Can a Harbor Freight Vacuum Pump Pull a Deep Vacuum?

I actually bought this pump to do vacuum bagging for fiberglass work. It works great for that in a home workshop environment. A couple of years ago the evaporator core in my car went out and I used this pull a vacuum after I replaced it. Don't know if it did everything 100% correct, but 2 years later the car is still making cold air so I count that as a win.

Got in a pinch today when my Robinaire pump died, Harbor Freight was the only choice I had since the supply houses around here are closed on Saturdays Just pulled a 2 ton 30 year old Carrier system down to 300 Microns in 40 minutes. This is with the king valves open, pumped indoor, lineset, and outdoor unit down. Not bad for $90 bucks

I used a newer model of this pump rated st 3.5 CFM and 75 Microns. It easy pulled to 300 microns fairly quickly. Cost $149.95 in new inflated dollars.

Glad to hear it seems ok. I do not work in the industry, just a regular homeowner trying to install a mini split. I got a bargain on this pump, paying just $71. A lot of the jargon used in the industry is over my head, just trying to learn and see if I can do this without paying someone thousands. PS: I already called the HVAC company who put central air in my house, and with whom I have always done business. Guess what? They refused to say they would even inject coolant into the new mini-split on the grounds that they did not install it!!! One thing that really bothers me about this entire industry (home a/c) is that it appears to be CHOCK FULL OF CROOKS! We had a 2nd home in nearby city, just to lessen the commute, and once called a busy HVAC guy to check the a/c and attend to the usual (like replacing a $9 capacitor). He charged well over $1000 for an hour's work, and insisted on immediate online payment. He admitted to "earning" $7000 for his half day's work, and stated that he was trying to hurry because he wanted to spend the rest of the day on his jet ski's. The more I learn about typical a/c problems (such as replacing inexpensive capacitors and contact switches), which I have seen commonly marked up from, say $9 to $260 each, the more I realize how homeowners are gigantically just ripped off as a matter of everyday business. I'm sure I will hear defenses from industry workers, but I don't care. Seen all this with my own eyes!

I’m a 40+ year HVAC&R tech I used one in a pinch it did work better than expected. My primary pump is a 40 year old cast iron pump that out performs most new pumps.

I have the Harbor freight 3CFM pump I've done plenty of 5 Ton Goodman units And had no problem pulling them down to a 130 microns And it didn't take too long to do it I will say I'm pretty impressed with the Harbor freight pump And for the price couldn't beat it

Zack, I enjoyed watching your demo of the vacuum pump! You do good work !

Surprised! I bought one years ago for a vacuum fixture for my milling machine. It worked fine for that. I have been planning a mini split install, now at least I know I don’t need a new vacuum pump! Thanks for the video.

I use the harbor freight vacuum for pulling down A/C systems in cars and it works great.

I bought an Amazon version. I would trust it for my own autos and home A/C as an initial test and check. But I wouldn’t use it professionally in any situation. Thanks for the video. I used it mainly for the initial set up. The instructions mentioned an oil inlet but couldn’t find one. Very helpful.

I bought a “kit” on line for about $150. My logic was I am a homeowner who is installing two units. If I had to call in a hvac tech (maybe twice because of timing finishing both units at the same time) it would have cost me way more. I probably will not need to use the kit again. Worked great for my needs.

Thanks man...good to know..Good Job!

Very interesting, thank you for sharing your test.

Works well every time I use mine. No leaks at all. Manifold gauges work good too.

good job with the test, it help me to make decision what to do, thanks

I think you did a really fair test! Cheers from outback Australia...

Thank you, sir! I really appreciate the video.

FYI. Most auto parts stores have free tool rentals. Most have a very similar pump. Nice to have as an option if you need a pump in a pinch. Usually can keep for days for free. Sometimes you get lucky and you get a brand new pump with bottle of oil included. I think the other fitting is the ACME fitting. Easy to connect to auto 134a cans and hoses. Just need and adapter from yellow Hackett to connect. Good video 🤪

thanks for the video!

Thanks for the info.