After 30+ years the tiny seals in the E30 AC system should be changed; its one of the most common leak points and often missed because any manifold measurements are taken with the valves in use.

Nearly all Schrader valve cores, like the ones found on the E30 R12 lines are replaceable.

As not to lose existing refrigerant, or need to go through the process of pulling vacuum, there are specialized tools that allow for valve cores to be removed and installed without losing refrigerant.

These tools are called Valve Core Removal Tools. These tools normally have 1/4″ and 5/16″ Flare Fittings; E30 R12 systems use 1/4″ (synonymous with R12 fittings).

If you want to take your leak journey to the next level, also consider buying a heated diode refrigerant leak detector, which can literally sniff out leaks.

Or where saturation is an issue an ultrasonic leak detector:

This entry was posted on January 17, 2024 at 10:44 pm and is filed under Interesting Stuff. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.