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Can you pull a vacuum using just one Valve Core Removal tool?

Lion_Heart
Lion_Heart Member Posts: 32
in A-C, Heat Pumps & Refrigeration

My neighbor asked me this question, and I always thought the answer was yes. But a explaining it to him I'm thinking probably no, lol…

So, can you vacuum with one valve core removal tool instead of two?

I'm thinking not, because you need the second one to isolate your gauge to protect the sensor from the refrigerant.

If you use one, I can't see how you'd purge the last bit of air at the end of the main valve core removal tool before reinserting the Schrader valve (without being able to isolate the gauge).

Anyone here done it with one? If so, how?

Comments

  • HydronicMike
    HydronicMike Member Posts: 173

    You should have (at least) two vacuum rated valve core removal tools.

  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 16,972

    I only have one tool and sometimes I don't even use that.

    I remove the cores, do my brazing and then reinstall them and pull my vacuum. Sometimes I'll leave the lowside core out, other times I'll install it depending on my mood.

    Haven't had an issue and I'm generally not trying to pull a vacuum in record time.

    Single pipe 392sqft system with an EG-40 rated for 325sqft and it's silent and balanced at all times.

  • Lion_Heart
    Lion_Heart Member Posts: 32
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1866882#Comment_1866882

    Are you using a micron gauge in your set up?

  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 16,972
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1866886#Comment_1866886

    Absolutely.

    I'm using Yellowjacket Brute II gauges and a Yellowjacket 69086 micron gauge.

    I connect the micron gauge to either the core removal tool or a tee connector. Or, if I'm really lazy right to my manifold, but I try to avoid that at all costs because it's much more likely to get oil in the sensor in that position.

    Single pipe 392sqft system with an EG-40 rated for 325sqft and it's silent and balanced at all times.

  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 14,623

    you can evacuate a system with 0 core removal tools. it just takes longer.

  • Lion_Heart
    Lion_Heart Member Posts: 32
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1866892#Comment_1866892

    Yes, I should have been more specific…

    The question I was asked (for a valve core removal tool plus micron gauge set up) was can you do it with just one valve core removal tool, or do you need two?

    I've only ever used two, but I've always believed you could do it fine with one.

    But thinking deeper: when it comes time to release the refrigerant, with only one tool you cannot isolate the micron gauge (and more importantly its sensor) from the system.

    So wondered how you would do it with one?

    It's purely an interest/theory thing as I have two Appion's (5/16" and 1/4"), but interested to know if it can be done with one (and how) as it does not seem possible without risking damaged to the micron gauge sensor?

  • ratio
    ratio Member Posts: 4,150

    Unless I'm mistaken, the side port on an Appion core tool is not isolated from the system when the valve is closed.

    While I try to avoid juice or oil on a micron gauge, it seems to me that some of the concern is over stated. The micron gauge in my Fieldpiece has been cleaned maybe once since I got it, but it still gives reasonable measurements that agree with my other micron gauges that see little to no contamination. (I do have to wait for the manifold to settle down & pressures to equalize.)

  • Lion_Heart
    Lion_Heart Member Posts: 32

    Yes, the side port is not isolated, and that is where I usually attach my 1/4" Appion valve core removal tool, so that sits in-between by 5/16" Appion and the micron gauge, so you can fully isolate the gauge from the refrigerant.

    But if there's no real issue getting refrigerant on the sensor, then I guess that one valve core removal tool would absolutely be possible 👍️

  • SuperTech
    SuperTech Member Posts: 2,621

    I use only one valve core remover all the time. I attach my Bluvac micron gauge to the side port of the core remover and I don't worry about any oil or refrigerant getting on the sensor. If it does I just clean it with a little rubbing alcohol. No big deal.

  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 14,623

    you can always make assemblies with back or copper fittings and ball valves too. You can't use a ball valve without secondary caps as a permanent part of a refrigeration system, but they are fine for routing things while testing and charging.

  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 16,972

    I had something get on my sensor a few years back working on a mini split and the sensor never worked right again. I tried cleaning with 99% isopropyl and no luck. Replacing the sensor fixed the issue.

    Single pipe 392sqft system with an EG-40 rated for 325sqft and it's silent and balanced at all times.

  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 14,623

    depending on what the something is you might need to use something like brake cleaner first. alcohol doesn't do a great job of removing more than a small amount of oil. Of course if it got burned on then you would need something more aggressive.

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