Any luck at replacing low-side AC schrader? Topic is solved

Post by **Chuck W** » 05 Jun 2020, 09:14

Working in the wife's '97 GLT, I've been noticing a slight leak at the low-side service port. (Minor bubbling)

I picked up one of the "no-loss" replacement kits, and it would work great....if the valve in the car was about 6mm shorter. As it is, I can't get the shut-off valve to close after the old core has been pushed to the top of the receiver piece. I verified it with one of the cores included in the kit.

Most of the listings for the valves show THESE, but what's in the car is like THIS.

The FCP listed replacement looks shorter, and would probably work fine...if I could get the old one out without making a mess.

Anyone run into this?

Post by **scot850** » 06 Jun 2020, 19:34

I did have luck replacing the Schraeder valve on 3 different P80's. However, I bought and used Volvo OE parts. Not worth the small saving if the system leaks afterwards as the cost of re-gassing is way higher than using the OE part. On one I just let the repair shop replace it and re-gas. They didn't charge for swapping it out.

Neil.

Post by **Chuck W** » 06 Jun 2020, 20:48

The question was more in having luck swapping out the longer type with the no-loss tools. It's an easy enough process IF you can get the valve to clear the shut-off.

Her car leaks down enough about every couple years, and it's most likely coming from the service port valve. I doubt OE or AM parts for the valve really matters here.

I may be able to get it to work however, as I have an idea which I'll probably test out on my '97 T5 that I have down at the moment for a manual swap.

THIS is the tool I have.

I have removed and reinstalled the current valve with it just fine, but I can't get the valve to clear the shut-off valve, because it's too long.

Post by **abscate** » 07 Jun 2020, 05:11

Chuck, I’m having trouble with the visual here.

crlande · Post by **crlande** » 07 Jun 2020, 08:59

Once had a loose valve core on the A/C. Used a pair of forceps to reach down into the stem and tighten.

Post by **Chuck W** » 07 Jun 2020, 09:17

abscate wrote: ↑07 Jun 2020, 05:11 Chuck, I’m having trouble with the visual here.

Here's a video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emV7jyaO7vA

The part where you close the shut off valve (after the plunger and valve are pushed up) is where the hang up is. The bottom of the valve core (see the pic of the one with the "tail" on the bottom seat) is obstructing the ball valve. I have to undo the retaining collar most of the way to get things to clear.

crlande wrote: ↑07 Jun 2020, 08:59 Once had a loose valve core on the A/C. Used a pair of forceps to reach down into the stem and tighten.

You think I haven't tried that?

Besides, I have the proper tool.

I think I'm just going to have to get creative.

Post by **abscate** » 07 Jun 2020, 09:52

Maybe Volvo Schrader valves are a bit longer than standard ? I might have one in parts I can measure

Post by **Chuck W** » 07 Jun 2020, 10:32

The pictures I linked in the first post show the two types. What's in there is the large bore "euro type" with the purple seal and tail on the seat. The other ones offered have a flat bottom, and are obviously shorter.
My kit came with one of the longer ones, so I can use that to help rig up a solution.

I can *probably* get the old one out with a little luck (and maybe a tiny bit of freon loss) but I think I'll pick up some of the shorter ones to reinstall.

moses3 · Post by **moses3** » 11 Jul 2025, 23:51

Chuck, were you able to get it fixed?

Post by **Chuck W** » 17 Jul 2025, 13:35

moses3 wrote: ↑11 Jul 2025, 23:51 Chuck, were you able to get it fixed?

I'd forgotten about this post.

Basically, I had to slightly open the system up and then rapidly shut the ball valve on the tool, after the schrader shot past it enough to allow it to close.
After that I installed a shorter valve and topped off the system. Didn't have any other options, really.