A/C "valve stem" leak help needed

[Grimas]

I was topping off the freon in my 2001 Suburban and noticed when I removed the connector from the freon can to the valve that freon was escaping/hissing from the valve. Is the internal valve the same as those found in tire valve stems? Can I remove/replace/tighten the valve with some needle nose pliers? I tried to place a peice of plastic over the valve (and screwed the cover over it to try to seal it). It worked for awhile. Any suggestions on the fix?

[ken1mod]

It is definitely a schrader type valve. sometimes they reseal when operated. If the cap seals tightly, it will probably not be necessary to do a perfect repair. many of these shrader valves leak and are sealed quite well by the cap.

 

Ken

[redvett]

If you put Freon in your R134A vehicle expect it to go south soon. Never ever mix the two.

[Grimas]

If you put Freon in your R134A vehicle expect it to go south soon. Never ever mix the two.

 

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Freon = R134a in this case... Was being generic...

[OnyxMAX]

put a drop of the correct oil on the valve and connect disconnect the hose 3-4 times should lube the seal. if that dosent work you will need a new schrader iirc their replacable. unfortently that means a drain and fill.

 

hopefully it was just a slow closing valve. the cap shouldn't hold pressure it's basicly for dirt and dust.

[ken1mod]

I work on a/c units of all types. Many times the cap will allow a "pfft" when unscrewed. Many, many schrader valves leak slightly. Most of these caps are designed with an effective seal using o rings or a wrench-on brass cap.

 

I would not recommend a 100.00 repair without seeing that the cap simply does not work. Save the big buck repair and allow the cap to do its job.

 

ken

[Grimas]

I work on a/c units of all types.  Many times the cap will allow a "pfft" when unscrewed.  Many, many schrader valves leak slightly.  Most of these caps are designed with an effective seal using o rings or a wrench-on brass cap. 

 

I would not recommend a 100.00 repair without seeing that the cap simply does not work.  Save the big buck repair and allow the cap to do its job.

 

ken

 

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This was more than just a "pfft" - I got a 10-15 second hiss. The schrader valve had gotten stuck. I used a set of needle-nose plyers to "tighten" the schrader valve slightly hoping to reseat the seal. Placed a but of plastic wrap over the top of the valve and screwed the cap back on. Seems to have held the last recharge...

 

Thanks all.

[ken1mod]

A standard tire valve tool works on these. If you have one of these floating arond, even on a bicycle, use it.

 

ken

 

Ken

[dewfpo]

I would suggest trying to tighten the Shraeder valve rather than trying to replace it. If you remove it, you will loose all your charge.

 

DEWFPO