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No matter what type of vehicle you’re working on, when it comes to auto A/C service and recharging, you should always be concerned about leaks. That’s why you should never forget to install the charge port caps. They are really an important part of the auto A/C service or recharge. More importantly, if the system didn’t have service caps or charge port caps when you started, it should have them installed once you’re finished.
Sure, they are just a little plastic cap that threads onto the charge port but they’re important. Specially when it comes to leaks and lost refrigerant (freon). Why are they important? Take a closer look at them. Inside, at the top of the cap, you will notice that they all include a rubber seal or o-ring seal. (The type of seal will depend on the type of charge port on the system; R-12 charge ports are different than those used on R-134a systems, but both designs do include seals).
The charge port caps include seals because most charge ports leak refrigerant. Yes, the very same schrader valve that you rely on to hold the charge of refrigerant will (most likely) leak. Installing the charge port caps when you’re finished and have your gauges removed assures those ‘small’ are sealed and that helps to assure the A/C system refrigerant charge will not be lost.
Also consider that the charge port valves are more susceptible or prone to leak right after you’ve removed the pressure gauges. That’s because the valve is almost always in it’s closed or sealed position. When you connect your pressure gauges to the A/C system, the couplers will depress the valve. Of course, when you remove the couplers and gauges, the valve should return to it’s closed or sealed position. However, the problem is that having been in the ‘closed’ position for so long, they frequently do not reseal properly once they have been depressed. Therefore, as a good practice to help reduce leaks in auto air conditioning, you should always be sure to replace or install the charge port caps when you’re finished.
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Just got back from the parts store with freon and you're not sure? Don't take chances! If you're not sure about adding refrigerant or using gauges, you could make a mistake that could cost thousands to fix or worse, you could get hurt! See the A/CE™ Start Series manuals that show you everything you need to know to do the job safely!
