Hey guys , I'm planning on fixing my a/c this summer because its so hot over here , I was wondering, if anybody has any tips on where to start ? I bought some dye to help me look for the leak , and I will be using that shortly . I recharged the system a year ago and it was good for the first run but then white smoke was coming out by the block by the dizzy and manifold and it has never been serviced since then .

 

if you're able to find the leak(s) with the dye, take it to a shop to have the system evacuated so that you can replace the part or seal/O-ring (lubricate with compatible A/C oil) then have them recharge it. I've found these systems to be real particular on having the right weight of "freon" in them in order to work well. it's worth it to have it done right. they should also be able to confirm you're repair(s) were a success when they vacuum it down. when you're done use a kitchen thermometer in the vents to check the performance.

 

The white smoke was the R134a refrigerant leaking out. Start there and replace damaged parts. And yes, make sure to not overfill the system and damage it.

 

Thanks guys , I put dye and R134a in it myself , just now . I drove the car around and on the highway, and around town . Then I checked it with the uv light and there was no trace of the dye any where under the hood . The vehicle is holding the r134a and its nice and cold in the cab for now. Any ideas ? Last summer I lost all of the r134a and smoked on the block but this year it's not doing that ? I will keep you guys updated too

 

What exactly is the issue ?

 

I found the dye , this may sound weird but the the dye was leaking out of this black hose , right under the fuel vapor canister . The dye IS coming out of the hose, the dye is inside the hole of the hose , can somebody please explain this ? I thought it was the pips going into the cab but there dye free. Is there anyway I can upload a picture of this hose ?

 

Or " evap canister " looks like the hose may be attached to the canister ?

 

Sorry guys , the black hose is coming out of the fire wall next to the evap canister and I believe that is a drain but what for ? . Why is r134a coming out of it ?

 

I asked what the issue was because you said your ac was working properly.

That hose is a drain hose for the evaporator. Part of normal ac function is that water will condense on the evaporator and it will drain off, through that hose, and to the ground. It does go through the firewall and then bends back to the ground, under the charcoal cannister.

However, if you're seeing dye coming down then there is a leak either at the evaporator itself or at the expansion valve that is attached to it. You need to have the system evacuated, remove the glove box, then remove the two lines that go to the evaporator located on the passenger side engine bay firewall and then remove the holding bolts to the evaporator behind the glove box and remove the assembly. You will need to replace the expansion valve no matter if the evaporator is leaking or not. If the evap is leaking then obviously replace that too. Get an "ac oring kit", they sell them.

 

In addition to all the tips above, have a look at: https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-accord-1990-2002-2/c-overhaul-need-help-advice-3151989/

EDIT: Mods, any thoughts on merging this thread with https://honda-tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3151989 ? They're both about essentially about the same thing and floating around at the same time, each has good points not found on the other....

 

Thanks holmesnmanny , I don't know much about a/c , so this will helps Lot

 

Also there's this loud sizzling noise by the glovebox ? What does this mean ?

 

It could be the leak I was talking about in the above post? lol

 

Yeah haha but I forgot to say that in my first post . I had another question , can I drive the vehicle around if I have opened up the a/c system? I just want to make sure

 

Of course you can. Just don't turn it on obviously. It would be best to have someone fully evacuate it though asap. The location of that leak would have refrigerant fumes coming into the cab. They are known to be toxic.

 

Yeah I would but all the r134a is pretty much gone lol I put a gauge on it and it read zero. After I make my repairs , I have to vacuum all the air and moisture right ? And then I can recharge it right ? Any other tips ? How about the oil in the system ? How do I know I have the right amount ?

 

You want to have a shop evacuate the system before you make any repairs. See if they will do both...evac and refill after you make the repairs.

 

Took the evaporator out , it looked like **** . A bunch of dust and hair and feathers and leaves , a bunch of green dye , I order a new evaporator and expansion valve as well

 

Replace the receiver/dryer as well. It's located by the front driver headlight.

 

I read I should do that if the compessor failed?

 

You should do that anytime you make repairs and the system is substantially open. It's a $15 part. Is that really going to break the bank ?

 

No , I just didn't about that , and I wish it was 15 haha it's like 30 bucks at OReilly

 

At rockauto it's $15.03 with a rockauto coupon code google-searched online using "Priority Mail"...make sure to switch the shipping from "Ground" to "Priority Mail" as its cheaper and will be faster

 

I would do that but I don't wanna wait , I already have parts comming in from rockauto , so imma just get it here in town same with the o ring kit

 

Fair enough. Good luck. Feel free to report back if successful.