Coolant Vacuum Kit

[spasm3]

I see several on Amazon. Mixed reviews. Whats a good one for DIY for multible vehicles?

Looking at this one. @Trav , @The Critic , @Timmastertech Recommendations ?

https://www.amazon.com/UView-550000...tomotive&sprefix=vacuum+coolan,aps,127&sr=1-4

 

[Trav]

I use this one, it is solid and well made, there is nothing wrong with the Uview either.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwabe...-tool/003466sch01/?gad_campaignid=19434531800

 

[The Critic]

Marvac scientific makes most of the tool truck units:
https://www.marvacscientific.com/

 

[Nukeman7]

I also prefer the Schwaben design vacuum filler linked above by @Trav because the manifold has two separate ports with individual isolation valves (i.e., one for vacuum, one for coolant fill). This allows you to perform the entire operation without using the quick disconnect coupling which would introduce some air into the system.

Here is a good tip I learned when using a two port vacuum filler tool: when you open the valve to fill the coolant, shut the valve as soon as the coolant reaches the manifold. Then re-apply vacuum again for 15 seconds to purge the air that went into the system from the filler tube. Isolate the vacuum valve and complete the fill process. This "extra purge" step cannot be performed with a single port design (like the UView Airlift) which will occasionally result in an incomplete fill.

 

[Timmastertech]

The first one we ever got way back 20 or so years ago was the uview tool. I grew to dislike that style and the schwaben style because the universal fit that expands into the filler neck can be a pain in the butt to get sealed on some cooling systems. I have had a Marvac filler as well as their pressure test and adapter kit for over 15 years and much prefer it.

 

[wtd]

I see several on Amazon. Mixed reviews. Whats a good one for DIY for multible vehicles?

Looking at this one. @Trav , @The Critic , @Timmastertech Recommendations ?

https://www.amazon.com/UView-550000-Airlift-Cooling-Checker/dp/B0002SRH5G/ref=sr_1_4?crid=Q9PZ5DFTKIO2&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Dz0SYrighrFMVKfR_xgUKbBbySXwBEPuWkb9vTtMh6u-mHogXjxH9tWoMkPyX0mPv0W0htGNmAUhNHKOhAtWQ344W9FJGYrl8p9V3mMUI-JiDDp6PscY3Q0WT8tlZVgV873k718cldPrvCp7_mjWaFFeffKoKn-Nvj0sJAI0JsW_QziMP4DmKPPEjeGrNc1xaSVOQJfxk0DHcZdyQICdDR7j0KpzuYnDTmD-CvqNkkr_8trq6Fu4hfkkTdyMUlmYCvyzdKT00Lc31eKavSCX7_qm088rPUZmc1GV-1y3NNs.kKWXY4DfRKwulGpF16hX4GKD_hKmBIvQdHDc-LW3fxE&dib_tag=se&keywords=vacuum+coolant+fill+kit&qid=1759536491&refinements=p_72:1248861011&rnid=1248859011&s=automotive&sprefix=vacuum+coolan,aps,127&sr=1-4

I have the Uview 550000 that you have listed and it has worked well on the vehicles that I have used it on. It is actually listed in the service information for our Ford vehicles as the one to use.

 

[BHopkins]

I bought the OEM Tools version a couple years ago. It looks to be the same as the Schwaben unit, but branded for OEM Tools.

I used it to fill the coolant system on the 8.3 Cummins in my motorhome, and was pleased with how well it worked. I followed the method that @Nukeman7 describes, and it works pretty easily.

 

[Dborch41]

I bought one of the generic super-cheap kits from "Space" Cadet Jeffy B's Online Emporium, the kind that looks exactly the same (because it is) across 20 different and obscure brands. I couldn't justify spending much more on a tool I'll only use a few times.
The only problem was that the air quick-disconnect fitting was the Chinese standard, which wouldn't work on my Yankee Doodle-approved air hose. I thought I could just unscrew the original fitting and replace it with one of mine, but it just snapped clean off when the wrench got too close.
I decided to just ditch the venturi and adapted the manifold to use my A/C vacuum pump. I had to pay close attention to the gauge to prevent possible damage from over-evacuating the system but it worked perfectly. Getting all the air out of my 2014 Frontier's cooling system was always a struggle before, this technique pulled in the exact amount of coolant it needed and that was that. It's the only way to go as far as I'm concerned.