W123 AC R12 Valve Core Tool??

[gottarollwithit]

Seems that my 300D has a R12 leak. Unfortunately, R12 is expensive and hard to come by. I'd like to replace my valve cores without venting the system or hiring someone to evac it for me.

Anybody know if a ball valved R12 valve core removal tool exists??? These tools are readily available for r134a, but i can't find much for R12. Do our cars have anything unique/special about their H or L charging ports?




I think i still have some R12 in my system and i don't want to lose it. I'd wager that i have a leaking Schrader valve. My AC has been getting less effective for the past couple yrs and finally dipped to the point where it will no longer turn the comp on.

Thanks!

[97 SL320]

If system charge is low enough that the compressor low pressure sensor won't let the compressor turn on at least for a short period of time, the system is near empty ( like 5% charge )

How do you know that the valves are leaking?

A fix for a leaking R12 style valve is to install a metal or hard plastic cap that has a gasket / o ring.

Valve change tools exist for the HVAC market.

[Diseasel300]

You have a bigger leak than just schraeder cores. Likely the shaft seal on the compressor or one of the MANY O-ring connections in the lines. Time for a full R&R on that system, there's not enough gas left in there to make it worth your time to save, if it won't trip the compressor on, it's basically flat.

For what it's worth, the R12 fittings are the same as R22 and R410a. Get a standard 1/4" valve core tool from Fleabay or Amazon for under $10 to your door, it'll fit the R12 ports perfect.