Good morning. I have a 1991 Honda Accord Aero Deck, 305,000 miles, with a 1993 Honda Prelude F22B Japanese Domestic Motor (JDM) and a 1994 P39 ECU. About a week ago my serpentine belt snapped. This was accompanied by difficulty starting the engine, i.e. a lot of bucking and stalling. It was a hot day and I was starting the car with the A/C on. I finally got it started and was driving home when the battery idiot light came on. I deduced correctly that the belt that drives the A/C and alternator had failed. I made it home and replaced the belt. I test drove the car and discovered my new belt was very hot to the touch. I observed the belt with the A/C off. The belt spun normally. With the A/C on the belt spun slower than the power steering belt, my battery idiot light came on, and the belt got very hot to the touch. I hooked up the gauges to my A/C pressure ports and the system read 90 lbs on both sides (high and low). I turned on the A/C and no change in pressure readings, i.e. the compressor is not compressing. I have ordered a new compressor with a lifetime warranty (I an NEVER selling this car). The compressor I am replacing was a junk yard special I got about four years ago after having some issues with the compressor while converting the A/C system from R12 to R134a. I will update after I get the new compressor, and I hope this post helps anyone out there with a similar issue.

 

I commend you for "NEVER selling" your car. I'm of the same mind set and my wife hates me for it but something's just cannot be replaced. And although my car's not "perfect" and there's always something that needs to be worked on or done to it, it's perfect to me. And that makes it priceless.

Also, as I'm sure you've already figured out, your A/C compressor clutch is crapping out on you.