Cleaning AC fill port

[JHZR2]

The AC on my new to me 1993 Mercedes 300SD works, but I’m not getting as much dehumidifying as I’d like during cold wet winter conditions that can dog windows.

I’d like to check pressures on a day when it’s reasonably warm. But when I looked and saw the one port, I found no cap and dirty.

Any recommendations on how to clean this without causing other issues?

 

[eljefino]

I'm imagining a basketball inflating needle on an air gun to start with. But how would you tap those threads?

 

[clinebarger]

No matter what you do....It will likely leak after hooking a gauge set to it.

GM "Ball Style" high side ports are so bad about leaking after service that I monitor high side pressure with a scan tool, But I doubt that old of a vehicle has a Pressure Transducer.

 

[brianl703]

The people who don't bother to put the caps back on the AC service ports are close cousins to the people that don't bother to bolt down a car battery after they replace it.

 

[Trav]

View attachment 88869View attachment 88870
The AC on my new to me 1993 Mercedes 300SD works, but I’m not getting as much dehumidifying as I’d like during cold wet winter conditions that can dog windows.

I’d like to check pressures on a day when it’s reasonably warm. But when I looked and saw the one port, I found no cap and dirty.

Any recommendations on how to clean this without causing other issues?

Just swap it out. I have no idea if this one will fit I post it just as an example although it may. Check with the dealer or thread match.

https://www.europartsplus.com/Mercedes-Benz-A-C-Service-Valve--Low-Side-Suction-0018302884-mfg325

 

[bdcardinal]

The people who don't bother to put the caps back on the AC service ports are close cousins to the people that don't bother to bolt down a car battery after they replace it.

They probably also don't put their grocery cart in the corral either.

 

[brianl703]

They probably also don't put their grocery cart in the corral either.

I've been watching "Cart Narcs" on youtube. The reaction some people have to being asked to put their cart in the corral...

 

[JHZR2]

Just swap it out. I have no idea if this one will fit I post it just as an example although it may. Check with the dealer or thread match.

https://www.europartsplus.com/Mercedes-Benz-A-C-Service-Valve--Low-Side-Suction-0018302884-mfg325

The system has charge and works. Wouldn’t the change out require evacuating the system? If so, I’ll probably just take it to a shop to refill by mass since it’s so cold outside.

 

[TheLastWord]

The system has charge and works. Wouldn’t the change out require evacuating the system? If so, I’ll probably just take it to a shop to refill by mass since it’s so cold outside.

This.

Yes it would require evacuation. Shops see this all the time and odds are it will refill fine.

 

[Trav]

The system has charge and works. Wouldn’t the change out require evacuating the system? If so, I’ll probably just take it to a shop to refill by mass since it’s so cold outside.

It would but putting a hose on that old fitting will probably leak afterwards anyway leaving you with the same result.

 

[JHZR2]

It would but putting a hose on that old fitting will probably leak afterwards anyway leaving you with the same result.

That makes sense.