Looking for thoughts on a repair for my AC system (2007 R52 Cooper S)

The valve on this part https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...e/64509167765/ seems to be leaking. Local AC folks recharged the system and put some dye in so we can see what if anything else is leaking but this valve is slowly but visibly leaking. ECS folks have the most recent part as MINI has evidently superseded this part a couple times due to this valve leaking

Replacing the entire line looks pretty annoying, service mode at a minimum it looks. :( Question is - that valve looks like it can be removed from the line; am I asking for big trouble replacing just the valve, if that indeed is the only issue? It would certainly seem less expensive. I would not replace it myself, the shop that refilled the system would recover the refrigerant and then attempt that if anyone can say that would work

Thanks for any input

 

I too am eager to hear if there is a schrader valve in the line for replacing the pressure sensor. I have seen this asked in the past but no answer was provided.

edited twice: :-)

 

No direct experience in this area but I have discussed A/C servicing with some techs (not MINI techs, Porsche techs) and watched a number of videos of A/C servicing/repairs and invariably the tech replaces the Schrader valves in both lines. The system must be evacuated first. The valves come out rather easily similar to removing a tire stem valve (which I think is also Schrader valve albeit not the same valve as used on the A/C lines).

I don't know about replacing an entire line just to replace the Schrader valve. All I can think of is a new A/C line might be "required" if old line has some issue that leads to a premature Schrader valve leak or is incompatible with a newer/redesigned Schader valve.

 

THX RockC- I was afraid that was the case. Another silly move by engineers. Why wouldn't they put the sensor on a 5 dollar schrader valve to save expense and time down the line. Just nuts.

 

The pressure sensor is screwed directly into the line. If you remove it you will evacuate the system to the atmosphere.
Replacing the line would be a pain. It is attached to frame of car underneath the fuse block and goes into the car
via a bulkhead along with the heater hoses. Wiggling that line in with engine/tranny in the car would be a pain. I have
replaced that sensor but both times with the engine/tranny out of the car

 

I believe the OP is confusing the pressure sensor with a Schraeder Valve. The line shown in the picture includes the pressure sensor but doesn't show a Schraeder Valve. As mentioned above, the system must be evacuated before the sensor can be replaced.

 

I think I posted the wrong part link https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...c/64509181882/ My bad, not sure how that happened! It's hard to see but it looks like the body where the valve is could be unscrewed from the rest of the pipe but I don't know for sure, sweated on or otherwise 'permanent' ?




I do mean the valve at the end; here's a pic from my car where we saw a tiny bubble - it is a valve right? The black cap was removed (of course ) for the photo

Sorry for the part link confusion

 

Yes, that is a Schraeder Valve. After evacuating the system, the valve can be unscrewed and replaced. It is NOT the same size as a tire stem valve. Make sure whomever does the job has the correct replacement.

 

Thanks - would you know where to get that bit outside the whole new assembly?

 

Any good A/C shop or supply house should stock them. Failing that, try eBay with a search topic of "BMW MINI A/C Schraeder valve"

 

Perfect thanks