gkitf16

My '95 Civic LX A/C has been gradually getting warmer, so I figured it needed a seasonal top-off of R134. I borrowed a cheap single gauge hose from a friend, and got a single 13 oz. can of R134 with "system-safe" cleaner and leak sealer for $10 at local auto parts store. I ran the system on MAX for about 10 mins, hood up @ 2000 rpm. I screwed the hose on the can, and plugged the coupler on the LOW side fitting. The gauge read about 25 PSI @ 90F air temp outside with the compressor cycled on, so I figured it must be low on freon. I slowly turned the piercing valve in all the way. then slowly backed it open, watching the gauge. When I saw the gauge move up, I turned the needle in a bit so freon wouldn't go in too fast, kept pressure down to about 45-50 PSI. A few times I closed the needle to check running pressure, still low around 25-30 PSI. I kept slowly filling, shaking the can upright. Suddenly the compressor starts cycling on-off very rapidly, about every 2-3 seconds, and the pressure jumps up high to about 60-70 PSI when compressor cycles OFF, then drops way down to 25 PSI when it cycles ON. Now what, have I overcharged it? Put in less than a 13 oz. can (11 oz R134 + 2 oz oil in can). I bled off some of the charge by uncoupling the hose partway, but compressor is still rapid-cycling. Blows cold until it starts rapid-cycling, then not so cold. No leaks or oil showing anywhere on hoses or clutch/compressor, all looks clean. Condenser is bug/crap-free, fan runs when A/C comes on, belt is tight. I hate to take it to the dealer and get it serviced, but I'm stuck now and don't know what to do. Followed instructions on the can and took it slow, less than a full can put in, and bled some of that back out. Ideas?

Bcuz

You filled it too much, that's why your compressor is cycling on and off. Don't go by psi, go by ounces, evac the system and recharge with the max amount.

kkim

was the compressor cycling on and off before you tried filling?

I don't think you've overfilled it, but even if you have, there is a high pressure switch which will cut the compressor off when too much gas is in the system. When the compressor is running, what is the gauge reading now? If 25lbs, i think you need to keep adding refrigerant until the cycling of the compressor gets longer in duration or until the gauge reading goes up. I usually shoot for about 45, but anywhere between 25 and 45 should be good.

According to what I understand, whenever the compressor cycles off, the system pressure reading will go up. You want to base the system low side reading on what the gauge reads when the compressor is running. check out this link for more info... there is a video link on the bottom of the page.

http://www.id-usa.com/how_to_recharging.asp

gkitf16

No, the compressor was running steady before I attempted to do anything to the system. Only symptom was very gradual (past few months) loss of cooling, esp on very hot days. No leaks visually anywhere, no oil seen. On very hot days, compressor really placed a big load on the engine when idling (high head pressure). Had been performing fine except for slowly getting warmer over a long time. Low side pressure w/comp running initially was 25 before adding refrigerant, never went up during addition of refrigerant, then suddenly comp starts fast-cycling on-off, must have tripped the hi-pressure limit switch. Put in about 3/4 of a 13 oz can w/oil, bled some off but still fast-cycling. Gets cold for a moment or so before fast-cycling begins, then warms up again. Gonna have to let the dealer take care of it right, evac, flush & recharge. Hopefully no crap in the orifice tube, probably have to change drier also

gkitf16

How much $$ for a dealer to evacuate, flush, change the drier and recharge a Civic 134A system?

B_Love

Dude I have the same exact problem I went to a guy I know who owns a shop and he says it just has to be done right by a machine it empties, cleans, and refills it right..Now my Ac works fine. I dont know how much the dealer charges but this guy only charged me for freon so I got lucky

SCIVIC94

i had to do the same thing about a week ago.it will run about 120-150 for the complete service.but it will blow colder than it ever would with the can stuff.

B_Love

Yup way better but this guy is my buddy so he only chargedme $40 for the freon

gkitf16

Thanks, I'll git r done by a certified A/C mechanic real soon on the machine

suspendedHatch

Don't be dumping that **** into my atmosphere now...

gkitf16

It's R134A, "environmentally friendly" if you beleive the EPA........

Stripped Honda

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by gkitf16 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">It's R134A, "environmentally friendly" if you beleive the EPA........ </TD></TR></TABLE>

your a ******* moron if you believe it is safe to release in to the air....no it isnt good for the atmosphere actually they are going to outlaw r134a just like they did to r12 there is a new freon that will be coming out in the next 5 years that is "more safe"then the other freons they have had in the past ...

as far as your problem ... it sounds like your system is plugged .. maybe the expantion valve is stuck ... but you cant tell with those home kits... you need a gauge that will read the high and low side when the system is plugged the high side will read really high and cause the low side to be either really low or really high ... your only option is to take it to a professional that is IMACA certified ... and dont try this at home again .... this is a job for the professionals ...

96Khatch

You didn't put enough freon in the system. The right amount is 0.525kg or 18.519oz.