FAQ

If the suction temperature is >50°F ( Summer Conditions), a SAE-40 non-detergent motor oil or an ISO 150 compressor oil can be used. If the suction temperature is <50°F (Winter Conditions) a SAE-30 non-detergent motor oil or an ISO 100 compressor oil is recommended.

*Important Note: We had learned several years ago that some users of the Fruitland® pumps had used a common motor oil for pump lubrication. The oil most commonly used was 15w40 – a detergent oil that has not been recommended by Fruitland® Manufacturing in the past. We have been examining the effects of using this common grade of motor oil and have determined that there have been no detrimental outcomes as a result of it being used. When operated properly, Fruitland® pumps will run cooler, use less oil and provide much longer service than any other rotary vane vacuum pump.

Although Fruitland® Manufacturing still recommends using SAE-40 non-detergent motor oil, we can find no reason not to use 15w40 motor oil when the standard oil is not available.

Fruitland® rotary vane vacuum pumps are capable of achieving very high vacuum levels, up to 95% or 28.5” HgV at sea level. Factors effecting the vacuum level of the pump are speed (RPM), elevation (your location) and pump temperature. Please remember that at higher vacuum and speed and longer running time, more heat is generated. For good wear life, vacuum pumps are recommended to be operated below the maximum allowable speed (1400 RPM) and temperature (375°F Exhaust). Vacuum and pressure relief valves are generally set by the end-user based upon their own requirements and recommendations from the tank builders.

However the following guidelines are also recommended. For short intermittent duty (5 to 10 min), the pump can be operated at very high vacuum, up to 27” Hg, and pressure up to 25 psi, while keeping a close eye at temperature rise of the exhaust air, not to exceed 375°F. Please check the integrity (age) of your system and limitations from the tank builders before operating at higher rate. It is up to the operator of the pump to set the vacuum and pressure relief valves to suit the application. For continuous duty the relief valves can be set at 5″ to 15″ psi* for pressure and 15″ to 22” Hg for vacuum. However there can be slight deviations from these limits based on your application, location and atmosphere.

*IMPORTANT NOTE: Pressure above 7 psi is not recommended unless the tank and system has the appropriate certification.

Please see chart below.

L or R - Denotes left or right hand rotation, Left being counter clockwise and Right being clockwise rotation.

U or S - Refers to upright or side mounted diverter valve.

F - Refers to a vacuum pump that comes with an integral filter pod.

H or A - Refers to a Hydraulic drive bell housing or an Angle drive bell housing.

 Here is a list of suggested Tools for rebuilding RCF250, RCF370 and RCF500:

• 1 x Compact Air Gun
• 1 x Rubber Hammer
• 1 x Screw Driver – Flat
• 1 x Ball Peen Hammer
• 1 x 6” Vice Grip
• 1 x 6” Socket Extension 3/8 Drive
• 1 x 6″ puller
• 1 x Set of Screw Driver Tips
• 1 x Air Tool Screw Driver
• 1 x Angle Socket Driver 3/8”
• 1 x Metric Set Allen Key
• 1 x Standard Allen Key Set
• 1 x Paint stick or felt marker
• 1 x Internal – External Snapring Pliers
• 1 x 6″ Adjustable
• Wrenches - 3/4″, 10mm, 13mm, 17mm, 19mm, 9/16″ Combination Wrenchese
• Sockets - 10mm, 13mm, 11mm, 17mm, 7/16″, 5/16″ Allen Key Socket, 1/4″ Allen Key Socket – 3/8″ Drive