A/C recharge

dr9672723 · April 28, 2004

Hi everyone. I had to replace my AC condensor on my '03 Silverado (don't ask why, it's embarrassing).

Now that I've replaced it, I can't see a low side port anywhere to evacuate and recharge it. I do see one for high side, but as far as I know, you don't add the refrigerant there.

Am I missing it somewhere? Or does the dealer pump it in through the high side port?

Also, I am looking for answers on Dexcool (called Deathcool by some). I have seen and heard lots of opinions, mostly hysteria, about it being bad somehow. Anyone know the facts, good or bad?

Thanks.

Dan

SilveradoWV · April 28, 2004

The low side port and high side port were different, like if you bought a can of the recharge stuff at an autoparts store or somewhere, the can could only go on one port. I know thats the way it is on a Dodge truck, havent looked at my Silverado. As for DexCool, I dont have a problem with it, never have. I think the problems occur if you let it go the recommended number of miles.

asepgrad98 · April 28, 2004

On my 02 the low side port is the one closer to the firewall. there are 2 ports on a pipe seperated by an orifice tube.

Dexcool will be just fine. I do recommend changing it every 3 years instead of 5.

redvett · April 28, 2004

I have an 04 and the orfice tube is in the upper line going to the evap unit on the side going to the evap unit (inside) is the low side and the fitting on the front side is the high side. Where the connector is on that line is the orfice and it changes from a high presure to low.

99silveradoz71 · April 29, 2004

A lot of the issues with Dexcool from my understanding are due to it being exposed to air.

dr9672723 · May 2, 2004

Thanks for the replies. I was expecting to see an expansion valve and a low pressure port on the other side of it, but no, there is an orifice tube as staed here- and the port is indeed right after it.

sjspor · May 3, 2004

HeHe.. Dr9672723.. You old timer you.. looking for an Expansion valve... Don't feel bad, I figured that was the high side fitting on the liquid line too. I did'nt know that little crimp was the metering device. Nothing works as well as an AEV in a car though. Heck, I can remember Harrison 6 cyl. compressors and when Fords had 3 way service valves on the A/C systems.