@@WatchWesWork my buddy who was an honor guard used to aim the ejected hot shells towards the person to his right. The person to his right was the "new guy".
@@WatchWesWork when I was in commercial sheet metal, the new guy was the one that had to follow our supervisor up a 40' ladder, he didn't know the boss loved pickled eggs and beer.
Didn't know I needed this tool, would make my life a lot easier filling 35+ tractors than the old 5 gallon bucket while balancing on a stool and aiming trick, thanks Wes, keep doing you brother.
1:38 Wes: "I hate funnels, they're terrible tools, they're always dirty..." Also Wes: Standing with a very clean and crisp funnel in his hand, hoovering over a very filthy, oily and dusty goose neck jug! 🤣🤣🤣
I have the U-view Airlift ($120) at the shop, saves SO MUCH time after a radiator or water pump replacement. They are a must on a lot of the newer vehicles, almost impossible to bleed them without it.
Hey Wes, Having one of those vacuum filler tools would really have been handy a few decades ago in Bosnia winterizing US ARMY TRUCKS equipment. Yes all we had was 55 gal drums of 100% antifreeze and had to dilute. Yes they were inspected by a cheesey PIA inspector and had to be at -35F level of protection. Not above or below. Yes it was a time consuming task. We dealt with it as we were making almost $10,000 a mo.
Iv been a mechanic for a lot of years but I refer to utube all the time for new jobs I'm not familiar with.This guy is a excellent instructor.Smart well spoken doesn't take stupid short cuts.I haven't used this pressure sys yet on a duromax duell thermostat R&R but I damn sure am about to.Many thanks.William Montgomery Al Rolltide!
Hey Wes I just wanted to drop a note and let you know I appreciate you sharing your vast knowledge and technical know how with us amateurs. Keep up the great work!
I know I'm a little late to the party, but I use these quite a bit in my shop. Mine is a Cornwell one. We used to use the electric pump like you described. For a while we had problems with Cummins EGR coolers failing often and putting coolant in the exhaust. We started using the vacuum fillers and the problem dropped quite a bit. Thought is the corigation on the EGR cooler pipes was holding onto air bubbles and causing hot spots in the cooler. The vacuum eliminates the bubbles so there's less failures.
These tools are great I have two versions in my workshop, but they do need a brief warning from my experience, the vacuum refill is good on new systems but on older systems by vacuuming the system the rubber pipes suck in on themselves, on old pipes I have found that this can cause them to split internally, admittedly they are already weakened, but nothing worse than doing a quick coolant change and the cars comes back in weeks with a split or leaking old pipe! Great kit in the right application!
I use a similar watering jug to yours use, except I've attached a two and a half foot long piece of hose with a clamp, and I never spill a drop. I watch videos like yours because being a shade tree mechanic, there's always someone you can learn from, and why not take advice from an expert. Keep the videos coming, and thanks again.
Very informative. Thank you for showing me something new. I've been turning wrenches for 34 years now and I never even heard of this tool before!! It's pretty cool!!
I've also used a method using a 5 gal pail with a barbed hose fitting installed at the bottom of the pail with a 10' length of clear hose. The cooling system needs to have a drain cock on it though. You drain the coolant with the bucket sitting on the floor and then use the same drain cock to refill the system, but put the bucket up higher that the engine and it fills from the bottom up. Works great and you don't get any air in the system.
Those are great. Had one for years. The no spill funnel is awesome as well. I usually only use the vacuum filler on problem engines, but the no spill funnel doesn’t fit all the time. Great video again.
I also recommend power (or pressure) bleeders for brake and hydraulic clutch systems.less than $100 for a name brand one with good adapters. Changed my life, never need another person to bleed again
More for industrial or Diesel engines which have a more complicated system so to speak, but for my little Honda & Chrysler 300 my Spill-Free Funnel works great. It takes a little longer and you do need to run the engine long enough to open the thermostat. Having bleeders in both cars is a big plus. And an air compressor is not required. Great info Wes. Thanks!
I bought one of these vacuum systems to refill the coolant on my Fusion Hybrid. This is the best way to fill a system absolutely no mess and the system was completely filled.
Just ordered one for 82 bucks and used the link, I think it will be well worth it. Maybe I missed it but if the engine is cold how do you get coolant through the engine and also into the heater core? I have a common problem with my 97 f150 that air is trapped in the heater core since its above the coolant bottle. Will be nice to get it out
Just watched this in an effort to both educate myself and kill the last part of my workday. I bought this tool on your recommendation and plan on using it on my POS '07 Jeep XK.
I’ve seen a lot of videos of people vacuum filling and have never seen anyone purge the air from the coolant filler line, kinda thought they missed the point of what they were doing. I’m glad I saw your latest video and didn’t buy the eBay version. I’ve been on the fence for a while deciding which product I’d buy. You’ve sold me, now just need to find something available to Australia. Great work mate 👍
I swear I watched a little while ago by someone that sounds just like you... Either I have a new superpower of watching TH-cam videos from the future or apparently I'm subscribed to TH-cam channels that produce the same content.
Been using one for over a decade. Started off with a Snap On one that worked ok. The part I didn’t like about it is you had to hold down a button to apply/keep the vacuum going. Currently I use an AirLift brand one which has the valves like the one you have. A couple of things I do a little different then you (not that either way is right or wrong) is I put the grommet on the tool first then out the tool on the tank. I also partially fill the system and then reapply a vacuum to the system just Incase there is some how an air pocket (obviously there shouldn’t be, but ocd gets ahold of me sometimes). Then just continue to fill the system. I’ve never bleed the fill hose (again nothing wrong with doing so). I have noticed they can overfill the tank a little.
I love your real world tool reviews. I respect a guy who knows what he's doing and can make a recommendation that he's actually using. Now, if you replace your image with an animated bear and start recommending tools you don't really use, I may reconsider.
Well thanks for that, now I need another tool. I used to work on old indirect PSA diesels and they used to spit cylinder head gaskets off at the slightest excuse. They also didn't have a separate header tank or bleed valve - I often wondered how many went due to air locks. This toy may well save a few cylinder heads. Cheers.
Wes i know a lot of guys already complimented you on your "You may like to point this towards the new guy. “ comment but i can't be left behind, ... i almost choked so it's a good one and it put a grin on my face! ... again it was a joy to watch you work🛠, thanks 😉
Do you think collapsing the hoses causes any damage to old coolant hoses ? I do like the radiator hoses with the internal stainless steel coiled springs that stop hoses collapsing.
If it does compromise the old hose, it should probably be replaced anyway. As far as reinforced hoses. I assume just won't collapse. Should be no harm.
I use the airlift brand. Nice when your filling a 15 gallon cooling system on a trash truck with a reservoir that’s 10 feet above the ground. The stock hoses are always too short, I bought some bulk clear hose and I can fill a truck up a bay over.
Little tip. For the diesel owners. When you buy DEF fluid boxes, they come with a extendable neck filler tube. They screw directly onto coolant bottles. You are welcome.
great video Wes. Great description of the tool and why. I, personally, love your content and the amount you explain. Let the neigh sayers bleat on about what you are doing wrong and ignore them. I'm sure that the majority of us like what you do as you are doing it. If not, then we wouldn't keep coming back. thanks Wes.
Thanks Wes. I snagged one off of Amazon using your link the other day. I’ve been wanting to try one of these things for a while but I’ve been waiting until I knew I’d need it and the tool man was in town. I just don’t trust unknown chineesium tools unless recommended from a reputable source. You probably saved me $100 on the Tool Truck for the same tool with a different sticker.
We used to put the jug we put the new coolant in on a transmission jack. Same when filling AdBlue for the cars that use that in the peugeot shop where I used to work.
I just finished changing the coolant on my 2016 Kia soul+ 2.0L. Used the OEMTOOLS 24444 Coolant System Refiller; it worked very well. It pulled a full vacuum in less that 30 seconds! The only improvement I wish they would make is to redesign the filler pickup so that it fits through the opening of a coolant jug. Close, but no cigar :-((
Late watching this but they are great tools and work well on most engines. Vacuum leak down test can be misleading as I have had it suck some leaks shut and they leak with pressure but hold vacuum ok. In the olden days my dad would put an aspirin in the thermostat then fill the system. The aspirin would allow the air to escape thru the thermostat. We also drilled a single small hole in new thermostats to allow air to escape from behind the thermostat body.
We got one for the shop. We immediately noticed that after using it to fill all the cars with coolant that a good percentage was coming back with radiator and heater core leaks. They were not able to take the vacuum when the plastic radiator caps get old and brittle. They were designed and braced for internal pressure, not for an external one. It worked great but we stopped using it because of that.
Probably could rig it to hold oil in a tank as well. We use a vaccum deal on the combines and sprayers so you can replace a hose or o-ring and not have to drain the system.
Thanks Wes, this will be great, I just replaced the radiator on a 2012 smart car, and the coolant system on that puppy is pretty.....well..................... I'll say German engineered, this will be great. Thanks again.
I have not had any issues. Remember, the pressure on the hoses can never exceed atmospheric pressure, which is around 14.7 psi. That's pretty low pressure really.
I bought this device and have a few dumb questions. 1. Should i drain all the coolant out first before using the device or this device can drain the coolant through the vacuum? 2. Can this device vacuum all the coolant out of the engine? Or should I have to do something first like warm up the engine before? 3. What is the pressure in the compressor before I hook it up on the airvac refiner? Great video. Thank you in advance for your help!!!
Another great video, thanks. I went straight to Amazon after watching and the OEM tool is completely sold out in the UK. I guess you have a lot of viewers over here for it to sell out that wuickly👍
my funnel of choice for that stuff seems to be a 5 gallon pail, with a bulkhead fitting in it, and a piece of hose coming out of it. works good. although, the vacuum system looks a lot easier.
Great vlog Wes, annoying thing about the eBay Rip off item, is it probably only costs a few dollars to make, but is priced up to look comparable to a genuine engineered item. It really annoys me that a manufacturer has developed a product from prototypes, testing, then some unscrupulous toe tag, just copies and knows his customers cannot return it. Thanks for sharing.
A question I need an answer for: had system flushed at ram dealer. After job thought it was just to neat. Asked how they got dirty post flush coolant out. Said, I have a little hose that I suck it out with. Did I get scammed?
Benz have a factory tool like this, only issue I've had is some of the diesel plastic coolant housings (that are falling apart anyway) actually snap the inner plastic ring retaining the o-ring to the head after being vacuumed down and then start leaking, I guess it's a similar outcome if you pressure test your cooling system and something fails, better to know now than down the road.
I wonder if that pulls the thermostat up so coolant can go thur and does that take all air out of the system? Like even draw coolant thur the heater core if its open? Good thing too see but good video and OEM tools are good stuff....
I have been drilling a 1/8 inch hole in the thermostat to avoid the problem of the air lock, some not all thermostats come with a small notch in the plate or a weep hole in them. The only difference with the small hole is it takes about a minute longer to get to operating temp. My wife had a Buick Skyhawk and every morning the car temp gauge would get close to the red line then it would be fine until the next day after it cooled down, so I drilled the small hole and it never had the problem again.
I got pretty much the same tool off amazon just a different name. same case and fittings. Just used it for the first time after replacing my water pump on a 5.7 '14 grand cherokee. At first I set it at 17 ( rated for 18) and it was slowly losing pressure. I pumped it up again and it lost a few psi even slower. Pumped it up to 18 about 10 minutes ago and it's holding steady. What's up with that? Maybe the tool itself where it connects to the radiator needed a better seal? I couldn't hear air or anything. Haven't seen any leaks yet.
Does the cooling system have to be completely drained to use that tool? I mean I've done water pump jobs and I don't drain the system I just let it flow out of the water pump and refill. That being said there's always some coolant left in the block or radiator etc. can you still use that tool in that situation?
Mine worked pretty good but I could still hear some gurgling but nothing coming out the hose? The hoses are collapsed but it must be done? I wanted to use this to get the fluid out of the cylinder jackets because I'm changing the 2 knock sensors. but it didn't work, I was drenched when I took the knock sensor off. I'm wondering if there is anything that would be able to empty the fluid from the water jackets?
I just use a 5 Liter canister and put it on the engine, with a big clear pipe attached. When I tilt the canister 90° it will fill the coolant tank. Those canisters have a second cap, on the other side and you can open and close it to change the flow rate. It works pretty good for me.
I’ve used my oem tools vacuum multiple times on multiple vehicles. Have you ever had a problem when refilling where the gauge doesn’t make it to zero? Vacuum holds great, starts pulling in coolant and will pull down to a little under 5 psi and holds there. Coolant seems to be full and running properly but I hate that I can’t get this thing to hit zero psi. I used mine yesterday and I didn’t purge the coolant supply line prior to filling. Do you think that’s it? Again car seems to run fine and coolant was full.
Read 98% comments. One thing that comes to mind is , I installed refer's in trailers n did other AC/refrigeration. You braise/silver solder a system open with nitrogen purge, then pressurize system with nitrogen to 100 -125 psi. , then set to hold pressure. You go thru spray/wipe down joints that been heated. You watch gauge & it had to maintain pressure where you set it at for 20 minutes while you picked up , cleaned or did other steps. Then you release pressure n put on a vacuum pump or two depending on capacity of system , go to lunch 30 minutes , (ate when ya could) n typically would be in a deep vacuum as shown by micron gauge. Always amazed me a system that hold 125 psi , you find a leak by pulling a vacuum. Yes we pulled to under 300 microns or lower. So then you re-pressurize lots of times in 250 range to find a minuscule leak that would hardly even show a bubble that would grow so slow might take 10 sec or more to barely start to form, then longer to grow. Was not often. Always made you Shake your head. So draw a really deep vacuum , hmm. Think I'd start with a 15 psi at first.
“You may like to point this towards the new guy. “
Oh, it is so beautiful and poetic ❤️
I like his description of an "expedited field repair" that was on one of these videos...lol
Having been the new guy many times, I know how it goes...
@@WatchWesWork my buddy who was an honor guard used to aim the ejected hot shells towards the person to his right. The person to his right was the "new guy".
This is why you can't be allowed to make silent videos.
@@WatchWesWork when I was in commercial sheet metal, the new guy was the one that had to follow our supervisor up a 40' ladder, he didn't know the boss loved pickled eggs and beer.
"....... you're gonna want to point this end of the hose at the new guy......" - Thanks, I had a mouth full of coffee when this gem hit.
He said that like it was a regular part of the procedure. That's hilarious.
😅😂
Didn't know I needed this tool, would make my life a lot easier filling 35+ tractors than the old 5 gallon bucket while balancing on a stool and aiming trick, thanks Wes, keep doing you brother.
1:38 Wes: "I hate funnels, they're terrible tools, they're always dirty..."
Also Wes: Standing with a very clean and crisp funnel in his hand, hoovering over a very filthy, oily and dusty goose neck jug! 🤣🤣🤣
Great demo. These vacuum tools work very well - if anybody is hesitant to get one, don't be. You'll wonder why you didn't get one years ago.
I have the U-view Airlift ($120) at the shop, saves SO MUCH time after a radiator or water pump replacement. They are a must on a lot of the newer vehicles, almost impossible to bleed them without it.
I hated doing any cooling system jobs, until I started using one of these. Game changer for me!
Hey Wes,
Having one of those vacuum filler tools would really have been handy a few decades ago in Bosnia winterizing US ARMY TRUCKS equipment. Yes all we had was 55 gal drums of 100% antifreeze and had to dilute. Yes they were inspected by a cheesey PIA inspector and had to be at -35F level of protection. Not above or below. Yes it was a time consuming task. We dealt with it as we were making almost $10,000 a mo.
Iv been a mechanic for a lot of years but I refer to utube all the time for new jobs I'm not familiar with.This guy is a excellent instructor.Smart well spoken doesn't take stupid short cuts.I haven't used this pressure sys yet on a duromax duell thermostat R&R but I damn sure am about to.Many thanks.William Montgomery Al Rolltide!
As soon as I saw this vid, I went on Amazon and bought the same as you for 57.00. Thanks going to love this
Now it’s $78
Very detailed tutorial, enjoyed watching it! Honored to be part of it bud, thanks for the shout out!
Awesome to see you here! Your video really sold me on these tools.
Hey Wes I just wanted to drop a note and let you know I appreciate you sharing your vast knowledge and technical know how with us amateurs. Keep up the great work!
I know I'm a little late to the party, but I use these quite a bit in my shop. Mine is a Cornwell one. We used to use the electric pump like you described. For a while we had problems with Cummins EGR coolers failing often and putting coolant in the exhaust. We started using the vacuum fillers and the problem dropped quite a bit. Thought is the corigation on the EGR cooler pipes was holding onto air bubbles and causing hot spots in the cooler. The vacuum eliminates the bubbles so there's less failures.
I bought this system four years ago when I first saw your video and it works great.
These tools are great I have two versions in my workshop, but they do need a brief warning from my experience, the vacuum refill is good on new systems but on older systems by vacuuming the system the rubber pipes suck in on themselves, on old pipes I have found that this can cause them to split internally, admittedly they are already weakened, but nothing worse than doing a quick coolant change and the cars comes back in weeks with a split or leaking old pipe! Great kit in the right application!
I got the cheap one a year ago. I ended up putting the fluid in a jug and could sit it in the engine bay. It worked!
I use a similar watering jug to yours use, except I've attached a two and a half foot long piece of hose with a clamp, and I never spill a drop. I watch videos like yours because being a shade tree mechanic, there's always someone you can learn from, and why not take advice from an expert. Keep the videos coming, and thanks again.
Very informative. Thank you for showing me something new. I've been turning wrenches for 34 years now and I never even heard of this tool before!! It's pretty cool!!
I've also used a method using a 5 gal pail with a barbed hose fitting installed at the bottom of the pail with a 10' length of clear hose. The cooling system needs to have a drain cock on it though. You drain the coolant with the bucket sitting on the floor and then use the same drain cock to refill the system, but put the bucket up higher that the engine and it fills from the bottom up. Works great and you don't get any air in the system.
Those are great. Had one for years. The no spill funnel is awesome as well. I usually only use the vacuum filler on problem engines, but the no spill funnel doesn’t fit all the time. Great video again.
9:50 😂point it at the new guy. Nice kit without spending a bunch of money. 👊👍
I also recommend power (or pressure) bleeders for brake and hydraulic clutch systems.less than $100 for a name brand one with good adapters. Changed my life, never need another person to bleed again
More for industrial or Diesel engines which have a more complicated system so to speak, but for my little Honda & Chrysler 300 my Spill-Free Funnel works great. It takes a little longer and you do need to run the engine long enough to open the thermostat. Having bleeders in both cars is a big plus. And an air compressor is not required. Great info Wes. Thanks!
I was waiting for the chain to go sailing across the shop...
I've been using that for 8 years now and I love it.
I bought one of these vacuum systems to refill the coolant on my Fusion Hybrid. This is the best way to fill a system absolutely no mess and the system was completely filled.
bought one maybe 10 years ago paid a lot more back then but works nice no air pockets and no mess
Tool worked out great. Found a small hole in filler bottle didn't know I had. Thanks
Had one for years, Wes. Good to see you advancing with the times!
Thanks for sharing. Same concept on motorcycles. Sure beats hanging the bike by the front wheel.
Just ordered one for 82 bucks and used the link, I think it will be well worth it. Maybe I missed it but if the engine is cold how do you get coolant through the engine and also into the heater core? I have a common problem with my 97 f150 that air is trapped in the heater core since its above the coolant bottle. Will be nice to get it out
Thanks for this video. Im strugling with filling my cooling system on my boat. Buying this directly....to Sweden
This was really an excellent tutorial. Thank you so much for sharing.
Great video Wes. While the cheap one works for the "home owner," I agree the OEM one is a better quality device, especially for shop use.
vacuum filling cooling systems is the best option a lot of vehicles it a necessity to avoid air pockets
I got one of these thru your link . Slick took . Fast and easy . Fill and drive . Works great !
Just watched this in an effort to both educate myself and kill the last part of my workday. I bought this tool on your recommendation and plan on using it on my POS '07 Jeep XK.
I just hate those tool cases that require lots of time to replace the tool before the lid will fit. Keep the videos coming Wes.
Thanx so much for the comprehensive review! I appreciate all you guys who take the time to post helpful tools and repair insights. Ciao.
I’ve seen a lot of videos of people vacuum filling and have never seen anyone purge the air from the coolant filler line, kinda thought they missed the point of what they were doing.
I’m glad I saw your latest video and didn’t buy the eBay version. I’ve been on the fence for a while deciding which product I’d buy. You’ve sold me, now just need to find something available to Australia.
Great work mate 👍
Can you run a vacuum on a coolant system like this if the system is mostly full. Would it be useful if I'm chasing a air in a hard to bleed system?
Wes, I don't know, I've been told these things suck. Thanks for sharing!
thats os a very useful tool especially when dealing with large capacity coolant system ,like heavy equipment or glass 8 trucks
I swear I watched a little while ago by someone that sounds just like you... Either I have a new superpower of watching TH-cam videos from the future or apparently I'm subscribed to TH-cam channels that produce the same content.
Been using one for over a decade. Started off with a Snap On one that worked ok. The part I didn’t like about it is you had to hold down a button to apply/keep the vacuum going. Currently I use an AirLift brand one which has the valves like the one you have.
A couple of things I do a little different then you (not that either way is right or wrong) is I put the grommet on the tool first then out the tool on the tank. I also partially fill the system and then reapply a vacuum to the system just Incase there is some how an air pocket (obviously there shouldn’t be, but ocd gets ahold of me sometimes). Then just continue to fill the system. I’ve never bleed the fill hose (again nothing wrong with doing so). I have noticed they can overfill the tank a little.
I love your real world tool reviews. I respect a guy who knows what he's doing and can make a recommendation that he's actually using. Now, if you replace your image with an animated bear and start recommending tools you don't really use, I may reconsider.
Thanks Wes. I've known about those vacuum systems, but never seen it done. I may have to buy one someday. 👍
Wasn't sure how it was supposed to work. Now I do. Many thanks.
Well thanks for that, now I need another tool. I used to work on old indirect PSA diesels and they used to spit cylinder head gaskets off at the slightest excuse. They also didn't have a separate header tank or bleed valve - I often wondered how many went due to air locks. This toy may well save a few cylinder heads. Cheers.
I always use one of these and they're especially handy on closed cooling systems. Love every one of your videos Wes, I've learned a lot!
Wes i know a lot of guys already complimented you on your "You may like to point this towards the new guy. “ comment but i can't be left behind, ... i almost choked so it's a good one and it put a grin on my face! ... again it was a joy to watch you work🛠, thanks 😉
Do you think collapsing the hoses causes any damage to old coolant hoses ? I do like the radiator hoses with the internal stainless steel coiled springs that stop hoses collapsing.
If it does compromise the old hose, it should probably be replaced anyway. As far as reinforced hoses. I assume just won't collapse. Should be no harm.
I could have used one of these for my Taurus!! Thanks for the very informative video. I always learn something!!! Thanks again and keep them coming!!
Nice tool, but you need some kind of compressor? I’ll stick to the spill proof funnel👍
Any future videos with the family ? Really nice. Watching you work with your wife, and watching your son running around . He's adorable.
They went on vacation without me...
I use the airlift brand. Nice when your filling a 15 gallon cooling system on a trash truck with a reservoir that’s 10 feet above the ground. The stock hoses are always too short, I bought some bulk clear hose and I can fill a truck up a bay over.
Little tip. For the diesel owners. When you buy DEF fluid boxes, they come with a extendable neck filler tube. They screw directly onto coolant bottles. You are welcome.
Actually this is the first time I have seen one and seen it in action so thanks for the video bro, loved the reference to the new guy too. Stay safe
Hi Sir are you still to run idle and take its operating temperature ? Thank you
Nice. Thank You for the video.
Jim.
Really like the idea... I use a reclaim tank and vac pump to change/pull out small engine oil.
I recently bought a fluid extractor. That's another tool I can't believe I lived without!
great video Wes. Great description of the tool and why. I, personally, love your content and the amount you explain. Let the neigh sayers bleat on about what you are doing wrong and ignore them. I'm sure that the majority of us like what you do as you are doing it. If not, then we wouldn't keep coming back. thanks Wes.
Thanks Wes. I snagged one off of Amazon using your link the other day. I’ve been wanting to try one of these things for a while but I’ve been waiting until I knew I’d need it and the tool man was in town. I just don’t trust unknown chineesium tools unless recommended from a reputable source. You probably saved me $100 on the Tool Truck for the same tool with a different sticker.
We used to put the jug we put the new coolant in on a transmission jack. Same when filling AdBlue for the cars that use that in the peugeot shop where I used to work.
Nice vid. My buddy owns a radiator shop he says this removes all doubt will solve many problems
Cool tool. Refilling coolant has never been high on my list of part of repair regimen of cooling system problems.
I just finished changing the coolant on my 2016 Kia soul+ 2.0L. Used the OEMTOOLS 24444 Coolant System Refiller; it worked very well. It pulled a full vacuum in less that 30 seconds! The only improvement I wish they would make is to redesign the filler pickup so that it fits through the opening of a coolant jug. Close, but no cigar :-((
Neat tool and great video. Question: How do you avoid overfilling? I noticed the reservoir was full.
I know this is old, but if anyone else is wondering, there's naturally only enough vacuum to fill it. It won't overflow
Late watching this but they are great tools and work well on most engines. Vacuum leak down test can be misleading as I have had it suck some leaks shut and they leak with pressure but hold vacuum ok. In the olden days my dad would put an aspirin in the thermostat then fill the system. The aspirin would allow the air to escape thru the thermostat. We also drilled a single small hole in new thermostats to allow air to escape from behind the thermostat body.
We got one for the shop. We immediately noticed that after using it to fill all the cars with coolant that a good percentage was coming back with radiator and heater core leaks. They were not able to take the vacuum when the plastic radiator caps get old and brittle. They were designed and braced for internal pressure, not for an external one. It worked great but we stopped using it because of that.
Probably could rig it to hold oil in a tank as well. We use a vaccum deal on the combines and sprayers so you can replace a hose or o-ring and not have to drain the system.
Great informational video. As always excellent narration and explanation.
Thank you sir.
You are Great!! I Love to "Watch Wes Work"!
Thanks Wes for sharing that video that looks like a very handy tools to have
Thanks Wes, this will be great, I just replaced the radiator on a 2012 smart car, and the coolant system on that puppy is pretty.....well..................... I'll say German engineered, this will be great. Thanks again.
Would the vacuum damage the hoses at all? Thinking about them ripping open near a jubilee clamp. Thanks for sharing, great content.
I have not had any issues. Remember, the pressure on the hoses can never exceed atmospheric pressure, which is around 14.7 psi. That's pretty low pressure really.
@@WatchWesWork true enough 👍 thanks
Great video. Can that tool be used to draw out all the old coolant from the engine block too?
Wes, you ROCK bro.
You're in the same league as Project Farm and Car Wizard. Keep'em coming and we'll keep watching.
Thanks! Will do!
I bought this device and have a few dumb questions.
1. Should i drain all the coolant out first before using the device or this device can drain the coolant through the vacuum?
2. Can this device vacuum all the coolant out of the engine? Or should I have to do something first like warm up the engine before?
3. What is the pressure in the compressor before I hook it up on the airvac refiner?
Great video. Thank you in advance for your help!!!
Another great video, thanks.
I went straight to Amazon after watching and the OEM tool is completely sold out in the UK. I guess you have a lot of viewers over here for it to sell out that wuickly👍
I would guess it is being sold under another name in the UK. But I don't know.
It’s listed, but out of stock.
Thanks for replying.
my funnel of choice for that stuff seems to be a 5 gallon pail, with a bulkhead fitting in it, and a piece of hose coming out of it. works good. although, the vacuum system looks a lot easier.
Great vlog Wes, annoying thing about the eBay Rip off item, is it probably only costs a few dollars to make, but is priced up to look comparable to a genuine engineered item.
It really annoys me that a manufacturer has developed a product from prototypes, testing, then some unscrupulous toe tag, just copies and knows his customers cannot return it.
Thanks for sharing.
Yeah. And to be fair, it does work. But it's just not nice to use.
A question I need an answer for: had system flushed at ram dealer. After job thought it was just to neat. Asked how they got dirty post flush coolant out. Said, I have a little hose that I suck it out with. Did I get scammed?
Benz have a factory tool like this, only issue I've had is some of the diesel plastic coolant housings (that are falling apart anyway) actually snap the inner plastic ring retaining the o-ring to the head after being vacuumed down and then start leaking, I guess it's a similar outcome if you pressure test your cooling system and something fails, better to know now than down the road.
I gotta get myself one of these. Only thing is, it may be hard to pay for the critical accessories, like a fork lift (grin).
I wonder if that pulls the thermostat up so coolant can go thur and does that take all air out of the system? Like even draw coolant thur the heater core if its open? Good thing too see but good video and OEM tools are good stuff....
What air compressor are you using? Great demonstration! It’s $100 now😢
I have been drilling a 1/8 inch hole in the thermostat to avoid the problem of the air lock, some not all thermostats come with a small notch in the plate or a weep hole in them. The only difference with the small hole is it takes about a minute longer to get to operating temp. My wife had a Buick Skyhawk and every morning the car temp gauge would get close to the red line then it would be fine until the next day after it cooled down, so I drilled the small hole and it never had the problem again.
Would be so so good if this tool can be used to pump out all the coolant as well as refill /air purge. But just not sure if mine has that ability yet.
I got pretty much the same tool off amazon just a different name. same case and fittings. Just used it for the first time after replacing my water pump on a 5.7 '14 grand cherokee. At first I set it at 17 ( rated for 18) and it was slowly losing pressure. I pumped it up again and it lost a few psi even slower. Pumped it up to 18 about 10 minutes ago and it's holding steady. What's up with that? Maybe the tool itself where it connects to the radiator needed a better seal? I couldn't hear air or anything. Haven't seen any leaks yet.
Does the cooling system have to be completely drained to use that tool? I mean I've done water pump jobs and I don't drain the system I just let it flow out of the water pump and refill. That being said there's always some coolant left in the block or radiator etc. can you still use that tool in that situation?
Looks like a useful tool! What I don't get, the problem of the thermostat blocking off the radiator, how does this gizmo fix that?
Mine worked pretty good but I could still hear some gurgling but nothing coming out the hose? The hoses are collapsed but it must be done? I wanted to use this to get the fluid out of the cylinder jackets because I'm changing the 2 knock sensors. but it didn't work, I was drenched when I took the knock sensor off. I'm wondering if there is anything that would be able to empty the fluid from the water jackets?
I just use a 5 Liter canister and put it on the engine, with a big clear pipe attached. When I tilt the canister 90° it will fill the coolant tank.
Those canisters have a second cap, on the other side and you can open and close it to change the flow rate. It works pretty good for me.
Great video. Thank you for the still camera and quality video.
Wowzers! I’ve got the rad out of my dt466 right now and I sure wish I had that thing!!!
Well let me spend some of your money for you...
Watch Wes Work sorry, the wife has that position locked up!
I’ve used my oem tools vacuum multiple times on multiple vehicles. Have you ever had a problem when refilling where the gauge doesn’t make it to zero? Vacuum holds great, starts pulling in coolant and will pull down to a little under 5 psi and holds there. Coolant seems to be full and running properly but I hate that I can’t get this thing to hit zero psi. I used mine yesterday and I didn’t purge the coolant supply line prior to filling. Do you think that’s it? Again car seems to run fine and coolant was full.
thanks for sharing this information is very valuable....
Nice video! Always a good idea to place coolant that you intend to fill at or above the surge/expansion tank.
Read 98% comments.
One thing that comes to mind is , I installed refer's in trailers n did other AC/refrigeration. You braise/silver solder a system open with nitrogen purge, then pressurize system with nitrogen to 100 -125 psi. , then set to hold pressure.
You go thru spray/wipe down joints that been heated. You watch gauge & it had to maintain pressure where you set it at for 20 minutes while you picked up , cleaned or did other steps. Then you release pressure n put on a vacuum pump or two depending on capacity of system , go to lunch 30 minutes , (ate when ya could) n typically would be in a deep vacuum as shown by micron gauge. Always amazed me a system that hold 125 psi , you find a leak by pulling a vacuum.
Yes we pulled to under 300 microns or lower.
So then you re-pressurize lots of times in 250 range to find a minuscule leak that would hardly even show a bubble that would grow so slow might take 10 sec or more to barely start to form, then longer to grow.
Was not often. Always made you Shake your head.
So draw a really deep vacuum , hmm.
Think I'd start with a 15 psi at first.
Looks like a great system. Thanks for sharing.
Does vacuum filling completely prevent air in the system when doing it this way opposed to just draining coolant from rad and refilling in purge tank?