Position of AC service ports

Does not really matter. What HELPS immensely is being able to connect/ unconnect your hoses without too much fuss. On the older flare fittings (R12) A tool such as the JB access valve controller is handy. You put at least one on the high side. This is not an actual valve, but rather the knob moves a stud up down in the tool which depresses the valve in the access port.

So if you have one on the high side, when you are done charging/ checking the system, you can close the charging can valve, close the access port valve on the high side, and then open both manifold gauge ports. This allows all the hoses to equalize to the lowest pressure possible, which is the suction side. This then will minimize the amount of lost refrigerant as well as reduce any liquid when you disconnect the hoses

JB tools for flare and R-134: http://www.jbind.com/

The JB catalog:

http://www.jbind.com/products/download-catalog.aspx

JB A33000 for 1/4 flare



JB A-33500 for 1/4 flare



and for R-134: