Vacuum Suction Devices and Collection Containers

Frequently Asked Questions About Vacuum Extraction Devices and Collection Containers

Vacuum extraction units differ from traditional hand-operated suction pumps in that they first store negative pressure in a collection container. This allows even large volumes of liquid to be extracted on the go. Here, we answer frequently asked questions about the operation, media compatibility, selection, and use of the VB 01 and VB 01.1 vacuum boxes.

• What is a vacuum suction device?

  A vacuum extraction unit uses negative pressure to draw liquids through a suction hose into a collection container.
  
  In Leitenberger vacuum boxes, the negative pressure is generated by a Venturi nozzle using compressed air from the workshop. The box can then be disconnected from the compressed air supply and moved to the actual extraction site.

• How does the VB 01 vacuum box work?

  The VB 01 is first connected to the workshop compressed air supply via its Venturi nozzle.
  
  This creates a vacuum inside the container. Once the container has been evacuated, it is disconnected from the compressed air supply.
  
  At the vehicle or the site of operation, the inlet valve of the suction hose is then opened. The resulting pressure difference draws the liquid into the collection container.

• Does the vacuum box have to remain connected to compressed air while it is operating?

  No.
  
  That is one of the system's key advantages.
  
  The vacuum box is first evacuated using compressed air from the workshop. The resulting vacuum remains stored in the sealed container, allowing the box to be disconnected from the compressed air supply and used as a portable unit.

• How big is the vacuum box?

  The VB 01 and VB 01.1 each have a container with a volume of 11 liters.

• How much fluid can be extracted using a vacuum?

  Leitenberger specifies a suction volume of approximately 8 liters of liquid per vacuum cycle for the VB 01 and VB 01.1.
  
  This allows a significant portion of the tank's volume to be utilized before a vacuum must be reestablished.

• What is the difference between VB 01 and VB 01.1?

  Both vacuum boxes operate on the same basic principle and feature an 11-liter collection tank.

  The main difference is the additional level indicator on the VB 01.1.

  This makes it easier to check the current liquid level in the tank.

• What kinds of liquids can be extracted using the vacuum box?

  For VB 01 and VB 01.1, Leitenberger lists, among other things:

  • Water
  • Coolant
  • Brake fluid
  • Engine oil
  • Compressor oil
  • Transmission fluid
  • Diesel

  Nevertheless, before each use, the specifications for the respective medium and the intended application must be taken into account.

• Can highly flammable liquids be extracted?

  No.

  Leitenberger explicitly states that the vacuum boxes are not approved for use with highly flammable liquids.

• Can gasoline be extracted using the vacuum box?

  The vacuum box is not approved for use with highly flammable liquids.
  
  Therefore, gasoline should not be extracted using the VB 01 or VB 01.1.
  
  For each application, the media approval and the corresponding safety requirements must be followed.

• Can engine oil be extracted using the vacuum box?

  Yes.

  Draining engine oil is expressly listed among the intended uses of the VB 01 and VB 01.1.

  Special engine oil adapters for the vacuum box are also available for certain vehicles.

• Can the vacuum box be used for an engine oil change?

  Yes, provided that the vehicle in question and its oil system are suitable for draining the engine oil.

  Leitenberger offers, among other things, special engine oil adapters for Mercedes-Benz, VW, and BMW. These are designed for vehicles in which the dipstick tube extends all the way to the bottom of the oil pan.

  You can find additional tools and equipment for this application under Test and Service Equipment for Engine Lubrication and Oil Service.

• What engine oil adapters are available for the vacuum box?

  Currently, the following vehicle-specific adapters, among others, are available:

  • VBA 011 for Mercedes-Benz
  • VBA 012 for VW
  • VBA 013 for BMW.

  In addition, a particularly thin universal adapter hose, the VBA 04, is listed as an accessory for the VB 01/VB 01.1.

• Why are special engine oil adapters needed?

  On compatible vehicles, the oil dipstick tube can be used as an access point for draining the engine oil.
  
  The corresponding VBA adapters are designed to connect the vacuum box to this drain point.
  
  The current Mercedes-Benz, VW, and BMW adapters are intended for vehicles in which the oil dipstick tube extends all the way to the bottom of the oil pan.

• Is it possible to change the engine oil by draining it from every vehicle?

  No.
  
  Whether engine oil can be completely drained in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications depends on the design and service procedures of the specific engine.
  
  The Leitenberger engine oil adapters currently available are therefore specifically intended for compatible vehicles equipped with an oil dipstick tube designed accordingly.

• Can transmission fluid be extracted using the vacuum box?

  According to Leitenberger, the VB 01 and VB 01.1 are, in principle, also designed for draining transmission oil.

  However, for proper transmission oil service with specific fill ports and defined filling procedures, the transmission oil fill pumps and fill adapters are available.

• Is the vacuum box a transmission fluid fill pump?

  No.

  The vacuum box is used to extract and collect liquids.

  A transmission oil fill pump, on the other hand, is used to fill a transmission in a controlled manner through the designated port.

  For transmission-specific filling operations, the pumps and adapters designed for that purpose should therefore be used.

• Can coolant be extracted using the vacuum box?

  Yes.

  Coolant is one of the operating fluids listed by Leitenberger for the VB 01 and VB 01.1.

  However, special radiator vacuum filling devices are available for completely evacuating and then filling a vehicle's cooling system.

• Can the vacuum box be used during cooling system maintenance?

  Yes.

  For the VB 01.1, Leitenberger specifically mentions its use as a drainage box when filling the cooling system with a radiator vacuum filling device.

  This allows it to complement the actual radiator vacuum filling device during relevant service work.

• Can brake fluid be extracted using the vacuum box?

  Yes.

  Brake fluid is one of the fluids listed by Leitenberger for the VB 01 and VB 01.1. Both vacuum boxes are also specifically mentioned for brake bleeding operations.

  For regular brake maintenance, specialized brake bleeding devices and extraction systems are also available.

• Can a brake be bled using the vacuum box?

  The vacuum box can be used for brake bleeding tasks. During this process, the brake fluid is drawn out from the bleed side using negative pressure and collected in the container.

  For more extensive or regularly performed work on the brake system, specialized brake bleeding units may be a more suitable solution.

• Can diesel be extracted using the vacuum box?

  Yes.

  Leitenberger specifically lists diesel as a suitable medium. The vacuum box can be used, for example, to bleed a fuel line after changing a filter.

  For further diagnostics, you’ll find additional solutions under Test and Diagnostic Equipment for Fuel Systems.

• Can the fuel system be bled using the vacuum box after changing the filter?

  Yes, for diesel systems that are compatible with this.
  
  Leitenberger specifically mentions bleeding the fuel line after a filter change as one use for the vacuum box.
  
  The ET 368 accessory kit is also available for certain Mercedes-Benz CDI applications.

• What is the ET 368 venting kit?

  ET 368 is a supplementary kit for bleeding fuel systems in conjunction with VB 01 or a compatible vacuum extraction unit.
  
  Leitenberger recommends it specifically for Mercedes-Benz CDI engines and, for example, for work following a fuel filter replacement or when the fuel tank has been run dry.

• How long is the suction hose on the vacuum box?

  The VB 01 and VB 01.1 come with a transparent, detachable suction hose that is 2.50 meters long.

• Why is the suction hose transparent?

  A transparent hose makes it easier to visually monitor the extracted medium during operation.
  
  This makes it possible, for example, to tell when liquid is being conveyed through the hose.

• What accessories come with the vacuum box?

  The VB 01 and VB 01.1 currently come with the following items:

  • 11-liter vacuum box
  • detachable Venturi nozzle
  • transparent suction hose, 2.50 m long
  • UNW 01 rubber elbow adapter.
• What is the drain valve used for?

  The built-in drain valve allows for controlled emptying of the collection container after the suction process.
  
  In doing so, the regulations governing the collection, separation, and disposal of the respective medium must be observed.

• What is the purpose of the vacuum box's safety valve?

  The vacuum box has a built-in safety valve as part of its vacuum-based system.
  
  The box must be used exclusively for its intended vacuum function.

• Can the vacuum box also be operated under positive pressure?

  No.

  Leitenberger explicitly states the following for VB 01 and VB 01.1:

  For vacuum use only.

  For tests in which positive pressure needs to be specifically generated, vacuum and pressure pumps for automotive diagnostics are available.

• What is the difference between the vacuum box and a manual suction pump?

  With a hand-operated suction pump, the vacuum is generated directly by the manual pumping motion, and typically a smaller amount of liquid is drawn into the pump cylinder.

  The vacuum box, on the other hand, first stores the vacuum in a separate 11-liter collection container and can therefore handle larger volumes of liquid.

  Which solution is more suitable depends on the volume of liquid, accessibility, and the task at hand.

• When is a manual suction pump a better choice?

  A hand-operated suction pump can be advantageous when:

  • only a small amount of liquid needs to be removed
  • shop compressed air is not available
  • a particularly compact setup is required
  • the liquid needs to be monitored directly in the pump cylinder

  For larger volumes of liquid, however, the Vacuum Box offers a significantly larger collection container.

• What is the difference between a vacuum box and a manual transfer pump?

  The vacuum box is primarily designed for extracting and collecting a liquid.

  A hand-operated transfer pump, on the other hand, has a suction side and a discharge side and continuously transfers the liquid from one container or system to another.

  Thus, both pump principles serve different purposes.

• Can the vacuum box be used to dispense liquids?

  The vacuum box is primarily designed as a suction and collection system.

  If a specific volume of liquid needs to be controlled for intake or discharge, a hand-operated dosing pump with a scale is the more suitable product category.

• Can the same vacuum box be used for different liquids?

  According to the manufacturer, the vacuum box is suitable for various workshop fluids.
  
  However, when switching between fluids, keep in mind that residual fluids may remain in the container, hose, or accessories.
  
  If mixing is not permitted, separate units or a suitable cleaning and operating procedure should be used.

• Why is the VB 01.1's level indicator useful?

  The liquid level indicator makes it easier to monitor the liquid level in the collection container during use.
  
  This is particularly helpful when dealing with large volumes of suctioned material, as it allows you to recognize in a timely manner when the container needs to be emptied.

• Can the vacuum box be used on the go?

  Yes.
  
  That is exactly why the box stores the vacuum previously created using compressed air from the workshop.
  
  After evacuation, it can be disconnected from the compressed air supply and taken to the vehicle or machine.

• What kind of vacuum extraction equipment is best for a workshop?

  Depending on your specific work requirements, the following equipment may be useful:

  • VB 01 or VB 01.1 vacuum extraction unit
  • compatible engine oil adapters
  • universal extraction hose
  • accessories for fuel systems
  • additional hand-operated extraction pumps
  • hand-operated transfer pumps
  • hand-operated metering pumps.

  You can find additional pumps and fluid-handling solutions under Pumps and Fluid Handling for Automotive Workshops.