I took my car over to an AC shop to have the old R12 drained out (assuming there was any in there). The AC hasnt been used for at least 3 years as there was no AC belt, but all the components are in place and I put on a new belt.

After hooking it up, the guy told me there was no R12 in the system, but then we realized the valve stem in the low side service port is clogged or broken. He tried to remove it with pliers but it just kept spinning in place. He suggested drilling it out... but is there any danger to this? Is there enough pressure in the system that drilling out the stem could cause any gas or refridgerant to shoot out?

I guess I could probably get a new hose from a junkyard, but I'm trying to keep the cost down as much as possible. Any suggestions??
Thanks!

 

what part is actually clogged/broken? the valve inside? if he drills it out how it that going to fix anything? If there is no freon left it won't have any or little pressure.

I would just see what the cost of a replacement line would be first.

 

He thinks that the inside of the valve is broken. He gave me a replacement valve adapter that will screw on. So, the idea is that we'd drill out the inside of the valve (the part that spins around) and then put the adapter on so we can add R134.

 

if the guy is an AC specialist I'd go ahead and let him try that. sounds like he's going to retrofit a R134a adapter right? probably cheaper than trying to find a replacement line and pay higher for R12

 

If the threads aren't damaged, visit a refrigeration parts store and get a valve core removal tool. They pass out pocket screwdrivers with a valve core removal tool on the top. They're usually free.

To see if the system is flat, depress the valve on the high side to see if there's pressure.