88 Civic - Air Conditioning not cold enough

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Old May 7, 2016 | 03:37 PM
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Default 88 Civic - Air Conditioning not cold enough

I just had the AC fixed and while it's cold, I don't think it's cold enough.

77* outside 20% humidity, under a tree with me inside holding the gas pedal at 1500rpm I get a vent reading of 52* using a digital thermometer from Harbor freight.

I had the compressor, dryer, expansion valve, hoses replaced. Everything else was cleaned and old oil removed. 30 min vacuum. New R12 to recharge system.

According to the what Ive read, the matsushita compressor setup requires 28oz and only 2-12oz cans were used. Would this be the reason it's not as cold as it should be? Low 4oz plus any loss from using side tap.

At higher speeds it does get colder, I don't know yet what highway temp are.




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Old May 7, 2016 | 06:38 PM
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Default re: 88 Civic - Air Conditioning not cold enough

According to these websites, it actually requires 34oz of R12.

Honda Refrigerant and oil capacity charts || TechChoice Parts
http://www.austinbaker.net/downloads...%20Catalog.pdf
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Old May 9, 2016 | 03:26 PM
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Default re: 88 Civic - Air Conditioning not cold enough

A low refrigerant charge will defiantly effect vent temp. 94
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Old May 10, 2016 | 10:19 PM
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Default re: 88 Civic - Air Conditioning not cold enough

When recharging the system, I imagine you have a margin of error so you can leave the system a bit low and it'll still work fine. How much room do you have to play with?

Also, if the pressures are too high before adding all the refrigerant, does that mean there is an issue that needs to be fixed or is it high because you over charged it?
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Old May 10, 2016 | 11:44 PM
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Default re: 88 Civic - Air Conditioning not cold enough

My compressor also seems to be making a noise. The compressor is a Reman. Seems like others have had the same issue. Anyone know what the deal is? Some say it's because of low refrigerant or pressure, others say it's a bad design.

Someone recommended a switch to Sanden compressor which would require new hoses ($90) and a bracket which seems difficult to find.

Any help would be appreciated.

https://honda-tech.com/honda-crx-ef-...noise-3253395/
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Old May 13, 2016 | 11:29 AM
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Default re: 88 Civic - Air Conditioning not cold enough

Rapid clicking noise is the clutch "short cycling" a symptom of an under charge. 94
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Old May 14, 2016 | 07:29 PM
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Default re: 88 Civic - Air Conditioning not cold enough

Thanks fcm. I haven't been using it. I need to take it to have the r12 topped off.
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Old May 15, 2016 | 01:40 AM
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Default re: 88 Civic - Air Conditioning not cold enough

Originally Posted by fcm
A low refrigerant charge will defiantly effect vent temp. 94
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Old May 17, 2016 | 07:52 AM
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Default re: 88 Civic - Air Conditioning not cold enough

I would do anything for A/C in my wagovan.
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Old May 17, 2016 | 12:53 PM
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Default re: 88 Civic - Air Conditioning not cold enough

I need it here in Phoenix. It's already over 100*.
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Old May 22, 2016 | 09:43 PM
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Default re: 88 Civic - Air Conditioning not cold enough

Where can I get an ac kit for a Wagovan???
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