High side AC port issue

[Jobi-Wan Kenobi]

I went to to troubleshoot why my AC doesn't seem to function right and when I pulled off the dust cap for the high side port the refrigerant leaked out. So I picked up a repair kit this afternoon that has a new port and valve cores but I can't get the old port off the line. I have a vacuum pump hooked up to see if I could pull a vacuum but I can only get down to about 20" and when I shut the pump off I lose vacuum pressure. My though was to at least start with changing the high side port. Anyone have any tips where else to look? It's been a while since I've worked with AC.

 

[Jobi-Wan Kenobi]

Or am I wrong thinking that the port comes off the line?

 

[swathdiver]

I went to to troubleshoot why my AC doesn't seem to function right and when I pulled off the dust cap for the high side port the refrigerant leaked out. So I picked up a repair kit this afternoon that has a new port and valve cores but I can't get the old port off the line. I have a vacuum pump hooked up to see if I could pull a vacuum but I can only get down to about 20" and when I shut the pump off I lose vacuum pressure. My though was to at least start with changing the high side port. Anyone have any tips where else to look? It's been a while since I've worked with AC.

You can replace the whole port with a special socket:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FQBSSWV/?coliid=I2Z83VLR9AX8DN&colid=M4KI6N2ABT9N&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it

 

[OR VietVet]

Your elevation effects the vacuum reading. At sea level you can get close to 30 inches of vacuum. In Death Valley, below sea level, you can get more. The amount of vacuum inches is lower at higher altitudes. You have to be pretty high altitude for 20 inches of vacuum or have a poor vacuum pump or a constant leak effecting the reading. I have only replaced a shrader valve, so I have never used a repair kit.

 

[Jobi-Wan Kenobi]

@swathdiver don't have the socket right now but can get one. The concern that I have though is that with using what I was to try taking the port off seemed like was going to twist the line.

 

[OR VietVet]

Check you tube

 

[Jobi-Wan Kenobi]

@OR VietVet I'm guessing a constant leak because if I don't even have the high side hose hooked up I'm losing vacuum pressure through the port. I can feel it with my finger over the port.

 

[OR VietVet]

If you don't have the tool, get it and either just tighten the shrader valve or remove and replace the shrader with new.

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[Jobi-Wan Kenobi]

@OR VietVet I do have the tool to remove the Schrader valve, just not the socket for the port. But the valve is covered by this little black cap so I can't actually get at it

 

[OR VietVet]

Ok, IMO, I never want to use a repair kit. It is another source for a leak. I would get another line assembly.

 

[03catburban]

That fittings screws into the line you have to change the fitting. And that's the OE ball style and not a black cap that you was thinking is removable

You can support her on line and use a adjustable wrench to change the fitting

 

[Jobi-Wan Kenobi]

So was doing a little research on the issue at hand. Turns out that the OE ball valve is a one time thing in that it fails after having gauges hooked up. Makes sense because I had gauged on a couple days ago to get an idea what system pressures were doing because the compressor was cycling so the system at least had refrigerant in it. Now today I just went to do deeper troubleshooting and had the leak issue. And turns out what I brought home is another port with a ball valve. Dorman does make a port with a replaceable Schrader valve though so this one I want to return.

 

[RAMurphy]

Like @OR VietVet - I've only replaced shrader valves and/or lines. Never the actual port. IMO it's just easier to replace the line. But since the system is already opened up you really should replace the accumulator/dryer at the same time.

 

[Jobi-Wan Kenobi]

@RAMurphy Is it best to go with OEM parts for these? I can find what looks to be the line I need on Rock Auto but the part number doesn't match what I'm finding in a GM parts breakdown.

 

[RAMurphy]

@RAMurphy Is it best to go with OEM parts for these? I can find what looks to be the line I need on Rock Auto but the part number doesn't match what I'm finding in a GM parts breakdown.

@Jobi-Wan Kenobi The short answer is I try to use OEM when I can. However, I have had great luck with both Denso and Four Seasons products. My current A/C compressor on my 2002 Tahoe is a Denso and has been on my baby longer than the original compressor. When I fixed my daughter's AC system (bad condenser) I used four seasons parts. Hope this helps.

 

[OR VietVet]

What @RAMurphy said.

 

[clandr1]

In March I replaced the service port with this part. It works great and you'll have a schrader valve rather than a check ball. You can hold a wrench on the flat parts on the line below the service port for removal and installation. Just make sure you lubricate the new o-ring with some PAG oil before installation.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E58M8J4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[RAMurphy]

In March I replaced the service port with this part. It works great and you'll have a schrader valve rather than a check ball. You can hold a wrench on the flat parts on the line below the service port for removal and installation. Just make sure you lubricate the new o-ring with some PAG oil before installation.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E58M8J4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Pretty neat, didn't know this part existed.

 

[Jobi-Wan Kenobi]

I got the accumulator and the line swapped out, and changed that stupid ball valve out for a port with a Schrader valve. The system is maintaining vacuum so thats good. I went to charge it tonight and found out I dont have enough refrigerant here and then later realized that I need to add oil to the system.

*face palm*

Good thing I didn't have enough refrigerant here. Now I just need to figure out how to add oil. I found a video earlier showing it can be sucked in via vacuum through the high side port.

 

[clandr1]

Maybe this will help:

How to add compressor oil to an AC system that's already charged?

I recently fixed a leak in my car's AC system. Before I charged the system with fresh refrigerant after a complete evacuation, I almost forgot to add some PAG oil to the system. Which leads me to my

mechanics.stackexchange.com