86azms3

So I bought the car and needed a new motor, I took out AC system when I did that since it was empty, no pressure.

So I put the system back in and started filling it with fluid and oil. Once there is enough r134a the clutch kicks in and it starts to schreik. Really noisy and it disengages and engages and once it engages it almost stalls the engine.

Also it won't take up any more refrigerant even though it only took about 8oz if not less. And it shows the low pressure side being over pressurized.

Any thoughts? Seized compressor? Any way to diagnose symptoms before I throw parts at it.

Former User

Car information needed here too.

86azms3

Sorry I'm used to being on a forum where it's model specific.

96 civic dx

Former User

Cars in the category of 92-00 Civic/Del Sol have many similarities, but enough differences that car information is required. In addition, many cars in this forum have extensive mods, so this makes things even more complicated.

Former User

An empty A/C system that you know nothing about should be flushed. In addition, prior to adding oil and refrigerant, the receiver/dryer must be replaced and the system must be placed under a deep vacuum for at least 30 minutes and leak tested. Only then should oil and refrigerant be added (specific volume and weight, respectively). See service manual.

86azms3

Agreed but I was going the cheap route to diagnose an unknown system that had probably failed

Former User

What you did, if I understood what you posted, never had a chance of resulting in a functioning A/C system, even if there's nothing wrong with the A/C aside from a leak.

86azms3

It should result in a functioning system, not optimal by any means.

I've done this before.

Last thing I want to do is pay a shop 150 bucks to flush and charge my system only to have an AC compressor failure or a massive leak.

Former User

My comment stemmed from the fact that none of this^ was mentioned. Without those steps, an empty system will not function.

Former User

I agree. I do all my A/C work myself. However, you must do it right. Otherwise, you're courting disaster.

redm3turbo

Im cheap--but even I let the shops worry about the a/c needs.
Then again OP is in AZ so you probably rely on A/C a tad more then I do in NY.

tony_2018

You didn't pull a vacuum, from what I read.

Wdpfreak145

Ron is right. It's tantamount that the system be pulled under a vacuum AND EVACUATED BEFORE adding refrigerant. And all of it should be done with a manifold gauge set so you can monitor both high and low side of the system to insure optimal pressures.

And for what it's worth, eg and ek civics with US-spec r134a compatible systems should take approximately 1.2 lbs of Freon. You added .5lb and the system locked up. Take the time and replace all the right components so you don't have to do it more than once.