Pump Question

[Matt Chester]

I am just getting my V-Bag setup using a fridge pump that was given to me. I have it wired up and it runs very well, but I let it run with no vacuum hooked up for about 30 minutes and oil began to come out of the air outlet. Is this normal? Do I have the pump running backwards? Should I be concerned?

Thanks for any help.

-Matt

[threcixty]

Thats about standard.. Try to keep it cool by placing a fan nearby, and blow the oil vapor outside or it gets on everything. My A/C evac pump does the same thing. If you are motivated, put a vertical pipe, about 1/2" diameter and 2' long on the outlet. Put some fiberglass or whatever cloth scraps in the tube near the bottom, and it will trap the oil and drain it back into the pump. Just be wary if the pump gets really hot and smokes... This is when my refridgerator pump let go.
Jim

[Air Head]

I let the oil go into an empty beer bottle, then I suck it back into the pump every now and then.. Good or bad I do not know but I have been doing this for many years with the same oil.. I only get about a half inch in the bottom of the bottle..

Welcome to the wonderful world of Vacuum Bagging, Have fun and good luck.

Rick

[samotage]

Mine does this too. I have about 6 inches of outlet tube sticking up, and I just have some paper towell around the tip.

Don't be fussed ;) The really important thing is to not pull too much vacuum.

Sam.

[Matt Chester]

Thanks for the insite guys. That makes me feel more at ease about this. I dont want to burn it up immediately before I get to do some VBing.

I have noticed that this thing draws some serious vacuum after a few seconds of plugging the tube.

Do any of you use a Bleeder Valve only and let the pump run continuosly? Or is this a bad idea with the fridge pumps?

Thanks,
Matt

[jkettu]

Bleeder and continuous running is ok. I'd recommend an adjustable bleeder to control the vacuum level. A glow engine needle valve works well.

[wyowindworks]

Last week my oil pump ran 80 hours almost none stop. I did 4 wings and 3 sets of tail units. My pump does this almost every week. Been doing this for 6 months and it just keeps on sucking.

[Air Head]

I have a Bleeder Valve and a Vacuum Gauge hooked inline.. CST or ACP has them....

[samotage]

I use one of those Joe woodworker switches, and are very happy. The pump runs intermittently and I get a much better vac pressure - less dimples.

Sam.