madhatter4119

Hi...I recently obtained a 1988 Honda Civic 1.5L DX 4 Door...With a 135xxx miles on it...Runs like a top once I put a new Distributor in it...I barley know my way around cars and motorcycles...learn as I go...Anyway its starting to get hot out...So I checked the AC...It doesn't get cold...Not hot but not cold...First, What kind of system is in this car and how would I check to see if it has been updated to the current freon that is available...Once I know what system it has...I assume I'll need further help figuring out if a relay(s)
is bad...compressor...switch or whatever so I can get this AC up to par...

Thanks

4drEF

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Since you admittedly are not great with cars, I seriously recommend you take this to an a/c shop.
The system uses R12 freon which is no longer readily available.
From how it sounds, you may just need a recharge.
Even with the astronomical cost for R12, this may be the way to go.

If there is a mechanical problem, then likely the system is going to need to be opened up.
If that is the case, refilling with R12 may not be the most cost effective solution
There are kits to retro fit the R12 system to use the newer R134.
If installed improperly, it performs very poorly.

An improperly installed retrofit -may- be the issue with your car.
Again, something I believe a pro is better suited to assess than you considering skills.

Here is a recent thread that does a good job explaining the R134 conversion
https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-...ic-ac-3279309/

madhatter4119

Thanks...Would you happen to know how I could tell if my AC system has been converted over from R12 to R134...As for it being done right is anybodies guess
...provided it has been changed...??? Thanks

fcm

If it has been converted the A/C service ports will have been changed, the R12 service ports are like tire valves, both the same size, the R134A service ports are like this... https://www.lawsonproducts.com/Kent/...ers/KT14391.lp with the high side being a little bigger then the low side.

Your car should also have a retrofit sticker, wit info on it... Retrofit Labels - 134a

If not and it has R134a ports it is a good bet the retrofit was not done properly...

New filter/dryer, retrofit adjustable pressure switch, all O rings replaced, mineral oil flushed out and replaced with R134a compatible oil, [like Ester oil].

Besides looking for the service ports, turn A/C on and see if the clutch on the compressor is turning. 94

madhatter4119

Well...It has the R134 ports...Now where would a service dealer stick that label...I assume under the hood somewhere...I'll check in the morning...Its rather hard to see or know if the clutch is turning...But I don't think it is...But not 100% sure...With the AC on and setting maxed...I don't hear any changes to the engine or idle...I have been reading the trouble shooting sections...a severe thunderstorm ran me in...going to check the fuses...I think I found the compressor relays up front just left of the hood lock...There are two relays that look the same hanging on a bracket just behind the grill...The one on the left is the compressor clutch relay I think ? Note...the car isn't overheat...if you standing in front of car facing engine...the small fan on the right doesn't turn on at all...even with the AC on...the fan on the left kicks on and off like always...if this is helpful ???

4drEF

Quick and dirty way to check if everything works and if you are just low on refrigerant.

There is a pressure switch on one of the hard lines located near the battery.
When the system is low on refrigerant, the switch disables AC so the compressor doesn't get damaged.
Disconnect the switch and put a paper clip in the connector. This will fool the system into thinking there is enough refrigerant.

Start the car up and Test the AC for just a few seconds to see if you can hear the compressor clutch click and engine idle change.

madhatter4119

Thanks...The fun part is locating it...I'll look today...I assume its a two prong pressure switch...? I'll google it and see if I can find its location...? We are talking about a 1988 Honda Civic 1.5L DX 4 Door I hope...? Thanks

rallypoint_1

Should be below or near battery tray.

fcm

https://www.bing.com/images/search?q...4o0&ajaxhist=0 94