Went out and got a robinair vacuum pump, gauges from NAPA but forgot my schrader valves.  Went to O'rielly b/c is close and they sold a package.  It had four schrader valves , two big two small.  I thought the low side had the smalls b/c the high side had a big one.  NOPE, down the tube it went.  Tried tweezers, vacuuming it out.  Now is in there. I'm trying to get my expansion valve out so I can get the hose.  I assume I need to get that part out.  Is it fine to leave it in there?

 

thanks

Does the expansion valve need the rubber boot?  My car is missing it.  Would some neoprene tape work to absorb vibration or is a full dust cover OEM boot needed?

got the schrader valve out once I remove the expansion valve.  I then could wiggle the hose and get that little beast out.

Good work! I think that was a wise choice.