Silverado 1999 1500 series vortec v8. Replaced low side schrader valve using a schrader valve extractor tool which prevents the loss of coolant while I inserted and tightened another valve. No problem. High side was leaking, too. Tried the same method on the high side and the schrader valve broke in half. The treaded part is still in the metal part of the hose. Any suggestions on how to get the broken piece out of the metal pipe. Valve extractor tool will not work at this stage. Opening seems too small for needle nose pliers. Not sure if tweezers will.grip the broken part. Is it possible to use an extractor tool without damaging the inside schrader valve threads The only other option seems to be to replace the high side hose. Would appreciate your comments or questions. Thanks

 

Sorry to hear about this. I doubt if tweezers would remove this. It may be possible to grind down a needle nose pliers to work/fit. Hopefully, your system is not pressurized at this stage. I understand that it might be, but safety is the name of the game. Legally you have to recycle R-134A, but that's cheaper than an ER visit if something not-so-nice happens.

To be honest I've never come across this issue, as someone who knows a lot about A/C systems. In fact, I was going to do as you did, but took my old Chevy K-1500 with a leaking low-side Schrader valve and recycled the R-134A, and installed the valves myself, along with an ounce of PAG-150.

I'd be willing to bet that one of the tool outfits that professional technicians use, MIGHT have the tool you need, but a cheap ground-down pair of needle-nose pliers MIGHT work too, assuming you can find a grinder to do so with. Just be glad you are working on a pickup and not a van. Much, much easier to work on by far.

Update: An idea just came to me. If you can get a large enough hole in the valve, a small reverse
reverse tap and drill _MIGHT_ work, assuming you have room enough to do it and that the tap is small enough to work as well. I wish you the best of luck!

 

You can recover the system from either high or low side using a recovery machine when the AC is off. It's required by law unless the system is already empty / leaked out.

I recently replaced my leak shrader on a 2001 chevy. There's a tool to use to do it with that doesn't require letting any freon out - just a cheap hand tool. Mine was wobbly i have no idea why but I got it out. I know I didn't f'it up.

You have two ports one stuck shrader. So. Meh. No problem!

If you can't get it out without scratching / damaging: REPLACE THE PIPE. it's probably a short pipe and not as expensive as you fear.

 

NOW YOU KNOW !!! When you get it out or replace the short pipe: throw away the OEM valve and put in a Robin Air or other quality HVAC valve.

BTW: don't use a tire valve. Valves have leak pressures. You'll be fine with a Robin Air or OEM valve.

 

That goes without saying so. Hell, I would not have even thought about using a tire Schrader valve. Once and done is my motto. So far, my Chevy K-1500 with new valves is working great! After 23 years I figured it would not harm the A/C system with a bit of PAG-150. She has been a great Chevrolet pickup-truck!

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Thanks for your comments. After some thought, I think the best thing to do is replace the high end hose which is not very expensive and probably quicker than trying to get the broken shrader valve out. since the heat index outside is pushing 104 degrees.

 

As the late and great female comedian, Gilda Radner, AKA "Roseanne Roseannadanna" used to say on Saturday Night Live, way back in the mid-1970's "It's always something".LOL!

That said, I completely understand not wanting to work on an A/C system in the middle of Summertime heat levels, DeweyT.