Arthur, You were right. The ambient temperature today was 20C (68F). I turned the AC on, let the engine idle, and after a few minutes my single working fan came on. So that's good. I guess I was low on R134.

I do however want to charge the system properly by my Indi, but am paranoid of him attaching anything to my high pressure side schrader valve, for fear it will start leaking again. Can a vacuum and recharge (by weight) be done to the system through the low pressure connection only? Will additional oil be needed?

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'95 E300 Diesel, 264,000 Miles. [Sold it]

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BS.. what do you think a sight glass is for ??
I have been doing refrigeration for years and years...There is no mis-guidance here.
As a matter of fact , the misguidance on this post was right from the get-go He was told he needed a new hose for an unseated high side valve..but a quick tap to seat of the valve fixed that right off, like they always do..then he was told he needed a high pressure sw ..well, the old sight glass and a little info from this Forum took care off that, too..[ I have seen only two bad switches in all time ..one had a leak and the other was shorted closed , resulting in constant fan]
Any working A/C Tech will tell you on a "no low fan complaint" that if the fan works when the sw is jumpered , the most likely problem is low refrigerant..not the sw. Take note that I said "Most Likely"..
So, we solved this little birds nest of problems quite easily with some common sense and very little $$$$. So forget about Misguidance ..if anything..Excellent guidance would be more appropriate..
Topping off a system with the aid of the sight-glass is perfectly acceptable .
..and if you re-read any of my post , you will see that I mention gauges as being the best bet, so I am not giving eyesight preference..I am just giving good info of the variable ways it can be done considering ones circumstances..Not Misguidance my friend, that's for sure..

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Yup, just like your sight glass said.. That's good.
Don't be fearful of you Indie using the ports.. yours was just a little stuck and not completely seated ...I did one this morning and the same deal..leaking valve at the high side..stuck a small mandrel in there and gave it a little quick tap and it sealed perfect.

I'm just going to stay out of this thread, as it's obvious both my words and my intentions are being misunderstood. I was just trying to be helpful; it's obvious my exacting methodology is not for everyone.

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08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280

I have my ac system open now because of a leaking high pressure schrader. When I saw your post tonight I went to my 95 E320 gas buggy and checked to see if the schrader valves could be removed and they can.

The valves have a male thread which are sealed with a green o-ring. When I first looked at them, I too believed that to attempt to remove them, you needed a 19 mm deep socket to attempt to unscrew the largest nut. But the schrader valve can be removed with a smaller deep socket - a 17mm.

I have not found a replacement valve yet - but I do no that they do not have them at Pep Boys. Anyone have any leads to find replacement valves?

Tom Latos
1995 E350
211K on the clock

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Tom Latos
2002 E320
1995 E320 Sold at 288kmiles

I thought the Schrader valve sat down inside the fitting where you attach the manifold set. It looks and functions much like the valve stem on a bicycle tire or a wheel.

You remove it with a 17mm socket?

What am I missing?

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2012 E350
2006 Callaway SC560

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The valves have a male thread which are sealed with a green o-ring. When I first looked at them, I too believed that to attempt to remove them>>

I believe the male threaded, green O ring part you are referring to is just the dirt /dust caps, not the valves...........the valves are IN the fittings.

The high pressure schrader valve I described in my previous post is much more accurately described as the high pressure valve assembly. I have attached a pic for clarity along with the sealing O-ring. Thanks for the feedback!

I still would appreciate any leads on where to purchase a replacement.

Attached Thumbnails

 

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Tom Latos
2002 E320
1995 E320 Sold at 288kmiles

Tom,

You are correct on that being the valve assem. I will track
the part# down...if anyone has them, please list....

Should be a dealer item.