Robinair Model 15401 - Manual (Page 5)

Operating Manual
To use the gas
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 the high vacuum
pump
For maximum performance, Robinair recommends
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 determining 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.
Our Premium High Vacuum Pump Oil is available
in quart or 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
contaminated oil into a suitable container and
dispose of correctly. 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 approximate oil
capacity of the pump is 375 milliliters.
5. Verify the inlet ports are capped. Turn ON
the pump, and allow it to run for one minute.
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, cap
the inlet, and tighten the drain cap.
6. If the oil is badly contaminated, you may need
to flush the pump. To flush, remove the pump
drain cap and start the pump. Slowly pour a
small quantity of new pump oil through the oil
fill inlet.
Repeat this procedure as required until the
contamination is removed. Replace the OIL
DRAIN cap and refill the reservoir to the
correct level using fresh pump oil (Step 4).
Cleaning the pump
Use only soap and water to clean the
pump. 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 motor oil. Use electric
motor oil or SAE 10 oil.
To shut down the
pump after use
To help prolong pump life and promote easy start-
ing, 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.