AC Schrader Valves

[NotJLB]

My low side Schrader valve is leaking (I can see it bubbling), so I am going to replace both the low and high valve cores. There's a tool ($40) so you don't have to evacuate the system, and a valve core kit is only $15. It includes 4 valve cores, one port (in case you need it), and the caps.

One of the most common questions for DIY on the internet is "Which port is the low side? I'm surprised that both caps are black, when it would be so easy to have one side Blue and the other black or red (like the replacement caps in the kit). My wife would say having them both black is something a guy did.

 

[OR VietVet]

Can you supply the tool name and part number so I can see it?

 

[Fless]

Can you supply the tool name and part number so I can see it?

It's in this post:

What did you do to your NNBS GMT900 Tahoe/Yukon Today?

I never posted pics of the water pump and AC compressor work I did on the 2007 so I can understand if y’all thought I was talking smack. Here ya go!

www.tahoeyukonforum.com

 

[corvette744]

That is one cool tool

 

[Donal]

My low side Schrader valve is leaking (I can see it bubbling), so I am going to replace both the low and high valve cores. There's a tool ($40) so you don't have to evacuate the system, and a valve core kit is only $15. It includes 4 valve cores, one port (in case you need it), and the caps.

One of the most common questions for DIY on the internet is "Which port is the low side? I'm surprised that both caps are black, when it would be so easy to have one side Blue and the other black or red (like the replacement caps in the kit). My wife would say having them both black is something a guy did.

Hot tapping has been in use for many years. I first saw it being used around 1980 on a 175 lb steam line. Many explainations and examples on internet. Search for "hot tapping," if interested in see exactly how the tool functions.

 

[NotJLB]

Today was the day.

Someone in another thread said the Schrader valve core tool was a total failure. I was touchy and it took me a couple of failures before I actually grabbed the valve I was removing. The new one went in fairly easy.

I noticed it's still bubbling a little.

A question based on video and my own visual: Is there not a valve core in the high pressure side? I don't see one, and the kit includes one port that does not have a valve core.

If I'm not mistaken, if that's the case, the system has to be evacuated before you can replace that port. In the last video I watched, the guy said he replaces the high pressure port every time he services AC, and he was, in fact, replacing the entire port.

I need to get another can of AC Pro to see if I did any good.

 

[NotJLB]

Now that I think about it, the Mastercool tool has a high-side attachment, so there should be a valve core on the high side port.

But, I can't see one.

Huh?

 

[NotJLB]

Our AC has been working good.

 

[Alex_M]

The high side on both of mine have a rubber check ball, not a schrader valve. Unfortunately it also is of the non-replacable variety. There are two different types; one replaceable and one not.

 

[OR VietVet]

The high side on both of mine have a rubber check ball, not a schrader valve. Unfortunately it also is of the non-replacable variety. There are two different types; one replaceable and one not.

If you are gonna say that, then say what year,

 

[Alex_M]

Not sure which years have which. Mine are '00 and '02.

 

[Alex_M]

Correction - the rubber check ball is actually on the low side of mine. I had to replace this line yesterday myself.

 

[NotJLB]

If you are gonna say that, then say what year,

What year.

 

[89Suburban]

It's in this post:

What did you do to your NNBS GMT900 Tahoe/Yukon Today?

I never posted pics of the water pump and AC compressor work I did on the 2007 so I can understand if y’all thought I was talking smack. Here ya go!

www.tahoeyukonforum.com

I'd be surprised if that would fit the low side on the 07-14's. I know it's tight as hell back there I can barely get the gauges hose connected in there. Neat tool though.

 

[clandr1]

My truck (info in sig) had a check ball in the high side and a Schrader in the low side. When I replaced my AC compressor and drier in March, I replaced the high side service port with Dorman 800-955 since it uses a Schrader valve. Based on my reading online (and my personal experience), the check ball is more prone to leaking than a Schrader.