This is my first year running a vacuum pump and a releaser so naturally I have a million questions. I have a gast 1550 and a Bernard single vertical releaser.

1. When do I shut the vacuum pump off? Do people run them continuously? Obviously during a freeze up I will shut it off.

2. do I have to do anything to the releaser when I shut the pump off? All the sap should drain out correct? I would hate for it too freeze up and not work or even break it...

3. I know I'm supposed to oil the releaser but I'm not sure all the points I should get. I know the float rod, but do I oil it where the float slides? Or just the top that goes to the lever that shuts off the vacuum? What about where the line switches to move the Piston, where the line switches from one opening to the other?

Thanks for any help. Just trying to get everything in line before taps go in!

Jake