I'm trying to work threw my ac problems on my 86 firebird and I noticed that my accumulator/dryer was leaking out of the low side valve so I went and got a valve tightener hoping that would fix the issue but no luck. Does Anyone have advice on replacing it or if it's just a symptom of another issue?

 

You can buy a new valve core and replace it, but it will discharge the system in the process. Let me warn you, refrigerant is VERY cold, emphasis on VERY, when it comes through an orifice like a Schrader valve. Serious injury, up to and including loss of fingers or even more, can result.

 

How simple is replacing the valve core?

 

Rotate counterclockwise until free.

Replacement is the reverse of removal.

Doesn't get much simpler, really.

Oh I forgot... gotta take the cap off first, and put it back on afterwards.

 

Haha I thought it was that simple but just had to make sure