Milwaukee M18 FUEL™ 5 CFM Vacuum Pump Operator's Manual

Product Identification

Model Number: 2941-20

Product Name: M18 FUEL™ 5 CFM Vacuum Pump

Brand: Milwaukee

General Safety Warnings

WARNING: Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations, and specifications provided with this power tool. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious injury. Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.

The term "power tool" refers to mains-operated (corded) or battery-operated (cordless) power tools.

Work Area Safety

• Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
• Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres (e.g., presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust). Power tools create sparks that may ignite dust or fumes.
• Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause loss of control.

Electrical Safety

• Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug. Do not use adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets reduce the risk of electric shock.
• Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces (pipes, radiators, ranges, refrigerators). Increased risk of electric shock if body is earthed or grounded.
• Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool increases the risk of electric shock.
• Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling, or unplugging the power tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges, or moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.
• When operating outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. This reduces the risk of electric shock.
• If operating in a damp location is unavoidable, use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected supply. GFCI use reduces the risk of electric shock.

Personal Safety

• Stay alert, watch what you are doing, and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not use when tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. Momentary inattention can result in serious personal injury.
• Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equipment such as a dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection will reduce personal injuries.
• Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench or key left attached to a rotating part may result in personal injury.
• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times for better control in unexpected situations.
• Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep hair and clothing away from moving parts. Loose items can be caught in moving parts.
• If dust extraction facilities are provided, ensure they are connected and properly used. Dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards.
• Do not let familiarity gained from frequent use lead to complacency. A careless action can cause severe injury.

Power Tool Use and Care

• Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application.
• Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Dangerous tools must be repaired.
• Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or remove the battery pack before making adjustments, changing accessories, or storing. This reduces the risk of accidental starting.
• Store idle power tools out of reach of children and do not allow untrained persons to operate them. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
• Maintain power tools and accessories. Check for misalignment, binding, breakage, or other conditions that may affect operation. Have damaged tools repaired before use. Poorly maintained tools cause accidents.
• Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Sharp tools are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
• Use the power tool, accessories, and tool bits in accordance with instructions, considering working conditions and the work to be performed. Using the tool for unintended operations can be hazardous.
• Keep handles and grasping surfaces dry, clean, and free from oil and grease. Slippery surfaces do not allow safe handling and control.

Battery Tool Use and Care

• Recharge only with the specified charger. Using a charger suitable for one battery type with another may create a fire risk.
• Use power tools only with specifically designated battery packs. Using other battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.
• When the battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects (paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws) that can connect terminals and cause burns or fire.
• Under abusive conditions, battery liquid may be ejected. Avoid contact. If contact occurs, flush with water. If it contacts eyes, seek medical help. Ejected liquid may cause irritation or burns.
• Do not use a damaged or modified battery pack or tool. Damaged/modified batteries may exhibit unpredictable behavior, resulting in fire, explosion, or injury.
• Do not expose a battery pack or tool to fire or excessive temperature (above 265°F/130°C). Exposure may cause explosion.
• Follow all charging instructions and do not charge outside the specified temperature range. Improper charging may damage the battery and increase fire risk.

Service

Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts to maintain safety.

Never service damaged battery packs. Service must be performed by the manufacturer or authorized service providers.

Specific Safety Rules for Vacuum Pumps

• WARNING: This pump generates a deep vacuum that can be harmful to human tissue. Do not expose any part of the human body to the vacuum.
• WARNING: Do not use this pump to remove refrigerant from a system. Use a recovery machine and filter to remove refrigerant and particles from the system BEFORE using this pump to evacuate the system. Some refrigerants are flammable.
• WARNING: Do not remove battery pack during use or in the presence of refrigerant. Sparks could ignite refrigerant.
• Add oil before initial use. Do not operate pump without oil.
• Use oil specifically refined for deep vacuum pumps.
• Avoid contact on skin and clothing with oil.
• After evacuation, drain oil immediately while pump is warm. Dispose of used oil properly.

The MILWAUKEE M18 FUEL™ 5 CFM Vacuum Pump is suitable for use with systems that utilize A2L refrigerants, provided proper precautions have been followed. This includes ensuring all refrigerant has been removed when servicing or evacuating a system containing A2L refrigerants. Due to the mildly flammable nature of A2L refrigerants, users must receive proper technical training before handling them. Special licensing or certification may be required. Always follow local, state, and/or federal regulations or guidelines when working on systems containing refrigerants.

Always use common sense and be cautious when using tools. It is not possible to anticipate every situation that could result in a dangerous outcome. Do not use this tool if you do not understand these operating instructions or feel the work is beyond your capability; contact Milwaukee Tool or a trained professional for additional information or training.

Maintain labels and nameplates. If unreadable or missing, contact a MILWAUKEE service facility for a free replacement.

WARNING: Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities contains chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm (e.g., lead, crystalline silica, arsenic, chromium). Reduce exposure by working in a well-ventilated area and using approved safety equipment, such as dust masks designed to filter microscopic particles.

Specifications

Symbology

• V: Volts
• ---: Direct Current
• Low Battery: ?
• Power Button/LED: ?
• Manifold Mode On/Off: ⚙️
• Valve Open: [Valve Open]
• Oil Fill: ?
• CFM: Cubic Feet per Minute
• Read Operator's Manual: ?
• UL Listing for Canada and U.S.: UL

Functional Description

1. Oil level window

2. Oil fill cap

3. Gas ballast valve

4. Carry handle

5. Intake fittings

6. Low battery indicator

7. Power button/LED

8. Manifold mode button

9. Isolation valve

10. Oil drain

Assembly

WARNING: Recharge only with the charger specified for the battery. For specific charging instructions, read the operator's manual supplied with your charger and battery.

Removing/Inserting the Battery

To remove the battery, push in the release buttons and pull the battery pack away from the tool.

WARNING: Always remove the battery pack any time the tool is not in use.

To insert the battery, slide the pack into the body of the tool. Make sure it latches securely into place.

WARNING: Only use accessories specifically recommended for this tool. Others may be hazardous.

Adding Oil

WARNING: Add oil before initial use. Do not operate pump without oil.

Only use oil specifically refined for deep vacuum pumps.

1. Twist open the oil fill cap.
2. Slowly add oil into the oil reservoir until level is between the MIN and MAX markings.
3. Replace oil fill cap.
4. Monitor oil level during use.

Operation

WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, always wear proper eye protection marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1.

Priming

NOTICE: The pump is shipped without oil and must be primed for initial use.

To ready the pump for first-time use, either:

• Add oil and run the pump for 30 minutes. Change the oil (or let the oil cool down before beginning work).
• Add oil and wait 1 hour before beginning work.

General Operation

1. Check oil level.
2. Insert battery pack.
3. Open the gas ballast valve.
4. Make hose connections to the pump either directly or using a manifold.
5. Open one intake port and close the isolation valve, close gas ballast valve, and turn pump on.
6. Make vacuum connections and slowly open isolation valve.
7. Slowly open the gas ballast valve at the beginning of the evacuation process.
8. After pump settles down from initial volume of air, close ballast valve and continue evacuating.
9. When finished, close the isolation valve and fully open the gas ballast valve.
10. Operate the pump for 2-3 more seconds, then turn off the pump and close the gas ballast valve.
11. Remove hose connections and cap the intake fittings.

Manifold Mode

When using a manifold, turn on Manifold mode for best performance.

Low Battery Mode

When battery capacity reaches 5 minutes of runtime remaining, the pump will enter low battery mode. The low battery LED will light and a buzzer will sound. The pump will reduce speed to conserve runtime and maintain vacuum. Replace battery.

Thermal Overload

If the power button LED begins blinking, the tool has entered thermal overload protection and cannot be restarted until the pump has cooled down.

Selecting Hoses

For best performance, use vacuum-rated hoses directly connected to the pump that are as short and of the widest diameter possible. Inspect hoses before operation and replace if worn. When using a manifold, a 4-port manifold is recommended.

Troubleshooting

Maintenance

WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, always unplug the charger and remove the battery pack from the charger or tool before performing any maintenance. Never disassemble the battery pack, charger, or tool, except as provided in these instructions. Contact a MILWAUKEE service facility for all other repairs.

Changing Oil

After each use, while pump is warm and oil is thinner, place pump on a level surface and open oil drain. Oil can be forced from the pump by opening one intake and partially blocking the exhaust with a cloth, then running the pump. DO NOT operate the pump for more than 20 seconds using this method. Dispose of used oil properly.

Flushing Oil

If the oil is severely contaminated, flushing may be required. With the oil drain open, slowly add oil into the reservoir while pump is running until contamination is removed. Dispose of flushed oil properly.

Maintaining Tool

Keep your tool, battery pack, and charger in good repair by adopting a regular maintenance program. Inspect your tool for issues such as undue noise, misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, or any other condition that may affect the tool's operation. Return the tool, battery pack, and charger to a MILWAUKEE service facility for repair. After six months to one year, depending on use, return the tool, battery pack, and charger to a MILWAUKEE service facility for inspection.

If the tool does not start or operate at full power with a fully charged battery pack, clean the contacts on the battery pack. If the tool still does not work properly, return the tool, charger, and battery pack to a MILWAUKEE service facility for repairs.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal injury and damage, never immerse your tool, battery pack, or charger in liquid or allow liquid to flow inside them.

Cleaning

Clean dust and debris from any vents. Keep tool clean, dry, and free of oil or grease. Use only mild soap and a damp cloth for cleaning, as certain cleaning agents and solvents are harmful to plastics and other insulated parts (e.g., gasoline, turpentine, lacquer thinner, paint thinner, chlorinated cleaning solvents, ammonia, household detergents containing ammonia). Never use flammable or combustible solvents around tools.

Storage

Store pump with oil reservoir filled. Do not fully drain pump unless oil will be replaced immediately with new oil.

Repairs

For repairs, return the tool, battery pack, and charger to the nearest authorized service center.

Accessories

WARNING: Use only recommended accessories. Others may be hazardous.

For a complete listing of accessories, go online to www.milwaukeetool.com or contact a distributor.

Service Information

Service - United States

Phone: 1-800-SAWDUST (1.800.729.3878)

Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 6:30 PM CST

Website: www.milwaukeetool.com

Contact Corporate After Sales Service Technical Support for technical, service/repair, or warranty questions.

Email: metproductsupport@milwaukeetool.com

Become a Heavy Duty Club Member at www.milwaukeetool.com to receive important notifications regarding your tool purchases.

Service - Canada

Company: Milwaukee Tool (Canada) Ltd

Phone: 1.877.948.2360

Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM CST

Website: www.milwaukeetool.ca

Limited Warranty (USA & Canada)

This MILWAUKEE power tool* is warranted to the original purchaser from an authorized MILWAUKEE distributor to be free from defects in material and workmanship. Subject to certain exceptions, MILWAUKEE will repair or replace any part on this power tool which, after examination, is determined by MILWAUKEE to be defective in material or workmanship for a period of two (2) years after the date of purchase unless otherwise noted. Return of the power tool to a MILWAUKEE factory Service Center location or MILWAUKEE Authorized Service Station, freight prepaid and insured, is required. A copy of the proof of purchase should be included with the return product. This warranty does not apply to damage that MILWAUKEE determines to be from repairs made or attempted by anyone other than MILWAUKEE authorized personnel, misuse, alterations, abuse, normal wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or accidents.

Normal Wear: Many power tools need periodic parts replacement and service to achieve best performance. This warranty does not cover repair when normal use has exhausted the life of a part including, but not limited to, chucks, brushes, cords, saw shoes, blade clamps, o-rings, seals, bumpers, driver blades, pistons, strikers, lifters, and bumper cover washers.

*This warranty does not cover battery packs or all power tools. Refer to the separate and distinct warranties available for those products.

The warranty period for the LED in the LED Work Light (49-24-0171) and LED Upgrade Bulb (49-81-0090) is the lifetime of the product subject to the limitations above. If during normal use the LED or LED Upgrade Bulb fails, the part will be replaced free of charge.

Warranty Registration is not necessary to obtain the applicable warranty on a MILWAUKEE power tool product. The manufacturing date of the product will be used to determine the warranty period if no proof of purchase is provided at the time warranty service is requested.

Acceptance of the exclusive repair and replacement remedies described herein is a condition of the contract for the purchase of every MILWAUKEE product. If you do not agree to this condition, you should not purchase the product. In no event shall MILWAUKEE be liable for any incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or for any costs, attorney fees, expenses, losses, or delays alleged to be as a consequence of any damage to, failure of, or defect in any product, including, but not limited to, any claims for loss of profits. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty is exclusive and in lieu of all other express warranties, written or oral. To the extent permitted by law, MILWAUKEE disclaims any implied warranties, including without limitation any implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE OR PURPOSE; to the extent such disclaimer is not permitted by law, such implied warranties are limited to the duration of the applicable express warranty as described above. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

This warranty applies to product sold in the U.S.A. and Canada only. Please consult the 'Service Center Search' in the Parts & Service section of MILWAUKEE's website www.milwaukeetool.com or call 1.800.SAWDUST (1.800.729.3878) to locate your nearest service facility for warranty and non-warranty service on a MILWAUKEE power tool.

Warranty Policy (Mexico, Central America & Caribbean)

The warranty of TECHTRONIC INDUSTRIES is for 2 years from the original date of purchase.

This warranty card covers any defect in material and workmanship in that Product.

To validate this warranty, present this warranty card, closed/sealed by the distributor or store where you purchased the product, to an Authorized Service Center (ASC). Or, if this card has not been closed/sealed, present the original proof of purchase to the ASC. Call 55 4160-3547 to find the nearest ASC for service, parts, accessories, or components.

Procedure to validate this warranty:

Take the product to the ASC, along with the warranty card closed/sealed by the distributor or store where you purchased the product, and any defective parts or components will be replaced free of charge. We will cover all shipping costs related to this warranty process.

Exceptions:

This warranty will not be valid in the following situations:

• a) When the product is used differently than indicated in the end-user or instruction manual.
• b) When usage conditions are not normal.
• c) When unauthorized persons modify or repair the product.

Note: If the cable set is damaged, it must be replaced at an Authorized Service Center to avoid electrical hazards.

Service and Attention Center: Call 55 4160-3547

Imported and Marketed By: TECHTRONIC INDUSTRIES, MÉXICO, S.A. DE C.V.

Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra No.301 Piso 5, Torre Norte 11520 Colonia Ampliación Granada Miguel Hidalgo, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico

Model:

Date of Purchase:

Distributor Seal:

Milwaukee Tool: 13135 West Lisbon Road Brookfield, WI 53005 USA

Document Number: 58140508d1 03/23

Printed in China