2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission A/C leak at H & L ports

[wilsonsh]

I've been chasing an a/c coolant leak for quite a while now. Started spraying soapy water around after I charged it today and found the High pressure and Low pressure ports... where you tap into the system with gauges and to fill... are leaking. They have plastic caps on them but the caps have a weep hole in the center. Is there a way to cap these air tight?

 

[DieselDoghouse]

I'm not a HVAC expert but have had to chase the same problem—the caps are merely dust caps and not intended to seal the system. SO—you have check valves within the ports that are not seating properly. I had to shake mine into place and litely lube them with silicone lube (which may be wrong). Perhaps some one of our tribe with real know-how can suggest how to get these buggers seated closed the first time!!

 

[wilsonsh]

That sounds right... been doing some research, I guess they are Schrader style valves(like tire valve stems). Hopefully someone with HVAC experience knows a trick or two...

 

[jkidd]

I had the same problem with leaking through a port. Took it in to a shop and they recharged it and could not find the leak. I noticed it after I got back from the shop. It has been 10 months and i still have good AC. I would plug the hole and put it on tight. worked for me so far.

 

[LRutigliano]

Go to an auto parts store and buy some caps with orings in them. These should keep the schrader valves from leaking.



The caps that came with our trucks (at least on the 2003 and up) are very cheap...

 

[wilsonsh]

Thanks! I'll give it a try.

 

[BDaugherty]

A friend of mine had the same problem with his chargine valves leaking. He bought new ones at the parts store and then came to my house. I recovered the refrigerant in his sytem, changed the valves, vacuumed the system, and then re-charged it. So far, it's held great for a little over a year.

 

[cruiser_2]

There are some high pressure schrader valves you can get to replace the older ones. These seal much better and have a 2 stage check valve to them ( we use them in aircraft applications). I beleive they have an "H" stampped on them. I had an old Mercedes that i used them on and filled it back with R-12 and it they have held for over 4 years. and R-12 ain't exactly cheaap these days!