

This uniweld regulator has 4.5 stars from 143 reviewers. That's about as good as you're gonna get.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008H ... UTF8&psc=1

If you get a regulator, buy this adapter as well if the regulator has a 1/4 in outlet. It took me quite a bit of time calling and driving around plus it was $10 locally.

https://www.amazon.com/R134a-Brass-Adap ... 1%2F2+male
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Dave in Texas
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Location: Austin Tx area

Re: Vacuum for leak testing

Post by Dave in Texas »

72gmc4x4 wrote:This uniweld regulator has 4.5 stars from 143 reviewers. That's about as good as you're gonna get.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008H ... UTF8&psc=1

If you get a regulator, buy this adapter as well if the regulator has a 1/4 in outlet. It took me quite a bit of time calling and driving around plus it was $10 locally.

https://www.amazon.com/R134a-Brass-Adap ... 1%2F2+male
Thanks. Believe I'll stick with the Smith 30 series. All my stuff is ¼". If later needed for 134 I'll get the adapter, but not now for R12. I like Amz, but for this I'd prefer dealing with local welding supplier.
Retired IBEW Electrician. Veteran ('61-'67)
1981 F100 (bought new) 300-6 4-sp stock truck(R12)
1987 Coupe Deville (R134a)
2003 Harley Low Rider
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wptski
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Re: Vacuum for leak testing

Post by wptski »

72gmc4x4 wrote: If you get a regulator, buy this adapter as well if the regulator has a 1/4 in outlet. It took me quite a bit of time calling and driving around plus it was $10 locally.

https://www.amazon.com/R134a-Brass-Adap ... 1%2F2+male
Your yellow hose must have a 1/2" Acme thread for R134A in small cans? IIRC, the large tanks are 1/4" flare fittings but seems that it would be 1/2" Acme as well but have to check mine later.
72gmc4x4
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Re: Vacuum for leak testing

Post by 72gmc4x4 »

I have a 30lb can of r134a and it has the 1/2 inch outlet that the gauges connect to without needing an adapter.
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