AC leak from Schrader valve - AGAIN!

[BryanD]

What the heck? This is the 3rd spring in a row that my AC needs refrigerant. Each time the symptom is warm air on driver side, cold air on passenger side when the AC is on. The first time (2020) no leak was found. Second time (2021) I saw bubbling from the high pressure Schrader valve - mechanic replaced the valve. Fingers crossed problem would be solved but, no. Today was first AC day of the year. Turned it on and...warm air on drivers side. Drove home and looked at the high pressure Schrader, again it was bubbling and fluorescent. Curiously, when I went back out after dark a few hours later to look for other leaks (didn't find any), the valve was not bubbling. Anyone experience recurrent yet intermittent Schrader leakage?

2006 V6

 

[Drcoffee]

Replace that high side pipe. Highlander shares the same part. Check ebay for parts

88710-35540 - AC Line - 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner | Boch Toyota South

 

[eleven14]

What the heck? This is the 3rd spring in a row that my AC needs refrigerant. Each time the symptom is warm air on driver side, cold air on passenger side when the AC is on. The first time (2020) no leak was found. Second time (2021) I saw bubbling from the high pressure Schrader valve - mechanic replaced the valve. Fingers crossed problem would be solved but, no. Today was first AC day of the year. Turned it on and...warm air on drivers side. Drove home and looked at the high pressure Schrader, again it was bubbling and fluorescent. Curiously, when I went back out after dark a few hours later to look for other leaks (didn't find any), the valve was not bubbling. Anyone experience recurrent yet intermittent Schrader leakage?

2006 V6

What system was used to recharge the AC last time? I replaced my evaporator core last summer (check your AC discharge for dye btw, I had same symptoms as you) and used a rental manifold from O'Reilly and went through a few schrader valves before I realized the manifold was damaging them when opened ALL the way. Replaced the valve one last time and opened it 3/4 of the way and it solved my problem.

 

[Drcoffee]

What system was used to recharge the AC last time? I replaced my evaporator core last summer (check your AC discharge for dye btw, I had same symptoms as you) and used a rental manifold from O'Reilly and went through a few schrader valves before I realized the manifold was damaging them when opened ALL the way. Replaced the valve one last time and opened it 3/4 of the way and it solved my problem.

Well said. You open the valve just to the point it registers a pressure change. Not until it bottoms out. You can bend the valve.

 

[BryanD]

What system was used to recharge the AC last time? I replaced my evaporator core last summer (check your AC discharge for dye btw, I had same symptoms as you) and used a rental manifold from O'Reilly and went through a few schrader valves before I realized the manifold was damaging them when opened ALL the way. Replaced the valve one last time and opened it 3/4 of the way and it solved my problem.

Can't say for certain what system was used - my regular, faithful, mechanic did the work. But I will make a mention of the careful opening of the Schrader valve just in case that might be the problem. Thanks for the tip.