Tcan

The AC is probably doing what it should but on a hot day in Phoenix I either open the window and get to a client meeting with a sweaty shirt, or I close up, turn on the AC, and still sweat. My mechanic says it's working as it should and he tried putting in some alternative gas that's supposed to work a little better. Maybe made a couple degrees difference. Can I get a stronger compressor for a different model and put it in there or something to get colder AC? 2000 Civic DX. thanks.

eg7

Clean out the box thats under the dash...

Linked

the ONLY thing you should be doing is maintaining your ac system. this includes:

cleaning your condenser of debris in the front of it
cleaning your evaporator of debris
replacing your cabin air filter
maintaining a 100% refrigerant system (if your mechanic was licensed to work on AC systems, he should have a refrigerant identifier to check this)

putting those aftermarket cans of refrigerant from autozone can alter your 100% refrigerant goal, because they contain sealant (when in a properly working system, is not needed), poor oils (or S.N.A.P oil as they call it)

and when recharged incorrectly, can introduce air and moisture into the system, changing your proper pressures

Former User

An evaporator clogged with gunk is one possibility.

Also check whether the condenser is clogged with bugs, rocks, and dirt and whether the condenser fan works properly. You could also check whether spraying water on the condenser makes the A/C blow colder. This would require help from a buddy.

Can you park in the shade?

But the only real way to make a diagnosis is for you to post the high and low side refrigerant pressures with the A/C running on MAX for 10 minutes and the engine idling at 1500 rpm. This test should be done in the shade and the outside temperature should be noted, as well as the air temperature discharged from the center vent. A manifold gauge set is needed to measure the pressures.

Former User

Definitely avoid at all costs any refrigerant that contains a leak sealer. If you look carefully at the labels, however, you can purchase R134a with no additives. I know that Walmart sells it.

Sonia's Driver

Ron's right - without the high and low side pressures, all we can do is guess.

As for a stronger compressor - yes but no. Your system is sized to work well. Your compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator are all matched so that the system runs efficiently. If you put in a bigger compressor, it will just turn off earlier when it triggers the high pressure sensor.

I would take it to an A/C specialist - not just a mechanic - someone who does A/C as their bread and butter. Your system needs to have the gas switched back to R134a, and the receiver/drier changed. (It works most efficiently with the gas it was designed to use.) Then the specialist will be able to interpret his or her measurements and fix your problem. There are quite a few things that could cause your symptom.

kaiba

Maybe something like these?

delsolo95

^^ haha wtf thats dope idea.. even has the played out jdm badge!

JDM B20 EH2

You can also check you condenser fan. If it is getting worn out and slowing down might not be removing enough heat. Might wanna look into replacing it and maybe upgrading to a fan that has a bit more CFM.

Cars are built for a average. Some climates are worse than others and require a bit of tweaking to get the most out of it.

DCRB

one trick i saw was insulating the refrigerant pipes with better foam ducting then reflective heat wrap to help keep the cold air in the pipes and the hot ambient temps away from them

JDM B20 EH2

That does work well too. In home A/C's we wrap everything. It makes a difference.

Tcan

Thanks folks. I have had it evacuated and seviced. Two Summers ago with the factory refrigerant, last Summer with something that's supposed to work a little better. Not from cans from the auto store, both times by the shop. Sorry, don't know the refrigerant numbers. I'll check the condenser and fan, and maybe check with a local household AC shop about better insulation wrap.