TheSamba.com :: View topic - A/C High Pressure Service Port/Valve Nipple Size? Red Tek

Sat Aug 16, 2014 10:42 am

My 89 Westfalia was manufactured 8/88 - Per Bentley 87.15, Vanagons from 5/88 forward, the high pressure service port/valve was changed from 7/16" to 3/8". A/C adapter valve VAG 1637 is a retro fit adapter so a gauge set can be connected to test system pressure on the high side of your air conditioning...

The high pressure service port is located in the rear cabinet on the D pillar. The low pressure service port is located on the J pipe off the compressor in the engine bay.

Given that background, my stock port is neither 7/16" (pre 5/88 ) nor 3/8" (post 5/88 ). My low side port is clearly 1/4" and connection to the manifold gauge set (R12 gauges) is not a problem. My high pressure service port appears to be 3/16" and is clearly smaller than the 1/4" on my low pressure.

Can anyone confirm my high side port is 3/16"? If so I can then hunt down an adapter to connect my gauge set to both high and low sides before I continue on my Red Tek conversion of the a/c system.

Thanks,
Dave

Sat Aug 16, 2014 11:44 am

I can't confirm the size of the fitting but here's a link to the adapter you want if it is 3/16. Or you can drive it over to the store I think you can find something that fits.

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/MRY0/5997...;ppt=C0328

Sat Aug 16, 2014 11:50 am

Found this on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NP3J50/ref=ox...PDKIKX0DER

3/16" female to 1/4" male - If the Vanagon high port is 3/16", this should work as my gauge set hoses are all 1/4" female.

The part you found would require I have R134a connectors to my gauge set. Since my set is an older R12/R22 unit, I'd like to keep connections and adaptors to a minimum.

Already added Red Tek to the low side with 1/4" x 1/4" and the gauge set but can't read the high side pressure due to no adapter on hand just yet.

Thanks.

Sat Aug 16, 2014 11:55 am

Your suggestion is the better way to go, I don't care for the quick connect fittings myself.