Leaking Schrader valve replacement.

[gormana]

Ok, after a lot of troubleshooting (with many thanks to the posters on this site) I think I've narrowed my non-functioning AC problem down to a leaking Schrader valve. On the accumulator, it has a yellowish oily discharge from Schrader valve. I've replaced a lot of "bike" tire valves, so I'm familiar with the operation. Once I've replaced this, I'm assuming that I'll need to have the system recharged. Should I have it done professionally or will one of those DIY kits work?

For additional detail, the AC worked just fine until a few days ago. It took me a few hours to figure out why the AC clutch wasn't engaging. After confirming that it wasn't fuses, I jumped the low pressure switch and the clutch kicked in. I let this run for a minute tops - but no AC was detected during this time (presumably due to the leaK). When I looked at the accumulator, I noticed this yellow film around the foam covering, but only for the first few centimeters. I then removed the cap that was covering the Schrader valve and noticed a few bubbles along with the same oily material. And now you know how I got here ;-p

Thanks in advance for any pointers.

 

[dogfriend]

I think the best thing to do is to go to a shop which has a A/C refrigerant recovery system. If you try to replace the Schrader valve yourself, you are going to lose at least part (or all) of the refrigerant charge. When they do it at the shop, they can recover the refrigerant first, then replace the valve, then use a vacuum pump to evacuate the system (to get all moisture out) and then recharge the system. They should only charge you for labor and refrigerant difference between what they recovered and any additional that you need to add.

If you already lost all the refridgerant, then its important to pump the system down to get any moisture out.

 

[gormana]

Thanks for the advice. I'll plan on getting this in next week...