Subject: UView 550000 Airlift Cooling System Leak Checker/Airlock Purge Tool Kit

[Frodo]

Now that I’ve got your attention…

Anybody try one of these? The OEM Tools 24444 Cooler System Refiller Kit.




I know I know, it’s not the quality of the Airlift, but consider (A) it does look to be reasonably well put together. There are parts that are plastic instead of brass, but they are solid-looking; (B) it’s not being used to support a dangerous weight above my head; and (C) at $82 it’s only a little more than half what the Airlift system would run me. In fact, Summit Racing is local to me and I believe they have one to pick up today for $77.

If I was doing this task more than every few years I would buy the Airlift in a heartbeat. But this seems to be a good deal for the occasional user.

This guy seems to like it pretty well:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbQ77-zDOEo

He digresses (a lot) at the beginning, to include talking about a clearly inferior competitor’s product that he’s comparing the OEM Tool to, so I’d recommend jumping ahead to about 7:05 for the actual review.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9Sx0YxrJnI

(It’s labeled as Schwaben, but it’s the same tool.)

[JFP in PA]

OK for the casual user, not and well-made or as application flexible as the Uview, which I have owned and used (constantly) for more years than I would care to admit.

[Frodo]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

OK for the casual user, not and well-made or as application flexible as the Uview, which I have owned and used (constantly) for more years than I would care to admit.

As to the not as well made I have no disagreement. But I'm curious: what can you do with the Uview that can't be done with the OEM Tool?

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by Frodo

As to the not as well made I have no disagreement. But I'm curious: what can you do with the Uview that can't be done with the OEM Tool?

Uview has adaptors for everything from Boxster's to John Deere tractors to liquid cooled motorcycles, and everything in between. System's flexibility is unparalleled. All metal construction makes it a long-term tool, and every part is available should it be needed.

[78F350]

I bought a cheap one similar to that a few years ago. It functioned and I used it more than I expected. Make sure that you have enough cfm of air output from your compressor to run it. Expect the fittings to leak after a few uses and have a towel ready in the trunk.
If you are using it once and not likely to do it again, check if your local parts store loans a good one. I'll probably be putting mine in the trash soon and buying a UView.

[Frodo]

Originally Posted by 78F350

I bought a cheap one similar to that a few years ago. It functioned and I used it more than I expected. Make sure that you have enough cfm of air output from your compressor to run it. Expect the fittings to leak after a few uses and have a towel ready in the trunk.
If you are using it once and not likely to do it again, check if your local parts store loans a good one. I'll probably be putting mine in the trash soon and buying a UView.

Apprciate the feedback, but...
Specifically, which "cheap one" did you buy?

[Stl-986]

It's an OK tool Nice to have but I rarely even have my 80gal compressor tank with air in it anymore. Use my cordless tools more then my air tools. It gets the job done. For the adapters, it's like the Motive bleeders...good tool but a pain to have to always get different adapters.