Appion MGAVCR Mega Flow Vacuum Rated Valve Core Removal Tool – 5/16" System Connection

As a DYI person installing my first Mini Split I found this tool to be so very helpful. First it comes with the needed 5/16" fitting to mount to R410a system. It also comes with the schrader valve removal tool built in. Once the valve is out you can isolate it with a shut off and then remove that part for access to connect your pump, gauge set, etc.. I also has the 1/4" side fitting for a vacuum gauge use. This makes the whole vacuum process so quick and easy.Price may put off some for a one time installation, but it could be resold as used. For myself, so very glad I have it.Btw, there are two sizes of this device, 5/16" for R410a.

I installed my Pioneer MiniSplit system (24K) over the weekend and pulled a vacuum with this tool. I was able to get down to 450 microns within an hour. When I closed the valve and turned the pump off it would rise to 1250(ish). After several minutes I would be at 1240, then 1230... So I have a leak. I pressurized the system with Argon (it is what i had available, so why not) and with my leak detector, I found a leak where this tool connected to the service port. I tried tightening it and pulled another vacuum. Same result. I was getting late on Sunday and had to work in the AM so I put the argon back in and buttoned it up for the night. I'll try again later today. I'm an electrical engineer and am installing this because I have never done it before (I'm having a blast!). The information I have learned during this process has given me a new found appreciation for HVAC techs.

I used this to install my 24k Pioneer Mini Split system. I tried just using a YellowJacket 5/16' to 1/4" adapter but was only able to evacuate down to 1500 microns no matter how long I left the pump run (No rise on isolating system).I picked this up and used it along with the 1/4" version to be able to isolate my micron gauge before releasing refrigerant into the system. I was able to pull my system down under 100 microns in just a few minutes!As a valve core removal tool both of these operate poorly. I was unable to remove the side port schrader valve on the 5/16" tool with the 1/4" tool when I was trying to use them together. It would drop the schrader before it even got into the ball valve. It did successfully remove the 5/16" schrader on my Pioneer unit but it was at a 45 degree downward angle.Really nice for evacuation if you have downward angled service ports or can remove the valve cores manually before evacuation.

This device works perfectly; unscrews and holds on to the Schrader valve, enables you to remove and replace it completely if need be. Seems to hold a vacuum well, and obviously doubles as the 5/16" x 1/4" 410A port adapter commonly used. This tool has it all.

Fantastic, the main port is 5/16" to connect to my R410A mini split with a side port of 1/4" to handle a direct connection to my micron gauge (please see photos posted by others for the setup). The rear connedtion was 1/4" and hooked direclty to my vacuum hose. it worked great, I had purchased a Yellow Jacket 18985 Valve Core Removal Tool it just could not get it done.I personally feel that a correct vaccum is the most important part of and install, i was able to pull my cores easy with this tool, it took time to pull a good vacuum. but in the end it was flawless with this tool.

Super quality.... would suffice for professional use.Included two extra "O" rings for future use.Note: had to slightly crimp the fork at the end of the rod where it slips over the valve core... it wasn't tight enough from the factory... it was slipping off the stem and wasn't tight enough to pull it out through the ball valve, etc. Once slightly crimped (in a vice) it now held the valve core tightly for retraction.

very well made tool. I like how it came with a note telling you how to remove o-ring seals and the sizes of them.

It worked flawlessly! I rubbed a thin layer of vacuum grease on the polished shaft to insure a good O ring seal. Being able to pull the schreader core out before pulling a vacuum made pumping down a breeze. Also, the capture of the core in the plunger was very distinct so I felt confident that I was actually pulling the unscrewed core out and into the body of the tool. The unit remained tight and leak free and allowed a successful pump down and leak test with the micron gauge. It just looks and feels like a well made part but most importantly, it didn't leave me stuck in the middle of a job with a loose or non-captured valve stem.