AC Advice

[terdcivic]

I took out my entire air conditioner and all components years ago and it's been sitting in a box in my garage relatively dust-free since.

I am looking at the Lovefab turbo manifold that is AC compatible in order to put the AC back in the car. Is there any advice from anyone that has done this before on things that I should/shouldn't do when putting it back in? I have heard things about oiling the compressor, leaving the belt off until charging time, etc etc.

ANY advice on the subject would be greatly appreciated, since I've rebuilt quite a few different engines but only have experience removing AC's, not putting them back in.

Thanks!

[D_Eclipse9916]

Hope you completely sealed every component. If not you can either trash everything or take the risk, put in the compressor and condensor (defnitely get a new drier) and have a shop vacuum the a/c for moisture and put in a/c. Off the shelf will not get rid of the moisture that has 99% gotten in your system. Pretty much any reputable shop wil have an a/c machine that does this as part of the regular job, but I would check to make sure.

Thats my input, but I am no 100% expert on a/c

[terdcivic]

Thanks for the input, I'll look into that. I suppose I could ask the dealership what they do about that, because I'm sure somewhere like FFX Honda does it right...albeit expensively.

And no, I didn't seal all the components. I never knew they are so fragile.

[.RJ]

You can put it back in yourself, but use new o-rings and you'll want to get a shop to recharge the system.

[Steve85]

Was it originally an R12 or R134 system? If it's not R134 (or whatever they use now) look into doing the conversion now, I think it's different oil, different o-rings and different drier. All things you need anyway. Put some leak dye in as your putting it together.

You can put the belt on, just don't the AC on and it won't engage the compressor clutch. Probably wouldn't engage anyway, I'm guessing their is a pressure switch that would cut power to the clutch in the absence of freon.

Good luck, I'm planning on reinstalling my AC next time I feel like wrenching.

[terdcivic]

Was it originally an R12 or R134 system?

Not sure, but it's a 97 civic.

Any advice on using the dye? Thanks.

[.RJ]

'97 should be R134. There will be something in the engine bay that says what it uses (sticker, plate, etc).

[NTIman]

Put it all back in, like RJ said with new orings. it will definitely be r134a. Get a shop to recharge it after pulling a vacuum on it (they will know o do that)

Make sure you lube the orings with compressor oil before you install them, otherwise they'll leak. I'd recommend asking the shop to add dye when you take ti to get it recharged. It will save you a ton of trouble down the road.

There is a pressure switch to turn the compressor on, but it works the opposite steve, if its low on freon, it will stay engaged trying to build pressure.

The problem with leaving them unsealed is that moisture builds up inside components. Thats bad. A 15-20 minute vacuum should boil out all moisture.

[NTIman]

btw, instead of leaving the belt off, i'd just unplug the compressor clutch

[balactm]

I have a question dave, why are you putting you're a/c back in? You've always been so keen on not having a/c. I'm guessing one of two things: Karla wants it back, or you're selling. I really hope it's not the latter...

[Jake]

I have a question dave, why are you putting you're a/c back in?

I'm guessing the 147* temps lately might play a part... especially if one needs to show up at work not looking like they went for a swim?

[terdcivic]

I have a question dave, why are you putting you're a/c back in? You've always been so keen on not having a/c. I'm guessing one of two things: Karla wants it back, or you're selling. I really hope it's not the latter...

Two reasons I'm putting it back in: 1) I'm commuting to Bathesda every day this summer, and 2) Karla; so you're 1/2 right.

We all know as soon as it gets cooler outside I'll just put this on the back burner and forget about it.