Honda Civic / Del Sol (1992 - 2000) EG/EH/EJ/EK/EM1 Discussion

253k new for me car AC issues

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Old May 11, 2015 | 02:35 PM
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From: gilbert, AZ
Default 253k new for me car AC issues

So I bought the car and needed a new motor, I took out AC system when I did that since it was empty, no pressure.

So I put the system back in and started filling it with fluid and oil. Once there is enough r134a the clutch kicks in and it starts to schreik. Really noisy and it disengages and engages and once it engages it almost stalls the engine.

Also it won't take up any more refrigerant even though it only took about 8oz if not less. And it shows the low pressure side being over pressurized.

Any thoughts? Seized compressor? Any way to diagnose symptoms before I throw parts at it.
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Old May 11, 2015 | 02:49 PM
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Default Re: 253k new for me car AC issues

Car information needed here too.
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Old May 11, 2015 | 02:51 PM
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From: gilbert, AZ
Default Re: 253k new for me car AC issues

Sorry I'm used to being on a forum where it's model specific.

96 civic dx
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Old May 11, 2015 | 02:56 PM
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Default Re: 253k new for me car AC issues

Originally Posted by 86azms3
Sorry I'm used to being on a forum where it's model specific.

96 civic dx
Cars in the category of 92-00 Civic/Del Sol have many similarities, but enough differences that car information is required. In addition, many cars in this forum have extensive mods, so this makes things even more complicated.
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Old May 11, 2015 | 02:59 PM
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Default Re: 253k new for me car AC issues

An empty A/C system that you know nothing about should be flushed. In addition, prior to adding oil and refrigerant, the receiver/dryer must be replaced and the system must be placed under a deep vacuum for at least 30 minutes and leak tested. Only then should oil and refrigerant be added (specific volume and weight, respectively). See service manual.
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Old May 11, 2015 | 03:06 PM
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From: gilbert, AZ
Default Re: 253k new for me car AC issues

Agreed but I was going the cheap route to diagnose an unknown system that had probably failed
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Old May 11, 2015 | 03:09 PM
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Default Re: 253k new for me car AC issues

Originally Posted by 86azms3
Agreed but I was going the cheap route to diagnose an unknown system that had probably failed
What you did, if I understood what you posted, never had a chance of resulting in a functioning A/C system, even if there's nothing wrong with the A/C aside from a leak.
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Old May 11, 2015 | 03:16 PM
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Default Re: 253k new for me car AC issues

It should result in a functioning system, not optimal by any means.

I've done this before.

Last thing I want to do is pay a shop 150 bucks to flush and charge my system only to have an AC compressor failure or a massive leak.
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Old May 11, 2015 | 03:19 PM
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Default Re: 253k new for me car AC issues

Originally Posted by RonJ@HT
...prior to adding oil and refrigerant, the receiver/dryer must be replaced and the system must be placed under a deep vacuum for at least 30 minutes and leak tested. Only then should oil and refrigerant be added (specific volume and weight, respectively). See service manual.
My comment stemmed from the fact that none of this^ was mentioned. Without those steps, an empty system will not function.
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Old May 11, 2015 | 03:21 PM
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Default Re: 253k new for me car AC issues

Originally Posted by 86azms3
Last thing I want to do is pay a shop 150 bucks to flush and charge my system only to have an AC compressor failure or a massive leak.
I agree. I do all my A/C work myself. However, you must do it right. Otherwise, you're courting disaster.
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Old May 11, 2015 | 05:02 PM
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Default Re: 253k new for me car AC issues

Im cheap--but even I let the shops worry about the a/c needs.
Then again OP is in AZ so you probably rely on A/C a tad more then I do in NY.
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Old May 11, 2015 | 06:38 PM
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Default Re: 253k new for me car AC issues

You didn't pull a vacuum, from what I read.
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Old May 11, 2015 | 07:18 PM
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Default Re: 253k new for me car AC issues

Ron is right. It's tantamount that the system be pulled under a vacuum AND EVACUATED BEFORE adding refrigerant. And all of it should be done with a manifold gauge set so you can monitor both high and low side of the system to insure optimal pressures.

And for what it's worth, eg and ek civics with US-spec r134a compatible systems should take approximately 1.2 lbs of Freon. You added .5lb and the system locked up. Take the time and replace all the right components so you don't have to do it more than once.
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