On Fri, 07 Mar 2008 04:19:41 GMT, "Steve R." wrote:

I have a chance to get an old, but serviceable medical vacuum pump, at a
very reasonable price. When I switched it, gave off a very offensive odour.
What is the best way to decontaminate the thing? I am thinking in terms of
lots of alcohol, but am open to suggestions.

First of all, what kind of pump is it? There's a few types that could
be used in a medical profession. Is it a simple pump like a Gast, or a
"real" 2-stage pump? If the latter, sometimes the oil gets
contaminated and stinks. HyVac makes an oil that you use to flush out
the pump, then refill with new oil. Works great. Otherwise, rebuilding
will take care of it. Beware, though, a rebuild kit for a 2-stage pump
can easily run over $200.

Joe