Reddit reviews F2C 3.5CFM 1/4HP HVAC Air Vacuum Pump Kit with/AC Refrigeration Gauge
We found 2 Reddit comments about F2C 3.5CFM 1/4HP HVAC Air Vacuum Pump Kit with/AC Refrigeration Gauge. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
High Efficiency and Low Noise; Heavy-duty Aluminum Alloy CasingOil Drain Plug Positioned at Bottom of Oil ReservoirInternal High Volume Cooling Fan for Extended Use; Exhaust Port with Exhaust CapOil Sight Glass For Monitoring Oil Levels; Comes With a Bottle of Vacuum OilON/OFF Switch; Non Slip Cushion Handle
This may not be the best, or up to daily use/abuse, but there are options for the DIY'er that will work without breaking the bank:
F2C 3.5CFM 1/4HP HVAC Air Vacuum Pump Kit with/AC Refrigeration Gauge https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AAB2YCU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ZtfCCbHQZW53H
Self-wrencher here. AFAIK, the belt tensioner moving is normal. The angry noise you hear is your A/C compressor turning on (specifically, the clutch engaging so the internals actually spin). That's normal, although the cycle times are off.
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Your A/C system is supposed to function like that, it'll have a drop in pressure when the A/C compressor is engaged as it pulls the freon through the system (so the low side drops, and the high side rises). The trick is balancing it all- Putting enough freon in so that there is still enough pressure when it's running (as too low of a pressure will cause the unit to stop running), but also not overfilling it to the point where either the low or high sides get too pressurized and pop a seal (or compressor).
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If you're using one of those cheap gauges mounted on top of a can, you're going to have off-readings. They're ok for most things, but I'd recommend one of the fancier full kits (the one with the vacuum is optional) so you can see the pressure independent of the can (and also measure the high side pressure as well).
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Worst case, just replace the tensioner & pulley if you think it's a problem (they're like $30 bucks and a ratchet pull followed by a bolt to remove/replace).