Failing compressor due to heat? I figured I may run into some issues like vents not cooling enough etc. but that's just the kind of challenges you run into when doing projects like this. Hopefully I can get them all sorted as it's fun having a car that gets over 30 mpg to cruise to work. Arriving to work smelling like a hobo though isn't gonna work lol.

 

Mine failed this summer when I needed it. It was less and less efficient each year that I had it boosted.

 

Failing due to exigent heat and continual use of high rpm. (I think you're d-series, so at least that won't be a problem.) But yes, they do work less and less after each use. And yes, many of us have had multiple attempts at finding solutions. Especially the 600+ HP guys.

But what do us old Honda turbo guys know.

 

I've heard those DOHC motors rev really high. How high are you guys spinning the motors?
My Cobra is also supercharged and not turbo'd so I don't have a ton of exhaust heat right by the compressor or condenser. In fact the exhaust comes out the side and not the front of the motor anyways so that helps a lot. Anyhow it's been boosted and run hard for 8 1/2 years now with no issues on A/C.
I have it set to dissengauge A/C under WOT and heavy engine load IE in boost. Those seem to have been savers for it. Of course the motor only spins to 7k rpms so I don't have the issue of RPMs killing it. My D motor in the Honda won't spin very high either so like you said not an issue there either. Looks like heat will be the big killer in the Honda's compressor. Even if I can't find a way to shield the compressor in the Honda and have to replace it every couple years it'll be worth it. Our heat blows. I need to move lol. Once my son has grown up and done with school etc. and a bit older the plan is to move to a better climate that's actually tolerable. Till then I need A/C.

 

I'm glad someone understood what i meant...

It depends on which DOHC engine (B series, K series or H series). Most B's will rev between 8500 and 9500rpm depending on valvetrain and setup. My personal car is goverened at 8800rpm and makes power all the way up to redline

 

That's cool as hell. I'll have to upgrade to a DOHC one of these days.

 

If you want an engine that loves the revs, check out a B16b...my friend's B16b (ctr) with upgraded valvetrain was revving past 10k. Its an odd feeling even when you're used to a high-revving Honda. When tach tears past 9,000rpm and he still hasn't shifted, it almost makes you cringe a little lol

 

lol yeah I bet. Just having the Honda rev so easily to 7k for me has been a blast. I can't imagine seen the tach swing past 9k.

 

Understood. But the compressor pulley will still be engaged whether or not the A/C is actually turned on. That, in conjunction with the location of that compressor is why they tend to fail. Many will build shields and and place thermal placement wrap in the surrounding areas to extend a little longevity, but in the end, it will go.

For my kids, that's why they ride in the other cars on a hot day like those in Aug/Sept in the MO/KS heat; and when they grow up, they can get their own car. ;-)

Again, go right ahead... so you know..

 

When you say engaged is it just turning the outer pulley or is the internals of the compressor turning too? I'm only familiar with the Ford A/C compressors and on those when not engaged the outer pulley just free spins on a bearing. The internals of the compressor sit still. That way you never over spin them or rip hard on them under WOT etc.

 

The outer pulley just spins like the Ford, but the bearings go through more abuse because of the high rotational speeds due to its compact size. They don't take to heat too great over time, especially when they are of that age.