hey all... I decided today to add AC to my 86 so I installed a compressor, drier, and a few other misc. components. The lines didnt have schrader valves in them so i tried putting them in, but having issues finding the right kind. So far I tried using the short core valves that they sell at Advanced auto in the tire repair kits. And I also tried using a long core valve w/ an external spring (the kind used in bicycles w/ skinny tires) but that didnt work either. I dont have an original so I dont really know which other types to try... Any suggestions?

 

tire valves are not correct, you need to go to a wrecking yard and just pull some out of some OEM lines.

 

Yea I was going to do that but there are 2 junkyards i Ft. Lauderdale that I know about the keeps rx7s and they didnt have any (well Upullit had a crashed vert, but it was fully stripped ac lines and all)... Also, since schrader valves are so cheap, i wouldnt mind buying them new... I just need to know which type

 

Get new schraeder valves! You wouldn't go to the salvage yard to find replacement O-rings would you? Those junkyard valves are dried up and will leak.

Go to a real part store like advanced or autozone or even napa. Find someone older than 40 yrs old-someone who knows about *paper* not computers. If the guy you ask starts out with -what year is your car-you have the wrong guy.

Get a new drier too. Take the old one in to match up. There are a couple of different parts listed on the 'puters that won't fit.

 

most R12 systems use the same schrader valves, just as long as you find some that don't leak. go around and rip them out of various cars with the small fitting lines(R12). not like they are going to charge an arm and a leg for em so just yank out a handful.

 

if you can find the right ones, most places only sell them with the whole line but some shops do have a supply of new ones.

it's really not a big deal, if you make sure the valves are clean then they shouldn't leak. it's not like they really wear out or anything..

 

You might try one of the local A/C shops---they might even just give them to you. I'm pretty sure all the old R-12 ones were the same size, high and low side---and uhm----don't forget the caps. The caps are the true system seals.