A/C - R134a - High-Side Port Leaking

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jun 4, 2003 | 10:52 PM

shjanes

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 3

Likes: 0

A/C - R134a - High-Side Port Leaking

Vehicle Information: 1994 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0 V-6

I took my Explorer to the mechanic for emissions testing and asked him to charge my A/C because it wasn't blowing quite as cool as it normally did. When I picked the vehicle up he said my compressor was leaking and it would be 1300.00 to get fixed. I told him I wanted to get a second opinion.

When I tried to run my A/C again it was blowing nothing but hot air.

I decided to try and charge it myself. While charging the air got cooler like it was supposed to, but the high-side port started to leak.

My question is what should I do? Can I replace just the high-side port or am I stuck with the 1300.00 quote?

Any advice would be welcomed.

Thank you,

Shawn Janes
shawnjanes at mindspring.com

Jun 5, 2003 | 01:11 AM

bronco351

Posting Guru

Joined: Sep 2002

Posts: 1,154

Likes: 0

A/C - R134a - High-Side Port Leaking

Hi, first off your mechanic is way off. A compressor doesn't leak. You said the high pressure side is leaking. I suppose you mean from the little valve (the one that looks like it came off a bike tire? If that's where it is leaking from, it is a very simple fix. All you need to do is buy a new valve for the connection. They cost $6.00!! It easy to replace, the valve should come with instrucions.

Even if your compressor is no good, a used one from a junk yard is $175. A new one from pep-boys......... is $325.00. they are simple to install. Even if you bring it to a shop the most your looking at should be around $500-$600. HOPE THIS HELPS

Jun 5, 2003 | 08:32 AM

shjanes

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 3

Likes: 0

A/C - R134a - High-Side Port Leaking

bronco351 -

Thanks for the information.

Yes, you are correct - the thing that looks like a bicycle tire valve. I have two of them - a low-side port where I charge the A/C and the other one I assume is called the high-side port. Before I finished adding one can the thing started to express or leak.

When I call Pepboys do I ask for a high-side port or is there a formal name for this port?

Thanks again for your help.

Shawn
shawnjanes at mindspring.com

Jun 5, 2003 | 10:46 AM

shjanes

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 3

Likes: 0

A/C - R134a - High-Side Port Leaking

Alright -

I contacted Ford to get the correct name for the port and they said it was indeed called the high-side port. They also said if I wanted to replace just the valve I would need to purchase the hose assembly that connects directly to the compressor because the valve is inline with the compressor.

Any thoughts?

Shawn
shawnjanes at mindspring.com

Jun 5, 2003 | 02:10 PM

bronco351

Posting Guru

Joined: Sep 2002

Posts: 1,154

Likes: 0

A/C - R134a - High-Side Port Leaking

I don't think teh dealer knows what they're talkng about. Here is what I would do. Go to Auto-zone or Pep-boys. Look for teh little kit that comes with all the valves for converting an R-12 system to a R-134a system. This kit cost me $6.00. When I bought it, it came with all the valves that i needed, including the High Side valve. Just be sure to step back when you drain teh sysem. It is under very high pressure. It;s close to 125 p.s.i. Also I suggest weraing ear plugs, when I changed mine, it made such a loud screeching noise I couldn't hear anything for 5 minutes!!

THat's what I would do!

Jun 5, 2003 | 02:17 PM

bronco351

Posting Guru

Joined: Sep 2002

Posts: 1,154

Likes: 0

A/C - R134a - High-Side Port Leaking

Oh, I'm not sure if your aware of this, but the only thing that needs to be changed is the little check valve inside the port. If you have ever changed a bike tire, it is the little valve that lets air in but not out unless you poke it with a nail or something. The kit comes with a special tool to unscrew it and screw the new one back in.

Also, I'm not sure where you live but, in my area it is illegal to drain the freon into the atmosphere. I think it's a $2000 fine. You might want to take it somewhere and have them drain the system before you replace the valve!!

Jun 5, 2003 | 03:09 PM

I am Danll

Junior User

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 72

Likes: 1

From: Allegany, NY

A/C - R134a - High-Side Port Leaking

the common name for the valve is a schader valve and you can by a valve core replacement kit that comes with a specal tool that allows you to replace the stem without looseing the refrigerant charge thaey are 70.00 bucks through J C Whityny page 205 in there summer catqloge or check out a local HVAC supply store get away from the atuo parts places.