AC Valve Cores
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 265
Likes: 1
From: Irwindale Ca
AC Valve Cores
Hi guys and gals, right to the point, was i suppose to take the valve cores out of the R12 AC system before placing the R134 nipples on?..I think this may have caused a leak. I thought it was a direct fit without removing anything. Any help is appreciated.
Mike
Mike
Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 506
Likes: 12
From: Savannah GA
If you are doing work on your AC you might need to replace the scharader valves. They are a major cause of coolant loss in AC systems. Get ones specifically for AC systems not just tire valve stems.
JS
JS
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
Nothing wrong with replacing them, but even after 10 to 15 years, they don't seem to have the failure rate they once did. Usually when they are leaking, you will notice compressor oil around the dust cap (or whatever switch is screwed onto a line). If you haven't discharged yet and there's some gas left in it, I'd be more inclined to let someone put an electronic leak detector in the vents to test the Evaporator.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 456
Likes: 3
From: Sumner Texas
It depends on the particular adapters that you are using. Many of the cheap aluminum ones are to be used with the original shraeder valve in place. Most of them are cheap junk and nothing but trouble.
With the steel adapters they are put on with the original shraeder valve removed and are quality pieces. You can get high quality steel ones from www.ackits.com. I also have sometimes seen them on the rack at Pep Boys.
I no longer use the aluminum ones. In fact I REFUSE to use the aluminum ones. You may very well use them with no trouble at all, but I've seen alot of them leak and with 134 approaching $10 a pound it's just false economy to take a chance on cheap adapters when $6 or so more will virtually eliminate the chance of the adapters leaking.
Best of luck and Merry Christmas,
With the steel adapters they are put on with the original shraeder valve removed and are quality pieces. You can get high quality steel ones from www.ackits.com. I also have sometimes seen them on the rack at Pep Boys.
I no longer use the aluminum ones. In fact I REFUSE to use the aluminum ones. You may very well use them with no trouble at all, but I've seen alot of them leak and with 134 approaching $10 a pound it's just false economy to take a chance on cheap adapters when $6 or so more will virtually eliminate the chance of the adapters leaking.
Best of luck and Merry Christmas,
