Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

atxjax on Sat August 27, 2011 1:38 PM

Year: 2001
Make: Hona
Model: Civic
Engine Size: d17a1
Refrigerant Type: r134a
Ambient Temp: 103
Pressure Low: 45
Pressure High: ?
Country of Origin: United States

Trying to find out some info to pass along to my mother in law. This is for her car which is a 2001 Honda Civic. She took it to a shop to have the A/C repaired since the compressor was making an awful noise. $1200 dollars later, new compressor, drier, and expansion valve. A/C Barely cools to 52 on the highly doing about 65mph.

Only thing they didnt replace was the condemner. Although it looks kinda rough from the outside air still flows through it. i told her to take it back to the shop since its got a 1 year warranty. I hooked up a low side pressure gauge to it and the low side was 45 PSI at idle ( 100 degrees outside ) and 30 PSI at about 3000 RPM.

What can you guys recommend I tell the grease monkeys over there to look at?

gaseousmercury on Sat August 27, 2011 2:12 PM

it is possible that the old compressor's internal parts broke down and metal filings and such got into the evaporator, condenser, and the lines. The poblem with this is, the system needs to be flushed prior to replacing the compressor and a new drier needs to be installed. The condenser shold be replaced on account that it can not be flushed by design. if they actually flushed the system and actually changed the drier it is possible that debris lodged in the condeser made its way back to the new compressor and is burning it out....Also the compressor could be failing due to inadequate lubrication; they could have not put ebough oil in or the wrong viscosity

atxjax on Sat August 27, 2011 2:18 PM

I found it odd that they didnt replace the condenser either. Both fans kick on so I know its not a fan issue. I will tell her to go up there and have them make it right. if she has to pay for a new condenser so be it as long as they cover the labor and refill since they shoul dhave done it in the first place.

mk378 on Sat August 27, 2011 2:20 PM

Yes a total replacement is not out of the question after a scroll compressor blows. Certainly a new condenser. Was the noise from inside the compressor or just the pulley? If it was making noise all the time the engine was running (A/C on or off), it could have just been the pulley bearing and compressor debris wouldn't be an issue.

Also, especially if they are total hacks, they may not have evacuated and recharged properly, or used too much oil.

atxjax on Sat August 27, 2011 3:50 PM

well, taking he car back for sure. well see what happens after that.

It was the internals making nose when it was bad. oud kick on the compressor and it would make a horrible tapping noise.

JJM on Sun August 28, 2011 12:10 AM

That's pretty pricey considering the condenser - which should have been replaced - was not replaced.

Probably not a good idea to tell the mechanics how to do their job. Tell them your concerns (system is not cooling enough) and let them make recommendations. After $1,200 though, the system should be working perfectly.

I fear, however, that you might be caught up in a vicious cycle of repeat failure because of the condenser not being replaced and unknown flushing techniques. Is the repair warranteed?

I hate when I see stuff like this...

Joe

When considering your next auto A/C purchase, please consider the site that supports you: www.ACKits.com

TRB on Sun August 28, 2011 12:24 AM

Not saying it's this individual by any means. About 3 weeks ago I quoted a local person on a repair similar to this. Person said I was out of line as the shop down the street cost half as much. Said flushing and such was just a rip off by high priced shops.

-------------------------

When considering your next auto A/C purchase, please consider the site that supports you: ACkits.com
Contact: ACKits.com

atxjax on Sun August 28, 2011 8:42 AM

Quote
Originally posted by: JJM
That's pretty pricey considering the condenser - which should have been replaced - was not replaced.



Probably not a good idea to tell the mechanics how to do their job. Tell them your concerns (system is not cooling enough) and let them make recommendations. After $1,200 though, the system should be working perfectly.



I fear, however, that you might be caught up in a vicious cycle of repeat failure because of the condenser not being replaced and unknown flushing techniques. Is the repair warranteed?



I hate when I see stuff like this...



Joe



When considering your next auto A/C purchase, please consider the site that supports you: www.ACKits.com


12K miles 12 month warranty. I agree that it needs to go back immediately. I will ask them to replace the condenser on my mother in laws dime if they cover the labor.