At wits end with air conditioning

[RoadWarrior222]

I think so, because if it still has old fittings on it's not technically "converted" and the California air resources board will go out and shoot 1,000 puppies.... or something... though it's more that technically if you're out on a road trip and you throw the ac belt, and pull into a shop for one, they can technically refuse to fit it, because it's not properly retrofitted...

[wheming]

The retrofit adapters simply screw over the top of the existing. I don't remember removing the original schraeder when I converted my Spirit like 12 years ago.
The schraeder in the new fitting just pushes the one below it.

[black86glhs]

If you have taken those off a couple times, I might suspect them. They don't like to seal once installed and removed. Like many o-rings.

[ScottD]

The retrofit adapters simply screw over the top of the existing. I don't remember removing the original schraeder when I converted my Spirit like 12 years ago.
The schraeder in the new fitting just pushes the one below it.

This is what I thought also and how I had mine set up. However I was reading last night on a thread on Allpar where a system was being converted and the "lower" schrader was removed. The poster stated that one schrader pushing on another would end up bending one or both. This makes some sense because when you look at the R134 adapters, there is an O-ring in them that should seal whether the "lower" schrader is in there or not.

I took my low side adapter off last night and after inspection I think it might be the culprit. I got a new low side adapter last night from NAPA and am going to try this. I think I'm going to get a high side one also, as these NAPA ones seem to be better quality than the typical Interdynamics ones you can get at Walmart or the other auto parts stores.

[wheming]

OK, now here is something else I've noticed with Interdynamics....
It is not the greatest quality.
I think my gauges are ID, and they don't seal well when on those fittings. I have the actual 134a gauges. But the better method, is to use like decent R12/R22 gauges with quality R134a adapters. Napa should have those or a refrigeration supplies store. Or a high quality R134a gauge set. (You shouldn't need a Universal CFC certificate to purchase but some stores may require.)

When servicing my converted system, now 134a I've noticed my gauges can leak at times depending on positioning of that quick connect. The quality adapter quick connects fit much more snug and securely.

About the schrader, if the retrofit adapter has the schrader I think it would probably be a best practice to remove the old one. But I'm not sure it necessary. I just can't remember if I did or not on mine since it was a while ago. But those retrofit adapters also have some thread sealer, so if you do disturb it after it was installed once, you'll need some suitable thread sealer or use a new adapter and if there is concern about a bent schrader you probably ought to just use a new one.

[black86glhs]

OK, now here is something else I've noticed with Interdynamics....
It is not the greatest quality.
I think my gauges are ID, and they don't seal well when on those fittings. I have the actual 134a gauges. But the better method, is to use like decent R12/R22 gauges with quality R134a adapters. Napa should have those or a refrigeration supplies store. Or a high quality R134a gauge set. (You shouldn't need a Universal CFC certificate to purchase but some stores may require.)

When servicing my converted system, now 134a I've noticed my gauges can leak at times depending on positioning of that quick connect. The quality adapter quick connects fit much more snug and securely.

About the schrader, if the retrofit adapter has the schrader I think it would probably be a best practice to remove the old one. But I'm not sure it necessary. I just can't remember if I did or not on mine since it was a while ago. But those retrofit adapters also have some thread sealer, so if you do disturb it after it was installed once, you'll need some suitable thread sealer or use a new adapter and if there is concern about a bent schrader you probably ought to just use a new one.

I have been using the same gauges and adapters from 1996 and never has any of them give me a problem. They are a Snap-on set from that same year. The can taps from interdynamics usually last 3-4 years before the seal where it screws onto the can starts leaking. They are cheap enough that I don't mind. Besides, I bought a 30lb of R-134 last year.

[Force Fed Mopar]

I have used a rubber-tipped blow nozzle to put air pressure into the system and listen for leaks that way.

[ScottD]

I got a high side adapter from NAPA as well and this has a schrader valve in it and a o-ring to seal it. I'm going to try these new adapters and see what happens. I really don't see the need to have one schrader (in the adapter) on top of another (the ones in the compressor and high side line).

[wheming]

I think some of the (cheap) retrofit adapters may not actually have a valve, but rather something that looks similiar and just is an "extender" for the shrader in the original line.
But yes, you only need one valve whether in original line or in the adapter.
Edit: one valve meaning at each point, high side discharge and low side suction

[ScottD]

I think some of the (cheap) retrofit adapters may not actually have a valve, but rather something that looks similiar and just is an "extender" for the shrader in the original line.
But yes, you only need one valve whether in original line or in the adapter.
Edit: one valve meaning at each point, high side discharge and low side suction

Yes I think some do just have an "extender". I agree the ones by Interdynamic appear cheap. I just installed the NAPA ones with a little anaerobic thread sealer. I'll pull vacuum on them again tomorrow, I hope this is the issue. We'll see! Thanks for all the responses.

[ScottD]

Looks like the problem was the adapters. Pulled vacuum and then turned off the manifold gauges and it held vacuum finally. Over several hours it slowly dropped, may still have a small leak but nothing like before. Time to charge and I'll put a can with dye in and that should identify any remaining small leak. Thanks to all who responded.

[wheming]

Good to hear you rounded the corner on that one...
Hope the little leaker can be found easy.

[RoadWarrior222]

Great, so lets cross our fingers and hope it doesn't leak under pressure. That's not sarcasm, there's a good chance it won't, very slow loss of vacuum could be the outgassing thing, and the seals are not really arranged to hold vacuum, so pressurising them the right way should bed them down.