Fieldpiece Vacuum Pump with RunQuick™ Oil Change System OPERATOR'S MANUAL Models VP55 and VP85 ®
Contents Important Notice . . What’s Included . Warnings . . Description . Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 . 5 . . 5 . . . . . . . 6 Specifications . . . . . . . 8 . 9 Certifications . . . . . Safety Information . . General Environmental Personal Protection VP55/VP85 Protection Setup . . Tech Tips . . . . General Cold Weather Starts Setup 2 . . . . . . . 10 Operation . . . . . . . .
Important Notice This is not a consumer machine. Only qualified personnel trained in service and installation of A/C and/or refrigeration equipment shall use this vacuum pump. This vacuum pump is used for evacuating (drying) refrigerant lines. Fieldpiece model MR45 is available for recovering refrigerant. Read and understand this operator’s manual in its entirety before using VP55/VP85 to prevent injury or damage to you or equipment.
Description Performing a proper system evacuation prior to charging directly increases the expected life and efficiency of the system. Fieldpiece vacuum pumps provide a new view at system evacuation. Good oil is the lifeblood of every evacuation. You need to know the condition of the oil. You need to change the oil easily with no mess. Clearly view the oil condition through the huge oil tank window. The oil backlight helps to see the condition of the oil and if the fill level is correct.
Specifications Flow Rate: 8CFM (VP85), 5CFM (VP55) Oil Capacity: 8oz (237mL) Oil Compatibility: Fieldpiece Vacuum Pump Oil (Highly refined and optimized for proper sealing and lubrication) Fieldpiece part numbers: OIL8X3, OIL32, OIL128 Oil Backlight: Blue LED Oil Drain: Ball valve Port Sizes: (1) 1/4”, (2) 3/8”, (1) 1/2” Certifications WEEE Do not dispose through typical waste streams.
Safety Information General 1. 2. 3. This machine is only intended for use by qualified personnel trained in servicing and installation of A/C/Refrigeration equipment. Read and understand this operator’s manual in its entirety before using VP55/VP85 to prevent injury or damage to you or equipment. Always dispose of oil according to local jurisdiction. Environmental 1. 2. 3. Use only within operating environment specification. Ensure fan opening is clear of debris.
Tech Tips General 1. 2. 3. Vacuum pumps are not recovery machines and should not be used for recovering refrigerant. Purge the A/C system with a few psi of dry nitrogen before evacuation to pre-dry the system. This extra step actually saves time overall because it quickly removes a great amount of moisture, oil, and other contaminants before you even connect your pump. Performing a triple evacuation is a great way to ensure a system is dry.
Operation Gas Ballast Switch (Closed) Motor Power Switch (OFF) Remote Exhaust Cap Power Cord Storage Oil Fill Cap 4 Input Ports Extra Oil Bottle Storage (VP85) Oil Bottle Access Door Clear Oil Reservoir 14 Oil Drain Valve (OPEN) 15
RunQuick™ Oil Change System The only way to create a deep vacuum is to evacuate with fresh oil, especially at the end of the job. The RunQuick oil change system makes this old chore a breeze. FILL ZONE Wide Mouth Fill Port It is easy to hit your target with the wide mouth fill port. Change Oil Quickly with the Pump Running Towards the end of the evacuation is when you need fresh oil the most.
Evacuation with a 4 Port Manifold This is the most common evacuation method. Read the tech tips (page12) for optimum gauge placement and variations to reduce recovery times. Vapor Liquid Schrader Valve Core Removal Tools (optional) 18 4 Port Manifold with Micron Gauge 1. Always fill with fresh Fieldpiece Vacuum Pump Oil (page 24). Running the pump without oil will damage the pump and void the warranty.
Evacuation with a 3 Port Manifold This is a common, but less than ideal evacuation method. Read the tech tips (page 12) for optimum gauge placement and variations to reduce recovery times. 3 Port Manifold with Micron Gauge Vapor Liquid Schrader Valve Core Removal Tools (optional) 20 Hose with Shut-off Valve 1. Always fill with fresh Fieldpiece Vacuum Pump Oil (page 24). Running the pump without oil will damage the pump and void the warranty.
Direct Evacuation Micron Gauge Vapor Liquid Schrader Valve Core Removal Tools 22 This is usually the fastest evacuation method. Read the tech tips (page 12) for optimum gauge placement and variations to reduce recovery times. 1. Always fill with fresh Fieldpiece Vacuum Pump Oil (page 24). Running the pump without oil will damage the pump and void the warranty. Oil can be drained while the pump is running if refilled within 3 minutes (within 30 seconds to maintain your vacuum). 2.
Oil Change Procedure Changing oil is easy and visible. Start each job with fresh oil. Change as needed during the job. DRAINING OLD OIL 1. For extended pump life, drain the oil immediatly after the job instead of waiting until the beginning of the next job. 2. Ensure the pump oil inside is warm enough, >75°F (>24°C), for proper drainage. Run the pump for 10 minutes if ambient temp is low. 3. Ensure the VP55/VP85 motor power switch is turned OFF (down).
Gas Ballast Switch Much of the air and moisture in a system are removed before reaching 3000 microns. For wet systems, you should open the gas ballast during this initial pull down. Doing so helps the pump run smoothly and keeps the oil in good condition for when you need it most -- towards the end of the evacuation. At about 3000 microns, when the sound of the pump quiets down, the gas ballast should be closed so that a deep vacuum can be generated. 26 Closed • Normal operating position. • LED off.
Maintenance General Wipe with damp cloth to clean the exterior. Do not use solvents. Storage Empty or replace oil at the end of every job. Don’t leave old oil in the machine. Store the pump and oil in dry clean areas for longest life. Oil can lose its sealing properties if left uncovered. Keep oil sealed until it’s ready for use. Vacuum Isolation Test Perform this test to ensure VP55/VP85 and your micron gauge are working properly. 1. 2. 3. 4.
Troubleshooting Appropriate vacuum is never reached. Ensure the gas ballast is closed (vertical position, LED off). Ensure oil is fresh. Ensure oil level is within the FILL ZONE. Ensure all port caps are closed and have working seals. Limit amount of connections. Check for leaks at connections. Use vacuum rated hoses. Check for blockages between the pump and the system. Check for a system leak. Verify your vacuum gauge is in the correct location and is accurate.
Limited Warranty This machine is warranted against defects in material or workmanship for one year from date of purchase from an authorized Fieldpiece dealer. Fieldpiece will replace or repair the defective unit, at its option, subject to verification of the defect. This warranty does not apply to defects resulting from abuse, neglect, accident, unauthorized repair, alteration, or unreasonable use of the machine.
VP55 VP85 © Fieldpiece Instruments, Inc 2019; v13