3. Valve stem.

4. Gauge port.

There are three positions in which the valve can be oriented. If the valve stem is all the way out, the valve is considered to be in the back-seated position. The gauge port is closed and the valve is open, allowing refrigerant to flow through the system.

If the valve stem is all the way in, the valve is considered to be in the front-seated position. The gauge port is open to the compressor connection and the refrigerant line (suction or discharge) connection is closed.

If the valve stem is between the front-seated and back-seated position, it is considered to be in the mid-seated position. In this position all three connections — the gauge port, line, and compressor — are open. This allows the refrigerant to flow through the system and the system pressure to be read through the gauge port.

When placing the valve in its mid-seated position, it is best to have the valve in its back-seated position first and then turn the valve stem only one or two turns into the mid-seated position.

Points Of Use

Also, look to see if the service valve has a packing gland nut. Many service valves will have this. The packing gland nut helps to ensure a leak-free seal. It is typically made of brass and is found at the base of the valve stem. It must be loosened by a quarter turn to a full turn before opening the valve stem.

Not loosening the gland packing prior to turning the valve stem may cause the valve to leak. In addition, make sure you tighten the nut when you are finished manipulating the valve stem.

When opening and closing compressor service valves, make sure to use the right tools, such as an appropriately sized service wrench. Do not attempt to open a service valve with an adjustable wrench. You can easily round the valve stem edges, rendering the valve useless.

If the valve stem is difficult to open and appears to be stuck, lightly tap the end of the valve stem with a hammer. This should open the valve. (Remember to loosen that packing gland nut before attempting to open the valve stem!)

Remember to replace the service port cap and valve stem cap after closing the valve port and removing your refrigeration gauges. These caps serve two purposes:

1. They help prevent a refrigerant leak; and

2. They prevent the threads on the service valve from being rusted over or otherwise damaged.

When brazing either a suction or discharge service valve, make sure the valve is mid-seated before brazing. If left in either the front-seated or back-seated position, heat from brazing can cause the inside plunger to “weld” to the seating area on the inside of the valve body. When brazing, it’s best to wrap the service valve in a wet rag. This prevents the valve from being overheated and damaged. Be sure not to allow water to enter the system.

Working with these valves is very simple. Just remember some basic rules for trouble-free operation.

Joe Marchese is owner of Coldtronics, Pittsburgh. He can be reached at 412-734-4433, www.coldtronics.com, or joe@coldtronics.com.

Publication date: 10/06/2003