In doing my repair of the a/c system on my 1993 190e, I found that the pin in the schrader valve on the condensor was bent by the 134a adapter. When I take off the quick-disconnect fitting there is a small leak directly out the valve, so I have simply left it on while searching for leaks in the other parts of the system. I am simply retrofitting to check for leaks, as I filled with POE oil and am possitive the system is now leak free. I used good quality valve adapters so I am confused as to why this happened, but really need to know what I should do! If I take off the quick-disconnect fitting it will knowingly leak out, I don't want to do that. If I have it evacuated, will the oil also be evacuated? Or is the oil unaffected by leaks and/or evacuation? Thanks for any guidance


Aaron

I think you are supposed to remove the schrader valve before you install the r-134a quick-disconnect fitting. That's what I did when I converted one of my Mercedes. One alternative is to use a tool that allows you to change the schrader (r-12) valve without evacuating the system. You see them for sale on ebay occassionally for around $45-$50. I bought one on ebay because I also had a bad schrader valve, but have since sold my car with r-12. I was going to resell it on ebay, but if you would like the tool I'll sell it to you for $40. It was only used once, and its a lot easier and cheaper than paying someone to evacuate the a/c and do the repair.

FYI, evacuating the refrigerant takes oil out of the system as well. A good a/c mechanic will measure the amount of oil that came out (via the oil-trap in the evacuating machine) and put that much back in when they charge the system. Good luck finding someone who will do the job that thoroughly.

Let me know. [email protected].

GregS

Thanks for the great info! I had no idea that you generally removed that stem to convert. Looks like I ***** the bed on that one! I will consider purchasing that valve "replacer" but first I want to find a good a/c mechanic that will measure exactly how much oil is evacuated. Thanks again for the help

Amen.

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2012 E350
2006 Callaway SC560

Hold on a second - I said this tool replaces the valve stem WITHOUT REQUIRING YOU TO DISCHARGE THE SYSTEM! Why do you still need to find someone who will measure anything?

Oh well. I tried.

Good luck.

Greg

I don't think you understand exactly the problem I am trying to describe. When I take off the 134a adapter, the scrader valve furiously spews the coolant out. I found this out the hard way, and immediately put the adapter back on, which still leaks. So the only thing that keeps this from leaking is the quick-disconnect fitting from my gauge set. Right now I don't need the quick-disconnect fitting (or the gauges for that matter) so I am going to leave it on there until cooler weather when my now functioning a/c will not be required. At that time I will evacuate and rebuild the system filling with r-12 this time and the proper amount of oil. I needed to makesure things like the condensor and evaporator were not leaking. I hope that clears that up. Thanks

Aaron

You can buy the tool he is describing -

Don't have to wait for ebay- and I think I paid considerably less. They are common at an appliance parts place. They probably won't stock one for R-12, but they can order one.


Michael

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Michael McGuire
83 300d
01 vw A4 TDI
66 Chevy Corsa
68 GMC V6 w/oD
86 300E

http://www.acsource.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=216

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The Golden Rule

1984 300SD (bought new, sold it in 1988, bought it back 13 yrs. later)

Is the Shrader valve tight?????If not it might be your leak...I think you use a tool that is similar but longer than what you use on a valve stem(innertube)...I recently had that problem when we converted to 134..the new valve that screws into the shrader valve was not tight and it leaked...this was a new adapter and it leaked....Jim

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James A. Harris