Can I replace the AC low pressure valve myself? It looks like a bicycle shrader valve. I heard there's a tool for replacing it under pressure? If this is not diy, how much should a reasonable shop charge? I have a 96 K1500 Suburban 5.7L. TIA!
Roy
Depends on what you mean by "valve."
If it's the valve core, yes, there are tools that allow it to be replaced without discharging the system. if it's the whole valve fitting, the system has to be discharged, a special socket is needed to fit the fitting, then evacuate and recharge according to service procedures.
Yeah, I meant the core. The cap has an oily film on it, and I can see a bubble come out of the valve once in while, particularly after removing the guage it'll bubble slowly for a while. The original symptom was no cold air. The clutch is cycling on and off every 5 seconds or so, which indicates low coolant pressure. So I thought I'd take a shot at replacing the valve core before throwing another can of R134 into it. Is acsource.com the place to get the stuff, or are there other places? Thanks again!
Yes, AC Source is one source for the tool, as is Johnstone, Snap-On, Mac, Matco etc. but I gotta ask you; why would you spend $60 or $175 for a tool to perform a job just to save what amounts to two dollars worth of R-134? If the clutch is cycling every 5 seconds, there isn't much refrigerant left anyway and assuring a proper repair and proper fill includes proper evacuation and a measured recharge.
That makes sense. Part of the problem is that my local shop closed and now I have to find a good one. But I will take your advice. Thanks!
I don't know if this helps or not but I replaced my low pressure valve on my
95 Jimmy and it was a piece of cake. I don't recall loosing much refridgerant if any at all. I believe I did top it up with 134-a afterwards though. Seeing as the valve is under $30 as I recall, I wouldn't bother simply replacing the valve core in case the valve body is in poor condition also. I'm sure that I'm going to be in for some 'feedback' from our AC techs here but this was my experience 2 years ago and the Jimmy has been ice cold ever since... It seems to me that perhaps this valve threaded into another valve or something because as I said, loss of gas wasn't an issue for me. I hope you get it sorted out. Watch the torque on this valve though - it's easy to wind it up way too tight. Thanks, Andrew.MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.