A.C. Schrader valve issues

[LeakySeals]

Both vehicles in my signature are having trouble with the low port Schrader valves using a manifold and various different connection devices to charge the AC. It seems like they are far more fragile than tires. Is this common for them to leak for a bit after adding refrigerant? I put a little water in there and I can see it bubbling. Even after 5-10 minutes. Do they need to be adjusted or tightened with a tool? Or are they just old

 

[Chris142]

I replace every one on every car I work on. If I don't it is sure to leak.

 

[qjohn]

In theory, one can swap them without letting out all the gas. A tool such as this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N0GZ9GT/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

There are youtube videos showing how to do it.

I will warn, though, that they are tricky to use. I just got through 'trying' to use it and ended up losing all the R134 from my cars system. I think I could do it properly next time -- just need to make sure the tool can grab onto the schrader valve before starting.

 

[Chris142]

Originally Posted By: qjohn
In theory, one can swap them without letting out all the gas. A tool such as this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N0GZ9GT/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

There are youtube videos showing how to do it.

I will warn, though, that they are tricky to use. I just got through 'trying' to use it and ended up losing all the R134 from my cars system. I think I could do it properly next time -- just need to make sure the tool can grab onto the schrader valve before starting.
that tool only works on the small Schrader's. There are atleast 7 or more different styles and that tool won't work on those. The only option at that point is to redo the whole job.

 

[Superflop]

You should replace the schrader when you service. Also make sure the cap is good, that is the actual sealing mechanism, the schrader is just to allow you to put gauges and such on without losing the charge.

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: Chris142
I replace every one on every car I work on. If I don't it is sure to leak.


What's a good brand to use?

 

[bdcardinal]

I have noticed a significant increase in the amount of A/C valves we sell in the past year or so.

 

[bullwinkle]

They're not lasting as long as they used to, I'm lucky to get more than 2-3 years out of them, I replace them every day.

 

[UNC017]

Check it an hour or so after disconnecting your gauge set. Refrigerant oil becomes saturated with refrigerant like soda-pop is saturated with CO2. The little bit of oil that gets into the schrader connector will "fizz" for some time until all the saturated refrigerant boils away. If you're doing a soap-bubble check right after disconnecting a gauge, that could be what you're seeing.

That said, the schrader valves do go bad. You replace them just like the ones on a tire, though they come in different sizes and configurations for high-side ports, R-134 vs R-12, etc.

 

[WyrTwister]

Originally Posted By: qjohn
In theory, one can swap them without letting out all the gas. A tool such as this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N0GZ9GT/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

There are youtube videos showing how to do it.

I will warn, though, that they are tricky to use. I just got through 'trying' to use it and ended up losing all the R134 from my cars system. I think I could do it properly next time -- just need to make sure the tool can grab onto the schrader valve before starting.


I have a similar tool for the old R22 A/C condenser units .

Replacing Schraser valves Is preventive Maintenance , to me .

I buy the " regular " style at a HVAC supply house . Other automotive styles at the automotive parts store . Some , styles , have not determined hoe to change out .

 

[LeakySeals]

Originally Posted By: WyrTwister
Originally Posted By: qjohn
In theory, one can swap them without letting out all the gas. A tool such as this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N0GZ9GT/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

There are youtube videos showing how to do it.

I will warn, though, that they are tricky to use. I just got through 'trying' to use it and ended up losing all the R134 from my cars system. I think I could do it properly next time -- just need to make sure the tool can grab onto the schrader valve before starting.


I have a similar tool for the old R22 A/C condenser units .

Replacing Schraser valves Is preventive Maintenance , to me .

I buy the " regular " style at a HVAC supply house . Other automotive styles at the automotive parts store . Some , styles , have not determined hoe to change out .

I had no idea this was possible. I'm assuming the valve screws in and has an o-ring, so how could it.. no idea guess you would have to see it in action. Anyways I got both to stop using a shrader valve removal tool and very carefully twisting a tiny bit left then right to get the o-rings to seal. Maybe the freon shrinks the seals temporarily, and this is normal. But it should be noted I had no problems with the screw down manifold adapters during vacuum. Just the snap on stuff from cans like sub zero, acpro, etc.