I just used a couple of brass fittings to allow me to drop in a couple drops of water and pull a vacuum on it.
It works great! It sure looks like this pump is going the job.. To some extent.
http://ecorenovator.org/forum/projec....html#post4519
It was neat to feel the end cap getting cold as the vacuum vaporized the water.
It happens pretty dang fast, I was surprised.
I'm pretty pleased with the results. I can tell by the sound of the pump motor
when it's getting down to the last little bit of air inside the hoses, manifold etc.
I sure wish that I had a good gauge to see just how low it's getting.
But, right now I'm pretty sure this pump is suitable for this job,
even if I don't get the fancy gauge..
Since the Sanyo is going to be here Monday, I don't have a lot of time left
to be ordering stuff. Maybe I can find something local like you did..
I have had the hoses manifold under vacuum for the last couple of hours
and the compound gauge is sitting right there at 30 and not dropping.
And when I start the pump and open the cut-off, I can hear the pump
run fast for a few seconds and then go into labor as it hits the Hard work again.
I'm watching a VG200 on Ebay..
CPS VG200 DIGITAL VACUUM GAUGE,VACROMETER,HVAC,A/C - eBay (item 280413650762 end time Oct-29-09 12:18:40 PDT)
But, that thing is going to be on there for a week!
Have to check the local AC suppliers, if I can convince myself that I really have to own one of these things..
My problem is, I love gizmos..
Edit:
Fieldpiece SVG2 Standalone Vacuum Gauge: FIEL18 Climate Doctors
This one looks like a more reasonable price.. I've got some local distributors to call this Monday.