i wasnt sure where to post this but i swapped a civic sedan AC system into my civic wagon long story short its got one leaking hose ( i will replace tomorrow ) and im not sure how to tell if the clutch will engage without there being pressure built up with fluid or whatever. i did the r134 conversion nipple thing so i can do the recharge does ne one have any insight ?

 

clutch will not engage if no refrigerant is present.

 

cool then there is hope! update tomorrow.

 

sounds good. to elaborate further, the pressure switch would stop the signal from the climate control from allowing it to engage the clutch. to test if that's working properly though you can probe both wires at the switch to make sure that one side has power. also, your clutch fan should kick on when the a/c button is pressed. even if their's no r134a.

 

Did you clean out all the parts and replace all o-rings too? Just curious....

I am almost done with mine (88 STD HB) also, after I finish up the RMS.

 

seeing how summer is upon us and in southern calif its hot as ***** usually...


what all parts do you need to install AC system on non ac 90 hatch std

 

You need the entire set up, maybe your car is not wired to handle AC so you would have to install some relays in strange places, but maybe your fuse boxes are already wired, you will have to compare between one with AC and yours. See if the Honda dealer will give you a copy from the manual about installing an AC system to your car, there is too much to go into detail here, not to mention proper evac and recharge and testing. The harness under the dash has wiring that you will need too, not a fun project but not extremely difficult.

 

As Duane mentioned....everything.

Luckily, all STD EF's are ready for an A/C system, pretty much plug and play. Since you have a 90, I would suggest you pull a system out of a 90-91. Note, the A/C harness should be pulled out AFTER the Evaporator Core (between the blower and heater) is removed (and all the other components). This is due to the fact that firewall boot is part of the harness assebmly.....makes it look nicer if kept in one piece.

And noted by others, you will need to purchase a new dryer (container/bottle that sits below the coolant res), to avoid system contamination.

 

To add.......if you pull out the harness from another EF, make sure it has the RELAY assembly and the bracket.

Under the dash, there are ONLY two connectors to remove; the evaporator sensor plug (on the evaporator housing) and ECU plug (right below the firewall opening and above the ECU).

 

The sensor on the evaperator needs to be put back on the evap at a specific location so make note of that location. It is the temperature sensor and it is designed to go in a specific location to monitor the evap temp at that exact location by design. Did I mention its designed to go in a specific location. It cuts off the compressor before the evap freezes up with ice, hopefully you will have that problem, very cold AC. This is why people should not hot wire their AC system to run all the time. Well, thats one good reason. Good luck.

 

alright thanks guys, anyone else want to add anything? All info helps and I will catalog it in my head haha. Im going to pick a parts this weekend (50% off everything!) DONT TAKE MY ****, I've already hid alot of the stuff I need/want around the yard in a place where nobody will look so I can wait til its 50% off. Haha, I'm sneaky.

 

i took the entire setup from a 1990 lx sedan , installed it into my 1991 rt4wd wagon which had existing plugs in the wiring harnes as i assume all honda civics do regardless if they came stock or not. everything from the compressor to the condensor and wiring harness, i havent gotten it charged yet, that will be tomorrow.

 

Anyone have a complete parts list so I can just run through and check-mark which parts I have and which I am missing?

 

Assuming all the wiring and connectors are there, maybe not, I have seen a sub-harness for some hondas that go under the hood for the compressor, fan, pressure switch, relays.

Compressor, Liquid hose and line to Condensor, Line to Reciever/Drier, Line to Firewall, Coupling (Line to Evaperator), Evaperator, Thermal Expansion Valve, Line and hose back to Compressor.

Relays for Condensor fan, Pressure Switch for monitoring system pressure, Thermoswitch for monitoring Evap Temperature, Main AC Control Head Unit, will this be a manually controlled or auto controlled system, more parts either way, maybe a different Airbox under the dash for venting cold or hot air, the air box also has to hold the evaperator and drain off the water, Drain Hose and hole in the firewall for the drain. There may be hidden relays and fuses behind a kick panel just for the AC System. The ECU and maybe the TCU has control over the AC System also but this may be built in.

Clamps to hold everything to the body under the hood, a compressor Mount that fits your engine, B or D type. Pulley and maybe a Tensioner to drive the compressor off of the crank shaft, Drive Belt for the AC or in tandem with the Alternator.

Drop the steering column and remove entire dash, beware of air bag maintenance, protect the family jewels.

Manual AC will use the Main AC Control Head Unit that incorperates cables to the blend doors in the air box, the auto system may be different, also there will be a transistorized blower motor speed controller instead of a blower motor resistor.

Can anyone add anything. It needs to be properly serviced or all your work will go up in smoke.

 

okay thank you, i wish there were an FAQ DIY for AC installation.

Yes, if anyone can add anything it would be greatly appreciated.

 

http://crxcommunity.com/viewtopic.php?t=1279

Try this.

 

looks good thanks, seems like he's talking more generally then for a specific car (crx/civic/si/etc.)

 

dont forget to get ALL the bolts....

 

Any updates?

I finally finished up the RMS, right lower ball joint, and all the mounts.

I pre fitted all the lines, but I am worried about the line from the condenser to the dryer. I had to bend it back to shape. I am going to use a sealer after the system is cleaned and final assembled.

 

Alrighty then....

Here are my updates to my install, for the record....

After test fitting all the parts and bending (slowly) pipes into place, I removed each line and component for cleaning. I purchased the aerosol cleaner and followed the instructions. A very simple job. Since the evap and the expansion valve are one assembly, I couldnt clean it, actually, I didn't want to pull it back out and disassemble it. I simply pulsed and flowed constant air (compressed) for a few minutes. That was enough to blow out some old gunk.

After that was done, I final inspected each part and installed all new o-rings. I then re-assembled the entire system....perfect fit. I did purchase a new dryer. Note, when you get a new dryer, it will have rubber plugs in the ports. Once you pulled them out, you will hear it suck air....nothing to fear, just install it immedately.

System done, now charging time. I had some left over 134a and my gauge. I loaded it and it sucked the can dry in seconds. I pulled a new one out and loaded it...that took about 30 second and it suck it dry. 90 degress, 45 lbs, the car is set. I tested the systme by just sitting in the car, no driving yet.....it gets damn cold in there....no leaks...job done.

 

^ nicely done. whats the difference between R12 and R134?
dont wanna thread jack or anything but it seems as if you guys know what do when it comes to AC LOL.

 

http://www.aircondition.com/tech/que...-R12-and-R134a

R12 was the ozone eater....hence 134a.....

 

ahhh... o.k

 

you guys seem to know a lot about ac compared to the prelude forum. My prelude compressor has froze up. the pully wont move. broke a brand new belt. so I was going to put in new compressor but it seems harder going this way because in order to get warranty i have to buy a bunch of other ac parts. ( expansion valve and dryer.) Im thinkin i will just replace the clutch on the ac sence i think this should fix my prob. but i think ill just get one from a junkyard and hopefully get lucky. If i do this do i still need to add some oil to the compressor? Is this job worth it?

Thanks let me know.

 

Chk your other post.....