Schrader valve core tool

[shakenfake]

I believe I have located the leak on my 1996 Chevrolet Impala SS' AC system. I think it is the "Air Conditioning Refrigeration Pressure Sensor" schrader valve. I can find a lot of tire removal tools that have a click torque function. I am not sure if the cheap HF valve core removal tool will work for this, not really sure the difference, if there is any in terms of size and removal, between tire valve cores and AC valve cores.

This is the HF tool: https://www.harborfreight.com/4-way-valve-stem-core-tool-70223.html

This is the HD tool from Klein: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-T...Core-Tool-Cushion-Grip-Handle-32527/203310474

I really don't think I need another screwdriver...

 

[danielbuck]

Some brass valvestem caps have the correct size bit machined in right there on the face of the cap. remove the cap, flip it around and now you can use it to tighten or remove the core.

 

[RTM]

I have run into a few different sizes over the years. Measure the ID of the tube on a car tire, and your refeer fitting, ang go from there?

 

[shakenfake]

Some brass valvestem caps have the correct size bit machined in right there on the face of the cap. remove the cap, flip it around and now you can use it to tighten or remove the core.

This one is a sensor so definitely no bit machined.

 

[landrover bodger]

Some brass valvestem caps have the correct size bit machined in right there on the face of the cap. remove the cap, flip it around and now you can use it to tighten or remove the core.

screw a bolt into the cap and you have a valve removal tool.

 

[shakenfake]

The China Freight tool worked fine, Autozone had the part I needed and had that so I decided for $2 it was worth the gamble.

Thanks everyone

 

[danielbuck]

screw a bolt into the cap and you have a valve removal tool.

I've always been able to use just my fingers on the cap, the ones that I have have knurling on the sides. valve stem cores don't need to be very tight.

 

[Milton Shaw]

There is a HVAC tool for removing the core with a full system and replacing the core without loosing the refrigerant charge. They are usually in the $50 dollar range, which with the price of refrigerant this day, that is nothing. The actual cores have a different sealing ring than tire cores that can with stand the oils better. I use HVAC cores for tires as they seem to last a lot longer. In HVAC work you also remove the core for faster refrigerant changes and system evacuations also for oil changes which is what the tool is for. You need to change the "O" ring on the sensor if you are loosing refrigerant around the sensor stem. I have also seen sensors cracked and leaking through the plastic part of the sensor.

 

[bonneyman]

There is a HVAC tool for removing the core with a full system and replacing the core without loosing the refrigerant charge. They are usually in the $50 dollar range, which with the price of refrigerant this day, that is nothing. The actual cores have a different sealing ring than tire cores that can with stand the oils better. I use HVAC cores for tires as they seem to last a lot longer. In HVAC work you also remove the core for faster refrigerant changes and system evacuations also for oil changes which is what the tool is for. You need to change the "O" ring on the sensor if you are loosing refrigerant around the sensor stem. I have also seen sensors cracked and leaking through the plastic part of the sensor.

10-4

Like this, Only thing I'm uncertain on if if a home HVAC tool will thread onto car A/C fittings. Might be a special tool for that.

RealTorque® Core Removal Tools - Yellow Jacket HVAC Supplies and Products

The YELLOW JACKET® RealTorque® Core Removal Tool is essential for effectively removing and replacing HVAC/R system Schrader cores.

yellowjacket.com

 

[Wrench97]

If this is the fitting that has the pressure sensor screwed on to it then the schrader is not bad the sensor or oring is.

 

[shakenfake]

@Wrench97 I replaced both.