2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission AC charging valve leaking-help!

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I have a '99 and just finished checking AC system pressures and adding a little 134 (I'm in CA - the heat is already here). When I took the quick connector off the high side, the valve started leaking profusely. Thinking a little debris might be in the valve, I've tried to clean it by letting a quick shot of refrigerant out - no go, it is still leaking.



I'm going to have to evacuate the system. Does anyone know if the charging valve screws off of the line, or if the whole line from the condenser to the next connection has to be replaced? Thank you for your assistance!
 
I have a '99 and just finished checking AC system pressures and adding a little 134 (I'm in CA - the heat is already here). When I took the quick connector off the high side, the valve started leaking profusely. Thinking a little debris might be in the valve, I've tried to clean it by letting a quick shot of refrigerant out - no go, it is still leaking.



I'm going to have to evacuate the system. Does anyone know if the charging valve screws off of the line, or if the whole line from the condenser to the next connection has to be replaced? Thank you for your assistance!



It is just a simple schrader valve that unscrews like a tire valve stem when the tire guy needs to let all of the air out the tire quickly. You should be able to remove and replace with a std schrader valve, if you have the special tool the tire guys have.
 
A/C charging valve leaking-help!

It is just a simple schrader valve that unscrews like a tire valve stem when the tire guy needs to let all of the air out the tire quickly. You should be able to remove and replace with a std schrader valve, if you have the special tool the tire guys have.





Not mine. This is the high side charging port, left side front of the battery. There is nothing to unscrew inside. It looks like it is spring loaded underneath the valve seat. There are some strange sized socket flats on the outside that no metric or sae size fits. I'm hoping this takes a special socket and unscrews. Anyone know???
 
Mine leaked quite a few years back after having gauges hooked up. It is a non serviceable part and I had to change the complete line:mad:. I have not hooked a gauge to the high side since then in fear it will leak again. Maybe a ac service shop could make a new line with a serviceable valve instead of the crappy ball system.



Dave
 
My low side was leaking. I bought a kit from Advance Auto that had everything to replace the high and low side charging ports on my '01. I don't know if your '99 is the same or not. If it were me, I would go to the dealer and have them at least look up the parts. To be honest, for what I paid for a kit from Advance, you could probably buy the 2 parts that you need from the dealer and be done with it.



The brand was "Factory Air" and the p/n was 26782. It came with several schrader valves and the big, bulky high side "ball" schrader valve. It was about $15. I didn't need all of the parts, but I had a window of opportunity to use an A/C recycling machine and I didn't have time to hunt down the two parts that I needed individually.



While I had it pulled down, I changed high and low side.

Look at the bottom of the high side port. There is a groove just above the bottom. It does not come apart there. It comes apart at the next spot, which is less obvious. Also, if you hold the new port next to old one, you should be able to tell where it comes apart.



From the RockAuto catalog:

1999 DODGE RAM 2500 PICKUP 5. 9L 359cid L6 DIESEL FI Turbo (6) : Heat & Air Conditioning : A/C System Valve Core and Cap Kit

FOUR SEASONS Part # 26782

Caps and Valve Core Seal Kit; w/ R134a

$21. 79




 
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BDaugherty, I wish I would have found out about this years ago when I asked the question if the high valve was serviceable and was told no. I just went to the garage and investigated the old line (I never discarded it as I could not believe you could not repair that valve). I placed a 5/8 wrench on either of the lower (closest to the line) and noticed the top section (where the valve cap goes) had a sort of hex type section. After holding the 5/8 wrench I used a pair of channel locks and the valve scewed right out. Guess I have a spare line if I order the new valve. Thanks for the info.



Dave
 
Sorry DavidC, I've only been a member for about 1 1/2 years... just kidding. Glad I could help, but sorry you didn't get the most accurate info back when you had problems. You could always put your old high side line in the "pay it forward" forum now that you know it could be salvaged for a few dollars.

Another piece of handy information: Our trucks have a non-serviceable orifice tube. You have to replace the entire low side line. However, there is a kit that allows you to cut the line, replace the orifice, and splice in a repair connection using compression fittings. I haven't installed one myself, but I looked at one at the parts store and it looked like it would work.
 
Please, for my fading memory bank.

What is the best way to remember which is which for the low & high pres. AC lines?

TIA, Ray
 
On R134a systems, low side charging fittings are smaller than high side. On 2nd gen trucks, low side is by the turbo and high side is by the radiator.
 
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