AC compressor

Hondasucks · #1 05-17-2009, 07:49 PM

I think my compressor bit the dust. My AC was working fine, and then yesterday I got in my car (after I had just driven it and had the AC working just fine!) and and it started blowing hot air, and I could feel the compressor kicking on and off fairly rapidly. When I got to my friend's house I popped the hood and turned the AC on, the compressor will engage, make about four rotations and then it makes this funny noise and shuts off.

I'm gonna diagnose it on Monday at work and see what's going on, but if I need a compressor, does anyone have one?

NiftySVX · #2 05-17-2009, 08:14 PM

Maybe just low on refrigerant? I had to recharge both of my SVXs once. I knew it was time when the compressor would start cycling periodically.

1986nate · #3 05-17-2009, 08:17 PM

R12 or R134a?

Blacky · #4 05-17-2009, 10:07 PM

'92 is R12 unless it's already been converted.

1986nate · #5 05-17-2009, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blacky

'92 is R12 unless it's already been converted.

Yes, thats why I was asking...

Blacky · #6 05-18-2009, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1986nate

Yes, thats why I was asking...

Sorry, my telepathy wasn't working. What difference would it make?

1986nate · #7 05-18-2009, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blacky

Sorry, my telepathy wasn't working. What difference would it make?

The R12 freon is very different from R134a and you need to do a proper conversion in order to run R134a on a R12 system.

Sorry for the hijack...

NiftySVX · #8 05-19-2009, 05:52 PM

There is no such thing, you'll never have a properly functioning A/C system if you convert it unless you replace the compressor, all the hoses and o-rings, the dryer, the control unit, and the expansion valve.

Oh and I think there is a different evaporator, too.

Converting an A/C system is the worst thing you can do. It will cause you problems.

1986nate · #9 05-19-2009, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NiftySVX

There is no such thing, you'll never have a properly functioning A/C system if you convert it unless you replace the compressor, all the hoses and o-rings, the dryer, the control unit, and the expansion valve.

Oh and I think there is a different evaporator, too.

Converting an A/C system is the worst thing you can do. It will cause you problems.

Well, that is what I'm planning on doing to mine, already have all hoses, dryer, condenser, will work on getting other parts at some point when I have money

NiftySVX · #10 05-19-2009, 06:01 PM

Why? The R-12 system in the SVX is actually the better system. My 92 always blew a few degrees colder than my 94. Plus, R-12 runs at lower pressures which means less drag on the engine.

Oh, and the dryer is useless if it has been exposed to air for more than 15 minutes, the desiccant is saturated.

1986nate · #11 05-19-2009, 06:05 PM

One reason.... COST... R12 is about $900 for a 20lb tank, R134a is about $120 so a refill of R12 is about $90 just for the refridgerant plus labor

NiftySVX · #12 05-19-2009, 06:14 PM

You shouldn't have to charge it more than once if you correct your problem. These cars don't usually leak anywhere fancy, I've seen a bunch of 92s leak from the rubber hoses and from the o-rings on the condenser. Look for the oil, I bet it's on your condenser or that hose that runs by the oil filler cap towards the radiator area, or on the unions at the compressor itself.

1986nate · #13 05-19-2009, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NiftySVX

You shouldn't have to charge it more than once if you correct your problem. These cars don't usually leak anywhere fancy, I've seen a bunch of 92s leak from the rubber hoses and from the o-rings on the condenser. Look for the oil, I bet it's on your condenser or that hose that runs by the oil filler cap towards the radiator area, or on the unions at the compressor itself.

Haven't even tried using mine as when I bought the car, it had no condensor

I might just go that route though.

I have an extra R12 compressor but don't know if it actually is good and have no way of testing it. It turns freely though and seems as though it would be good.

NiftySVX · #14 05-19-2009, 06:56 PM

If it turns freely, it is probably good. If I had your car I would do this:

Inspect the fittings for the condenser on the lines. Replace any lines that are damaged or corroded. Inspect the condenser and the fitting areas. Install new o-rings and install the lines onto the condenser. Replace the receiver dryer (do not remove the plugs on the new dryer until you are ready to connect it and then immediately vacuum the system, I would mount it and connect its lines last, right before you vacuum it) and of course inspect fittings and replace o-rings.

Take your extra compressor, if that is the one you intend to use, and drain the oil out of it. Record the amount. Install the compressor assembly, replacing both o-rings on the compressor for the line fittings with new.

Vaccum the system down as close to 30 as you can (use a good vacuum pump) and inspect for leaks. It should hold a vacuum for a long time( I usually leave mine to sit for at least 15 minutes with no more than 1-2 mm drop in pressure). If it holds a vacuum then add fresh oil to the system in the amount you removed from the compressor.

Run the system for a week or two, then evacuate the refrigerant and separate the oil from it using a recovery/recycling machine. Record the amount of oil removed, and add the same amount of fresh oil.

You now have an a/c system that is restored to factory working order.

1986nate · #15 05-19-2009, 07:17 PM

Good info

, I have direct access to an a/c machine at my friend's dads. What I meant by an extra comp is that I have the one on my DD(no belt on it) and the one from my parts car so I can possibly sell the one to Hondasucks. I would still need an R12 condensor as I only currently only have a 134a condensor-the condensor from the parts car was rusted apart where the lines connect

Oh, and Hondasucks, you have a PM