EM1 AC Expansion Valve Removal...before it gets too hot
#1
Swaggylicious
Thread Starter
EM1 AC Expansion Valve Removal...before it gets too hot
Ok, it's getting to mid 80s already here in FL
I know the expansion valve in the EM1 is leaking, i DONT know how to get in there.....
any write ups? dash comes off or no? my search results are kinda all over the place honestly and leads to a honda parts diagram more-so than the steps on getting it out
I know the expansion valve in the EM1 is leaking, i DONT know how to get in there.....
any write ups? dash comes off or no? my search results are kinda all over the place honestly and leads to a honda parts diagram more-so than the steps on getting it out
#3
Fish Twig
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Re: EM1 AC Expansion Valve Removal...before it gets too hot
If you're ac isn't working than you're good to go on removing that evap box, if you're ac is still working than you need to vacuum the rest of the refridgerant out of there before loosening any lines.
I will say now would be a good time to clean up the mildew in that box.
I will say now would be a good time to clean up the mildew in that box.
#4
Swaggylicious
Thread Starter
Re: EM1 AC Expansion Valve Removal...before it gets too hot
exactly what im looking for, thanks Ron
there's definitely no freon in there now but yes after everything is replaced,im going to my buddy at the acura dealer to have it properly refilled
also, changing the expansion valve, should i also change the drier?
there's definitely no freon in there now but yes after everything is replaced,im going to my buddy at the acura dealer to have it properly refilled
also, changing the expansion valve, should i also change the drier?
#6
Fish Twig
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Re: EM1 AC Expansion Valve Removal...before it gets too hot
Before pumping in refridgerant check to make sure its holding pressure, and make sure you're using proper lube for the o-rings.
#7
#1 Super Guy
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Re: EM1 AC Expansion Valve Removal...before it gets too hot
Proper lube = Sanden SP10 oil. Honda sells it 38897-P13-A01AH, but it's bonkers expensive (~$30 for a can).
I would use Supercool PAG46 as it's similar viscosity and similar makeup (Double end-capped PAG oil). This stuff works great and is inexpensive too. You will need to add a specific amount back into the system because you are replacing the drier. Look in the shop manual for how much to add. It's not very much.
For o-rings, you can buy an entire Honda kit at Autozone for about $11. They are high quality green (HNBR rubber). It will have dozens of o-rings in all Honda sizes except the tiny one on the expansion valve. That tiny one should come pre-installed in the new expansion valve.
For the drier, I would order a 4-seasons brand. I think Amazon sells them cheap.
BTW: They will test the system by seeing if it holds Vacuum, not pressure. The longer they pull a vacuum on the system, the more moisture they will boil out of the lines. Less moisture in the system = longer lasting system.
I would use Supercool PAG46 as it's similar viscosity and similar makeup (Double end-capped PAG oil). This stuff works great and is inexpensive too. You will need to add a specific amount back into the system because you are replacing the drier. Look in the shop manual for how much to add. It's not very much.
For o-rings, you can buy an entire Honda kit at Autozone for about $11. They are high quality green (HNBR rubber). It will have dozens of o-rings in all Honda sizes except the tiny one on the expansion valve. That tiny one should come pre-installed in the new expansion valve.
For the drier, I would order a 4-seasons brand. I think Amazon sells them cheap.
BTW: They will test the system by seeing if it holds Vacuum, not pressure. The longer they pull a vacuum on the system, the more moisture they will boil out of the lines. Less moisture in the system = longer lasting system.
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#8
Fish Twig
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Re: EM1 AC Expansion Valve Removal...before it gets too hot
That oil is for the lines, condensor and evap. There is a specific type of oil, if thats what they call it, that I use for the o-rings. Can't find it right now because its in the garage at home.
#11
Honda-Tech Member
Re: EM1 AC Expansion Valve Removal...before it gets too hot
Plain old silicone spray(preferably 3m), is more than enough to lubricate the seals on the ac lines.
Been using it for over 11+ years with no issues whatsoever...
Been using it for over 11+ years with no issues whatsoever...
#12
Swaggylicious
Thread Starter
Re: EM1 AC Expansion Valve Removal...before it gets too hot
Finally got this guy out
what do I look for? lol
As you can tell, I put some leak dye in the system and I can only see it where the lines attach. Maybe all I needed was to replace the o-rings?
It lost all the freon and when I got a small can from the parts store it would only last a few days tops. Whenever the ac was on I can hear a hissing behind the dash
what do I look for? lol
As you can tell, I put some leak dye in the system and I can only see it where the lines attach. Maybe all I needed was to replace the o-rings?
It lost all the freon and when I got a small can from the parts store it would only last a few days tops. Whenever the ac was on I can hear a hissing behind the dash
#13
Swaggylicious
Thread Starter
Re: EM1 AC Expansion Valve Removal...before it gets too hot
Core looks fine as well visually. My mechanic friend that works at Acura lent me this black light flashlight and yellow goggles to help me find the leaks, couldnt find any leak dye anywhere on the core/lines/expansion valve
#14
Sol to Sol
Re: EM1 AC Expansion Valve Removal...before it gets too hot
Use that stuff to follow the lines all the way around the front thru the compressor, condensor to the dryer and back and see if you can spot a leak. It still MIGHT be at the box there, but, it could have also been when you loosened it and it spilled out a lil.
Wait, did you have that dye in the system when it was WORKING? otherwise it wouldn't go thru the compressor etc..
Either way, now is a good time to do ALL the seals..
And the special A/C oil is PAG / ESTER, tho its not used in old systems..
Wait, did you have that dye in the system when it was WORKING? otherwise it wouldn't go thru the compressor etc..
Either way, now is a good time to do ALL the seals..
And the special A/C oil is PAG / ESTER, tho its not used in old systems..
#15
Fish Twig
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Re: EM1 AC Expansion Valve Removal...before it gets too hot
Use that stuff to follow the lines all the way around the front thru the compressor, condensor to the dryer and back and see if you can spot a leak. It still MIGHT be at the box there, but, it could have also been when you loosened it and it spilled out a lil.
Wait, did you have that dye in the system when it was WORKING? otherwise it wouldn't go thru the compressor etc..
Either way, now is a good time to do ALL the seals..
And the special A/C oil is PAG / ESTER, tho its not used in old systems..
Wait, did you have that dye in the system when it was WORKING? otherwise it wouldn't go thru the compressor etc..
Either way, now is a good time to do ALL the seals..
And the special A/C oil is PAG / ESTER, tho its not used in old systems..
#16
Swaggylicious
Thread Starter
Re: EM1 AC Expansion Valve Removal...before it gets too hot
Use that stuff to follow the lines all the way around the front thru the compressor, condensor to the dryer and back and see if you can spot a leak. It still MIGHT be at the box there, but, it could have also been when you loosened it and it spilled out a lil.
Wait, did you have that dye in the system when it was WORKING? otherwise it wouldn't go thru the compressor etc..
Either way, now is a good time to do ALL the seals..
And the special A/C oil is PAG / ESTER, tho its not used in old systems..
Wait, did you have that dye in the system when it was WORKING? otherwise it wouldn't go thru the compressor etc..
Either way, now is a good time to do ALL the seals..
And the special A/C oil is PAG / ESTER, tho its not used in old systems..
I actually have looked through all the lines in the bay/condenser/compressor and couldn't find anything
My first instinct is to just replace the two o-rings on the firewall, get a can of freon from the parts store and see if it holds. If it does, i'll bring it to my buddy at the dealership and he can fill/take out moisture the correct way
issue is...where do i get exactly the right o-rings I need for those two? doesn't seem to list it on the honda parts diagram..
#17
#1 Super Guy
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Re: EM1 AC Expansion Valve Removal...before it gets too hot
For the o-rings, you are looking in the wrong place. They are shown under the "AC Hoses - Pipes" sub category.
OEM Honda CIVIC COUPE 1999 A/C HOSES - PIPES parts
You need one 8mm (80873-ST7-000) and one 5/8" (80871-SN7-003). It is much more cost effective to buy a whole o-ring kit from Autozone. I think it was $10-$16 for the kit that contains every o-ring in the system and then some. It's overpacked with o-rings to fit a huge variety of vehicles. Same material as OEM.
OEM Honda CIVIC COUPE 1999 A/C HOSES - PIPES parts
You need one 8mm (80873-ST7-000) and one 5/8" (80871-SN7-003). It is much more cost effective to buy a whole o-ring kit from Autozone. I think it was $10-$16 for the kit that contains every o-ring in the system and then some. It's overpacked with o-rings to fit a huge variety of vehicles. Same material as OEM.
#18
Swaggylicious
Thread Starter
Re: EM1 AC Expansion Valve Removal...before it gets too hot
Ok I'll go to autozone this afternoon and see if they have it
any particular brand i'm looking for? material? is it ac application specific?
any particular brand i'm looking for? material? is it ac application specific?
#19
#1 Super Guy
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Re: EM1 AC Expansion Valve Removal...before it gets too hot
It will most likely be the only ac o-ring kit they offer for your year/make/model/trim. Big chain type stores usually only offer one brand. I can't remember if mine was in-stock, or if they had to order it.
This is what my records show from 2012 on my 89 Crx Si. I used some of the extras on my 94 Civic CX as well. It's probably the same kit for your EM1 too:
- O-rings Santec MT2560 $10.99 Autozone
This is what my records show from 2012 on my 89 Crx Si. I used some of the extras on my 94 Civic CX as well. It's probably the same kit for your EM1 too:
- O-rings Santec MT2560 $10.99 Autozone
#22
Swaggylicious
Thread Starter
Re: EM1 AC Expansion Valve Removal...before it gets too hot
The good
I found those orings and replaced the ones on the firewall
The bad
I have a MASSIVE leak on the top right corner of my condenser lol....off to the junkyard i go...
I found those orings and replaced the ones on the firewall
The bad
I have a MASSIVE leak on the top right corner of my condenser lol....off to the junkyard i go...
#23
Fish Twig
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Re: EM1 AC Expansion Valve Removal...before it gets too hot
If its that massive of a leak I'm surprise you had refridgerant left in the system, unless you were adding more as you go. That was probably the cause of your a/c issues and not the expansion. But since air is getting in there its best, in my opinion, that you clean the lines.
#24
Swaggylicious
Thread Starter
Re: EM1 AC Expansion Valve Removal...before it gets too hot
Update:
Got an evaporator from the junkyard just in case mine is leaking. Also bought a condenser from ebay
Going to take this time to replace all of the o-rings as well.
If my memory is right,does this sound right?
2 on the compressor, 3 on the condenser (2 top,1 bottom)
Got an evaporator from the junkyard just in case mine is leaking. Also bought a condenser from ebay
Going to take this time to replace all of the o-rings as well.
If my memory is right,does this sound right?
2 on the compressor, 3 on the condenser (2 top,1 bottom)