Venting R134a out of high side pressure port

[joedogg]

Hey guys, I went to check my trans fluid yesterday and noticed that my high side pressure on the AC is venting whenever the AC is on. Its coming out pretty fast.

Now I'm pretty sure it is the high side. It sticks straight up on a pipe that's next to and a little in front of the coolant reservoir. I'm pretty sure I can replace the valve, correct? Is there a way to do this without losing my charge?

If I were to temporarily disable the high side valve by adding a little JB weld to the top, would that hurt anything? I'm in Florida, and just got the AC working again. Hotter by the day around here.

Thanks for the advice guys!

 

[hawkeye18]

You need to replace the valve stem, and you will be unable to do so without losing (at least a great deal of) your charge. Be very careful - make sure the car (or at least the AC) has been off for several hours before you attempt this, as while operating the high side has pressures of several hundred PSI that will accelerate a valve core to about Warp 6 into your skull if you're not careful. You might want to take this opportunity to do a vacuum and fill at an A/C shop while all the refrigerant is already gone. It will not cost much more than just buying the refrigerant and you can be sure there's no moisture in the system.

 

[joedogg]

If I can get my air compressor replaced under warranty (not the AC one, an actual air compressor. Motor smoked itself.) I can hook a vacuum kit up to it and do that one myself. I was thinking I could just weld it until I get that replaced, vacuum out the R134a, replace it while vacuumed. Vacuum out the air, and then replace with new oil/R134a.

BTW, what is this called exactly? Is it a straight up tire valve stem, or is there a part available at a parts store?

 

[hawkeye18]

yeah it's a standard schraeder valve.

 

[Allmostall]

The high pressure test port on my 1997 was not repairable, had to replace
the line. Was unable to remove internal valve parts.

 

[joedogg]

Well, looks like it is just one piece that comes off the piping. It blew across my garage, any idea where I can get another one? This one is not coming back.

 

[joedogg]

Is it called a "Valve core and cap kit?" The part I need is a threaded valve that goes onto the pipe that comes out of the compressor. The leak got so much worse yesterday it did not matter if I was using the AC or not. Even after I let it cool down the thing blew across the garage.

 

[joedogg]

Okay, I found one. I went to Advance and picked up the "retrofit kit" which included the fittings for the high and low side pressure ports. I'm going to go ahead and put in the new port. After that I should be able to just get a vacuum pulled from any mechanic and recharge it with new refrigerant?

A couple of things with that: I know the capacity to be 34 oz. according to AllData. What does that have to say about oil? Should I add oil before I charge, if so how much and what about the oil that's still in the system from the last charge? Will the evac take care of that primarily?

Does that 34 oz include the oil, or is the oil in addition?

Thanks!

 

[hawkeye18]

Okay, I found one. I went to Advance and picked up the "retrofit kit" which included the fittings for the high and low side pressure ports. I'm going to go ahead and put in the new port. After that I should be able to just get a vacuum pulled from any mechanic and recharge it with new refrigerant?

A couple of things with that: I know the capacity to be 34 oz. according to AllData. What does that have to say about oil? Should I add oil before I charge, if so how much and what about the oil that's still in the system from the last charge? Will the evac take care of that primarily?

Does that 34 oz include the oil, or is the oil in addition?

Thanks!

Things like these are why I just take my car to an A/C shop for that stuff. I let them figure out the ratios and all that BS.

 

[joedogg]

Worked out, I got a new valve from AutoZone.com put it on and had vacuumed. Charged right up. Thanks!

 

[AREA 91]

The schrader valves for your AC system are NOT the same as those used in tires.

 

[joedogg]

The schrader valves for your AC system are NOT the same as those used in tires.

I got a special order part from them that was this exact part. So, no I did not use a valve stem.