AC Problem Leaky valve cause or symptom?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: Miami Florida
AC Problem Leaky valve cause or symptom?
My AC stopped working today. Compressor turns off and on, pressure loss I assume. Last time I was out I heard the valve in passenger side AC line leaking. I tightened the valve cover and the leak stopped. My question is can the valve be the problem or can something else in the system be causing too much pressure and in turn causing the valve to leak?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
Year helps as '90 and up have built in diagnostics.
There are 2 valves - the one on the fatter line out of the Evaporator is the Low Side Pressure; the one on the smaller line from the Condenser to the Evaporator is the High Side Pressure. Static (when it isn't running) and operating pressures are above atmospheric pressure, so either can leak. Each uses a schrader and the proper fix is to replace that. The cap is only there to keep the dirt out. If there's any gas left, I'd go to a shop and have them capture what's in it; then replace the schrader and recharge with your stuff, plus whatever it needs to top it off.
There are 2 valves - the one on the fatter line out of the Evaporator is the Low Side Pressure; the one on the smaller line from the Condenser to the Evaporator is the High Side Pressure. Static (when it isn't running) and operating pressures are above atmospheric pressure, so either can leak. Each uses a schrader and the proper fix is to replace that. The cap is only there to keep the dirt out. If there's any gas left, I'd go to a shop and have them capture what's in it; then replace the schrader and recharge with your stuff, plus whatever it needs to top it off.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: Miami Florida
Year helps as '90 and up have built in diagnostics.
There are 2 valves - the one on the fatter line out of the Evaporator is the Low Side Pressure; the one on the smaller line from the Condenser to the Evaporator is the High Side Pressure. Static (when it isn't running) and operating pressures are above atmospheric pressure, so either can leak. Each uses a schrader and the proper fix is to replace that. The cap is only there to keep the dirt out. If there's any gas left, I'd go to a shop and have them capture what's in it; then replace the schrader and recharge with your stuff, plus whatever it needs to top it off.
There are 2 valves - the one on the fatter line out of the Evaporator is the Low Side Pressure; the one on the smaller line from the Condenser to the Evaporator is the High Side Pressure. Static (when it isn't running) and operating pressures are above atmospheric pressure, so either can leak. Each uses a schrader and the proper fix is to replace that. The cap is only there to keep the dirt out. If there's any gas left, I'd go to a shop and have them capture what's in it; then replace the schrader and recharge with your stuff, plus whatever it needs to top it off.