Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum

What kind of oil do you use in your vacuum pump? Is motor oil ok? Or maybe mineral oil? Can't see wasting big bucks on "Special" pump oil. What kind of base oil is this so-called pump oil?

Check the board sponsor or https://www.harborfreight.com/32-oz-com ... 68097.html

So is compressor oil basically the same as vacuum pump oil?

philipswanson wrote:So is compressor oil basically the same as vacuum pump oil?

Sometimes.

Not sure what Harbor Freight uses in their oil. For $8.00 dollars would be your best bet. Since money seems to be the issue.

We sell Santech oil. It's a known oil and is reliable.

https://www.ackits.com/vacuum-pumps-and ... m-pump-oil

Money is not the big issue. Don't like to waste it though. It's more curiosity. Or is it just an oil ripoff. I have a vane type vacuum pump and have it apart. It's nothing but a rotor spinning around a housing insert. Can't understand why any special oil would be required. Vapors are released thru an external vent and don't flow backwards against vacuum. Seems like a ripoff myth. Love exploring myths just like the TV show. I plan to use PAG oil 150 in it.

Every vacuum pump manufacturer states to use vacuum oil. This oil is $20.00 per gallon. I change my oil after every burnout. If it is not a burnout, then I change it after every 3rd vacuum. I do not want to have my oil contaminated with moisture.