[Update] My AC problem

[SHO#7]

Let me start again. Have you tried to get the system to take a charge using the low side fitting, that has already been converted for 134 ? If the answer is no. Then that is where you need to add the charge.

If the high side fitting is leaking, and it is the 134 retro fitting that is causing the leak. You have a couple of options. #1 replace the valve inside the fitting. Or #2, replace the retro fitting itself. If you can not get one to screw on, I fear it is because you are trying to install a low side fitting to a high side line. That will not work. They are different threads and sizes.

The 12oz cans of freon will not charge through a high side. I do not even know how you got the hose to attach. As you mentioned, there is a valve in the line. It may have already been removed from your high side. But if you look at the low side fitting that is part of the line. Looking at your pictures I can see the valve on the inside. In order to install a newer made low side conversion, you must remove that valve. When you get it just about out, grab a towel and cover the hole as it vents what is left of your refrigerant. Install a new low side fitting and charge. Once you introduce some freon to the system the compressor should kick on and pull the contents from the can.

Which fitting did you think had the leak. The high side ( up front by the battery ) or the low side ( back by the firewall )

Mike

 

[Greensilver_SHO]

Let me start again. Have you tried to get the system to take a charge using the low side fitting, that has already been converted for 134 ? If the answer is no. Then that is where you need to add the charge.

If the high side fitting is leaking, and it is the 134 retro fitting that is causing the leak. You have a couple of options. #1 replace the valve inside the fitting. Or #2, replace the retro fitting itself. If you can not get one to screw on, I fear it is because you are trying to install a low side fitting to a high side line. That will not work. They are different threads and sizes.

The 12oz cans of freon will not charge through a high side. I do not even know how you got the hose to attach. As you mentioned, there is a valve in the line. It may have already been removed from your high side. But if you look at the low side fitting that is part of the line. Looking at your pictures I can see the valve on the inside. In order to install a newer made low side conversion, you must remove that valve. When you get it just about out, grab a towel and cover the hole as it vents what is left of your refrigerant. Install a new low side fitting and charge. Once you introduce some freon to the system the compressor should kick on and pull the contents from the can.

Which fitting did you think had the leak. The high side ( up front by the battery ) or the low side ( back by the firewall )

Mike

The leak is coming from the high side.

Oh we know to charge by the firewall at the low side. Knowing where to charge is not the problem. I got a high side fitting direct from Ford, and it still wouldn't screw on. The leak is at the high side valve because even when we just took the cap off, it leaked... you could hear it.

I took off the high side valve yesteray... and noticed the o-ring looking a bit worn, I hit the valve onto the palm of my hand and the o-ring fell right out. I'm going to replace the valve core in the high side valve. The o-ring in that one fit right around the valve stem... I wouldn't be able to put a new o-ring in unless I got the valve stem out of the valve anyway.

The way the refidgerent shot out of the car when we completely took off the valve, leaves me to believe there is no valve left inside the line. I can't visually see one either.

Trust me, knowing the difference between the two, isn't the issue. Knowing where to charge, isn't the issue. The issue comes from nothing fitting up like it probably should.

Now, where can I get a valve stem repair kit?

 

[Rob94]

You can get the valve stem at any parts store, but at this stage in the game, I suggest you take the car back to the original shop that did the retrofit. They may have their own "style" of doing things. There is no reason that I can see that all of the previous advice given has not worked. Therefore, these mechanics obviously did something I would consider out of the ordinary. Let them fix it. It may not save you $$ but it will save you aggravation.

 

[Greensilver_SHO]

My mechanic is a pretty decent guy. I'm going to try replacing the valve stem first. If that doesn't work, I'll take it in to him and explain what I've done. The only problem with my mechanic is something that should take a half day, takes a full day and so on. I have the valve stems here... so it'll take like a second to fix. If that doesn't work... I can let him handle it.

Thanks for the help guys!