Repairing an Edwards E2M8 pump ?

[Jack Puntawong]

About 2 months ago, I purchased a used E2M8 pump for $200. However, when I run the pump, the pressure drops to only about 1 torr ( not nearly sufficient for a diffusion pump). So I went to a local vacuum pump repair shop and asked them to repair this pump for me. They check the pump and told me that it would cost around $600 to repair the pump + 3 months warranty. When I asked them about the kit that they used, they told me that its a "minor repair kit". So I check out the kit from the website and it turns out to be $125 only.

http://www.pchemlabs.com/product.asp?pid=1902

However, I don't have any experience rebuilding the pump so I'm asking for a consultant from you guys. Is it that hard to rebuild a pump ? Do they usually come up with any manual ? Is there any risk involve to repair this pump ? How long does it take to rebuild one ?

Thanks,

Jack Puntawong

[Jim Kovalchick]

About a year ago, our Edwards RV 3 had a vane break causing the shaft to seize breaking the motor coupling. I ordered a new coupling and a rebuild kit, which is mostly new vanes and gaskets. The kit came in a day, and we rebuilt in a couple hours that evening. It's not a huge chore, but make sure you have the repair manual and diagrams showing how it goes together. Use the opportunity to change the oil.

[Jerry Biehler]

I rebuild my RV8 with a kit from duniway stockroom. Not hard to install, just keep everything clean. Also good time to clean everything inside, I used an ultrasonic cleaner.

[derekm]

Have you done the flushing thing as shown in the FAQs on vacuum pumps to get rid of the the crud.

There may be nothing wrong with it at all