Edwards e2m30

How long do these pumps last as a refurbished one was looking mighty fine?

Depends what you put it through (or through it rather) and how you maintain it. They can last quite a while if you do back to back hot oil changes with the ballast open.

These pumps will last pretty much forever if you change the oil and rebuild every few years. I am rebuilding 2 E2M5s now but the process is pretty much the same. Here is a great link that I found especially useful for rebuilding the Edwards E2 series.

Special thanks to pcmeiners on eevlog forum for all the below that I copied!

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/edwards-e2m12-vacuum-pump-rebuild-overhaul-cleanup/

Here are some copy and paste links from the above to save time- get the exploded diagrams and order the parts kits with vanes or without the rotary vanes if yours are still in good shape...

Some parts dealers...
http://www.ajvs.com/
http://www.capvac.com/

Downloads sources....

http://www.gasflovac.com/GASFLO_DOWNLOADS.htm

Exploded Parts diagrams

http://www.idealvac.com/downloads/explodedviews/Edwards_E2M2_to_E2M12_Exploded_Views.pdf

E2m12 Manual...

http://www.ajvs.com/technical_library.php?tlcPath=0_34&man=7

There should be ZERO difference between a rebuilt/overhauled pump and a new one. If there is then it was either rebuilt poorly, or fubar'd to the point of needing hard parts. Edwards is largely overpriced and overhyped. Hell I'm the western edwards authorized service shop and id stick with alcatel/aixden/aligent/varian.