How to Replace and Recharge AC System (96-00 Honda Civics)
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- čas přidán 23. 06. 2018
- My friend Gabe had purchased the EM1 back in January and the AC was working for a while as the summer temps have risen. The compressor started leaking slowly and the technicians at Pep Boys had shown him where it was coming from. He sourced the parts online and ended up spending about $250 total. He asked me if I could help do the work and of course wanted to try being that I had successfully rebuilt 2 AC systems in the past. The video you sees is everything that transpired in our attempt for some cooler temperatures in this 100+ degree weather we are getting!
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Jon Widmer
PO Box 13594
El Paso, TX 79913
/ garagebuilthondas
Thanks for watching!
Disclaimer
"Due to factors beyond the control of Garage Built Hondas, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. Garage Built Hondas assumes no liability for any property or personal damage that may arise from doing a repair on your vehicle after watching any of my repair videos. Due to factors beyond the control of Garage Built Hondas, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Again, any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Garage Built Hondas." - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Hey John! Good video. I know your disclaimer states that you’re not experts.
But, I would suggest to your viewers to have a competent shop reclaim and evacuate the system (before performing any repairs). Then, have the same shop pull the vacuum, on the system, and fill with an accurate machine. I have no idea of how you reclaimed the refrigerant from the system, before you started pulling stuff apart. Doing it in the driveway, at least, have a shop reclaim the old refrigerant and pull a vacuum (and perform a leak test). I’m sure Chris’ compressor was leaking from the front seal. The rest of the parts were precautionary, IMPO.
Thanks for the input. Means a lot. I'm going to pin this! 👍
@@GarageBuiltHondas how the ac system doing now???
It's doing ok for him. 👍
Glad I could give some good input.
Backyard mechanics have been doing this for years. Everyone makes mistakes, be it a small vacuum pump or an overpriced AC unit. If you can follow directions from a competent mechanic and/or a video, it will turn out just as good. DIY'ers don't need to pay the shop overhead, the overpriced AC machine or the Freon Police.
Dude I’m a VW Guy but love watching what you do. This channel is excellent keep up the great work.
Thanks Ty, I really appreciate you taking the time to watch!!
Man watching your vids have always been helpful. Appreciate the effort that you put in showing the step that’s needed to disassemble and reassemble things.
You're welcome and thank you so much!
As a fellow 2000 civic owner (my first car when it was new) I have to say you took very good care of that SI.
Always watch your content on aftermarket Honda stuff, but never thought I'd come back to the channel for a routine repair guide. I've rebuilt my D16Y8 from the ground up, but am slightly nervous about replacing the AC unit!! Wish me luck, and cheers on all your hard work man!
Thanks for the support and watching some vids!!
My a c on my 96 coup just needed new a c and it worked real good again. Keep on doing yur thing garage built hondas u guys r doing great 👍👍👍 good work
Thanks Randy!
Best comprehensive AC video for civics out there!
Thanks!
I just did this exact same thing to my Civic. I was tired of all the A/C issues so I replaced everything. My expansion valve was a bitch to take off. That 14 mil nut came loose easy but that big mofo nut required heat to take it off. It took about 20 min and it finally came loose. Everything else I replaced was easy and not hard to do. You should have evaced the system for an hour to hour and a half. That's what I did and my A/C is freezing cold. Mine hovers around 32 degrees
I just needed this video only so i could replace my expansion valve. I already put a brand new compressor in when I changed the motor a few weeks ago. You guys helped me get it out, thank you let’s hope that this is the problem
Good luck buddy, hope it works!
You posting this is perfect timing. I’m rebuilding the ac system in my DB8 this weekend. I changed out all of the o-rings, new compressor, and a couple new lines. Today I’m starting to pull the glove box to do the evap stuff. I did not know about the cork tape, I’d be more than happy to send you a few bucks for some!
Want a decal? Buy one for $3 and I'll send you the decal plus the tape!!
Garage Built Hondas that is a no brainer, done deal!
Haven’t even watched the video and I like it, this helps a lot thanks Jon
Thanks buddy!
Thanks for sharing the experience. Hope I can get my ac working soon as well. Otherwise it might stay a night cruiser for a while.
Especially now man, jeez
Thank you! About to put the whole system in since the previous owner took it out.
Good luck!
Just wanted to come back and give this video a thumbs up and say thanks. I daily a 98 Civic DX SDN. While I've got a D16Y7 the AC system is pretty much identical. I watched this video before getting to work and it helped a lot. Thanks for taking the time to document everything. Today was the first day in over 2 years that my daily has had working AC. Its just been too hot and humid this year. I installed all the parts including new maintenance port valves and caps and then had my local shop recharge the system. Blows near freezing cold air. I need to check it with a thermometer but I'm guessing around 40° it's good and cold.
Thanks for the video!
So awesome to hear Matt, going stuff!
Humidity is nice man, lol. I don't know; I like the heat.
Looking at doing the same thing, recharging at a shop. Did you add the oil like the video before taking it in, or was that done during the recharge? How’s everything holding up?
@@VeggieLard I emptied the oil and then added in the specific amount before taking it to the shop. It was holding up fine before the head gasket went a while ago. Make sure you clean out the lines that you are reusing. I forget that part and my AC would make a funny noise like air being slowly released from a balloon but otherwise it worked fine.
@@MJGEGB awesome, thanks man!
Your videos are legit bro
Thanks for that comment man, means a lot!!
Great video
well done getting that back together! Beautiful car, too, wish we got VTi coupes in Europe (only B16 hatchbacks and sedans).
Thanks! That's interesting, I like hearing about the different models across the world that we didn't get.
this video made me subscribe...awesome
Good video man!
Thanks JDM J!
Great video!!! mine only gets to 65 degrees in TX heat.
This an excellent video! I have an EM1 and was wondering what it took to swap out all these components for the AC system. Buying a kit on EBay just like this and I might just attempt this solo following your very detailed instructions. I know it’s an old video but thanks!
Good luck, hope it helps!
Hey guys! By no means are we EXPERTS at this. I did a lot of reading when trying to rebuild my own on my 1991 LX sedan back in 2012 and it successfully worked. I just wanted to share our experience and in filming the video we were hoping we'd have a positive result! See what happens here and thanks for watching!
Garage Built Hondas good job tho i remember when I did mine at my buddy’s who did the powder coating he used a kitchen scale to weigh the Freon. This is a must with our weather being in the 100s consistently
We winged it. The system required between 21-22 ounces. We had 2 cans at 12 ounces each. When we purged them we figured we probably let out about 1 oz from each. Once we were finished we tested the pressure and seemed ok! Working good, for now at least! Let's hope it lasts!
How much did everything cost
He spent around $240 total
Hey, I'd like to get some of that cork insulation tape. I'm replacing my evaporator core and expansion valve on my 98 Civic. Can I just Cash App you?
That Si is so clean. Must be nice to work on
It's alright I guess. Lol
Thanks I think I will take your advice and replace the entire system ....just to be on the safe side....because I don't want any premature failures later on down the line and fill it with r134a
👍😎
This is golden
Thanks dude!
Garage Built Hondas of course ... I actually bought the same kit for my Ek hatch w/bseries and I was wondering what the fuck that coiled up piece was ... (expansion valve) and I had no idea where it went ... I’m gonna end up doing this my self .. feeling confident now thanks to you ! 2 thumbs up bro
Jon, you da man! Worked your editing magic on my snipit clip!👌🏻
Your car looks excellent!!
Thanks buddy!! Thanks for using da clip. It’s far from done . I’m gonna buy another sticker once it’s K swapped and painted just to do another clip for ya. Lol. Money always the issue with home mortgage
I hear that man, I've been so stressed out lately with our potential new home purchase!! Can't wait though! You'll have to get some video clips of it running and tearing it up!
Bar none a home purchase I feel is one of the MOST stressful things in life. Good luck buddy. Yeah have to get some clips with the Boosted B series maybe rig up my iPhone to do it down @ vacant school parking lot in front of my house. lol
I'd love more info on the dumping the oil in the new condenser and putting some back in. I wish you guys filmed that process!
We dumped 4 oz into the compressor after it was emptied, and .5 oz into the condenser.
Alright. I was thinking about doing this with my 98 civic too. When you guys were talking about the dumping and refilling I didnt know you had to do that when getting a new condenser and compressor. I'll have to look more into that side of the project.
The compressor comes with instructions. It said to remove all the old oil and add new. It was probably a packaging issue to prevent the seals inside the compressor from going bad.
After the evac, should there be liquid in your manifold gauge sight glass at this point in the process ? 18:35 Looks like there is yellow liquid. Did you have pump oil flow back into the hoses ? Great vid btw.
Thanks bud!!!! I have to attempt this on my 93 civic Phoenix AZ temps is too dam hot!!!!!
I don't know how you do it without AC there. I'd straight die in my car without it in Phoenix!
Phoenix is nice man. Love the desert ♥️
Thank you ....
I have a 93 Civic (r12 system) with what appears to be blown seals on the compressor. It's covered in oil and there's zero pressure in the system. It cooled fairly well until sudden failure last week so it hasn't been "open" for very long. Condenser coil has 30 yrs worth of gravel dings on it and doesn't look like it would pass a lot of air. So 2 questions: 1) Other than the obvious compressor, what other pieces would you replace? 2) Since there would be some residual mineral oil at least in the lines even if everything else is replaced, would you use POE "ester" oil instead of PAG because it supposedly "plays nice" with both the residual mineral oil as well as the residual PAG in the new compressor (after I dump out the factory PAG fill)?
when do you know to replace the evaporator?
they make a rx11 flush kit thats just a small bottle and a gun with a rubber cone end to flush all the lines and evap coils and whatnot but im not sure if you can buy them without going to AC supply houses, or paying a high premium online.
👍
Great job, thank you for the quality content! In the future can you put a list of the parts you got in the description? With any install video, thank you!
I suggest Gabe getting an aluminum under panel to replace the plastic one that is no longer there. BEATRUSH Aluminum UnderPanel 1996-2000 Civic, that one looks good and is $230. Or make one with sheet metal!
I'll have him read this comment, I know he wanted something there. I can try to do that for the parts list, thanks for that suggestion!
Kevin Acasio Are you talking about the engine undercover? Those break over the time due to high speed winds when driving fast on the highway. I was thinking in fiberglassing it being is cheaper in my opinion.
Fiberglass would be too brittle. Imagine a rock or some random piece of metal bouncing up and hitting it, the fiberglass would have a lot of damage quickly I would think.
Garage Built Hondas You do have a valid point there, but who knows because in my experience those plastic covers always break due to the high winds. I might still end up doing it because it should be a lot less cheaper than getting it in metal or aluminum material.
I usually just remove them after they break and never replace them. It makes it easier to get to the bottom of the engine and clean it or replace parts! 👍
Good shit
Thanks man
Any chance you still have some cork tape?
I dont, sorry.
Question, i have a 2000 civic dx sedan and my front driver side caliper is leaking from the piston seal. What would be a good aftermarket replacement that wont break the bank. Im looking to replace both front calipers...
Rock Auto has some very good prices. I've used AutoZone with no issues either. If you're willing, they sell complete kits to rebuild your caliper if that's something within your scope of mechanics.
So glad my CRX HF has no ac or power steering lol, so much less to worry about
It's true, it's a pain. He needed this though, it's gross hot out now and this is his daily.
Another fantastic video Great work Jon keep up good work , what is A/C???
I know. The dreaded EF curse!
Garage Built Hondas yes jon Struggle is real haha
I can't do it anymore, my old bones can't take it!
Garage Built Hondas race car now crx
Hey man I have a question, at which point during this process do you add the Pag 46 Oil to your compressor? And does vacuuming the system out with the Pag 46 in it, leave the oil or suck it out too ? If so how am I supposed to keep that oil in the compressor, yet vacuum the system o. O???
Before you hook the lines up to the compressor you'll add it in. Vacuuming it only pulls the air/atmosphere out of the system. The oil will be just fine. 👍
Hey GBH quick question, does it have to be cork insulation tape or will foam insulation tape work too?
As long as it's for cold pipes. I used this because it's what was used from the manufacturer.
do i have to completely cover that thermo valve or can it just be hanging on there?
Needs to be covered with cork insulation tape.
Hey bro, I did exactly everything on the video, but my ac and heater not working. The ac dash works but theres no air coming out from 1-4. Do you know what can cause this? Can it be a bad blower motor. Let me know please thanks alot man.
Possibly. I don't really know for sure. I don't have much experience with non functioning blower motors.
Got a question y’all may be able to help out with! So I had recently swapped a B20B into my 99 Sedan. AC worked like a charm. Fast forward hydrolocked that motor and it blew a hole front and back on the block; motor has since been replaced but now my AC is hot! Replaced the condenser because a piece of block hit right on the line between the fins. Also replaces the compressor. Issue I’m having now is the low side is reading too high according to same shop who recharged the system. Should I just go ahead and replace all of the AC? I’m in TX too and it’s too hot lol! Any info be great! Thanks!
It might be best. Could be a clogged expansion valve or the receiver drier isn't working well as it's not supposed to see outside atmosphere.
How much time did you have to wait once started the car to see the high pressure gauge to go up to normal operating range?
Should be immediate if you have the correct amount of refrigerant installed.
Hi gbc...sorry I'm not a much knowing car person but I just wanted to ask....why do people no want powersteering on there ef Honda's? Is power steering such a bad thing...once you begin to change into bigger engines?
Of course, glad you asked. Most people want it to look cleaner to n the engine bay, and try to make more power. I personally love power steering. If it's there and still working, no need to remove it.
And it's true, it is hard to fit the power steering pump with a larger engine swapped in there. The pump may not fit anymore.
Hey @garagebuilthondas I could really use your input on what is wrong with my 89’ EF Civic. It’s a DX model with an SI swap D16a6. It won’t start anymore it’s just been siting not moving. It also doesn’t make any sense to me because it has spark and fuel. The distributor is brand new and the rotor is set correctly. It cranks but doesn’t start. I tried reading my engine codes but it tells me is a code 13 which is a atmospheric pressure which makes zero sense. I just got home one night and came out the next day and tried to start it but it won’t start. Someone please help me because it’s driving me to the edge!!!! Someone gimme some thoughts!!
MAP sensor. Code 13 usually arises from a bad MAP sensor.
do you have to release any pressure prior to taking it apart?
You'll need to properly evac any old refrigerant.
Hey GBH I have a 1988 civic sedan and my compressor wont turn on but when i connect it to battery it goes on (red wire) I checked all relays and binary switch it's all fine new ac hoses and condenser and accumulator has pressure in the system as well any ideas please? b20b swap with pr4 ecu
Pressure switch if ok?
Yes new switch as well as new relays i notice that my ac accessorie lights aren't on but the ac button turns on when pushed in the little green light turns on cluster lights are fine fuses are fine.
So when you connect it to the battery and it "goes on" your car is blowing cold air and the AC works as long as it's hardwired directly to the battery?
Hey! I’ve a ‘92 CRX Si with factory AC and when I turn the button on I don’t hear the AC compressor click, it has no gas atm , is it because of that ? ‘Cause I don’t want to fill it up and shoot everything in the atmosphere, it wouldn’t be nice ^^
Thanks for your help, and your awesome videos !
Yup, you need refrigerant in the system for the compressor clutch to turn on.
Where did he take it to check for a ac leak and how much did they charge him?
Pep Boys. I don't think they charged him but just gave him an estimate and showed him the leak.
Is the ac still blowing cold ? 3 years later
He sold the car a year later but yes.
Hi....Jon was wondering while watching this video....about my sedans a/c cooling and wanted to replace r12 with newer r34 and was wondering if it can be done and how ....and what parts do I need if any....because I would love to use the r34 refrigerant since its easily accessible for purchase from almost anywhere that sells automotive parts and fluids ...misc.etc. My system is dry unsure if any remaining r12 refrigerant is even still in there...but was watching this video ...and figured I would ask...before I forget.... Lol lately I have been forgetful lol because I have my project on my mind a lot most of my focus gets all my attention even when in the shower or getting ready for bed my wife is so understanding but gets frustrated at times when seeking my attention lol hahahahaha my fault end up apologizing for not listening ....lmmfao omg I almost got the couch thank god she understands but gave me the temporary poughty face ....lol
If your system has been empty and if there are any leaks and it has been exposed to the atmosphere for more than a day, you'll need to replace the expansion valve and receiver/drier. You may also want to flush the evap core and condenser to make sure there aren't any contaminants inside of it. Honestly it's easier to just replace the parts altogether. It can be an expensive job but definitely worth it in the end.
Hello
Great video
Why u dont show how to put the oil?
You just add it to the compressor.
@@GarageBuiltHondas ok thanks
Do you still have some of that foam tape??
Yes. DM me on Instagram
I forgot to mention that I bought all brand new Honda parts. I am not ripping apart the A/C system again.
Would r12 be the same process as what you did on that civic model? I'm wanting to do this on my r12 civic 93 model since r12 is much more cooler in idling Temps and in the 100 F weather. Any tips on r12 you can lend me a hand on?
It's the same process, just a different refrigerant. I've never used r12 as it's a lot more expensive and difficult to find now since it's no longer used. I believe it's illegal also now. You could probably find some though, I see people still using it.
Theres brand like tek 12, freeze 12 and some others. But ill keep updated in the future since I want to be one of those guys who will keep r12 ac alive even though im not experienced in handling the job yet. But with more learning and training, Ill get it down and running. ill try to keep you posted on r12 freon and get a difference in temps along with r134a since I dont want to give up the r12 yet.
The crxs had r12 ac when they were made but most are retrofitted with r134a nowadays
Im putting an ac system in my non crx ac dx model that I had before giving to my brother. So Im working on two cars nd can learn alot from this
Please do, I'd love to hear about it. The r134a does not work as well in the EF's when you're sitting at a light. They really struggle to keep cool unless the car's moving forward.
Temperature is not the only important thing here. You also need to ensure pressure is correct for your outside temperature, height based on sea-level elevation, barometric pressure, and humidity for the time that you are testing. Honda has several charts that will confirm your AC system has the correct pressure based on those factors. They are readily available online. Too much Freon or too little Freon, as well as oil, can result in damage to AC components such as locked up compressor, burnt compressor clutch, and leaking AC system. I understand the gentlemen in this video are not experts, but that's just food for thought. High and low pressure measurements are more important than temperature for a properly functioning AC system.
Appreciate the feedback!
@@GarageBuiltHondas not trying to be rude. Just offering my experience. I do MVAC on cars all the time at my shop
PS....NGK spark plug wires spark plugs starter inhibitor switch aka starter clutch neutral switch arrived ....next fuel filters oil filters switches main relay fuel sender fuel pump and assembly and fuel tank with new straps ....yay woowee lots of parts lots of money....but well worth the investment to keep my car alive .....my parts list is surely getting smaller ....replacing relays switches and parts ....suspension brakes wheels tires aka note please send me your wheel tire combo set up because I really love the stance ....awesome looking ...also body and pain glass moldings weather stripping and misc.etc. parts on the rebuild list ....many more parts not listed due to a very large list detailed to complete and OEM look with show room attention ....once back in California I'm considering a k20 k24 swap six speed but we will see ...until then keep wrenching buddy ....hi-5 x hi-5 to you and your buddies for making these videos for all of us to watch....my wife is actually learning more about cars and repairs ...she helped me remove and re assemble parts ....I was so proud of her....only needed minor help with tight bolts or verbal instructions on order of assembly ...so once again Jon thank you so very much....
And 🙏 to you for watching all of them, I appreciate the continued support! The tires I like the most are 205/50 on any 15x7 or 15x6.5 wheel. That's a good fit for all EF's and you don't encounter any rubbing issues either.
Hey Jon I got a little problem idk if you help me solve it my car the 1991 Civic ef and it’s the one I did the mpfi swap,when ever I am on the freeway going like 70mph trying to go faster but I won’t let it’s starts slowing down it goes like into a limp mode or something idk if you have had any problem like with your cars anything helps thanks
Any check engine lights?
Garage Built Hondas no none
Not sure, maybe a bad o2 sensor or fouled fuel injector.
Garage Built Hondas thank you for the help always coming in clutch😂
What was it?
Blower motor assembly should have been removed and cleaned also, prior to evaporator reinstall.
Dont make the mistake of NOT wrapping the expansion valve. ask me how I know.
how you know??
Expansions valves are not required to be wrapped.
Maintenance?
?
where did he get the parts?
He bought this kit for $200 off eBay. rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F191779142098
Garage Built Hondas Thank you very much
You got it!
Where is aircon thermostat?
www.hondafactoryparts.com/oem-parts/honda-thermostat-air-conditioner-80430s01a11?origin=pla&gclid=Cj0KCQjwivbsBRDsARIsADyISJ8Rkc24lL31svHVHO53eYzcU-BY65Y_60yFlWjnpA--aYCmhi46itUaAj0mEALw_wcB
First time on this channel. Just by the condition of the bay and the lack of rust, I assume you're in a warmer state.
Sigh. I wish.
West Texas where it's dry. No humidity thankfully!
@@GarageBuiltHondas I must visit there one day! My sister in law lives there. But can't lie, I'm a fan of the humidity, haha.
Why changed the whole system if the leak is just the compressor?Time is gold,fix the problem and move on.But thank you for posting the procedures.
Possible contamination in his expansion valve. He had left the system open for too long.
;w; Could you possibly spot me some of that cork insulation? I can definitely pay for postage! I'm very close, Alamogordo, so wouldnt be much
Any tips on that first civic you did? Mine would bea 1988 civic wagon, which is basically the same model year as the 1990, so I'm sure it would be similiar
Sure, send me $1 through PayPal and I'll send you some! garagebuilthondas@yahoo.com is my PayPal.
No additional tips, we did the exact same process as here, just different in the way all the parts mount because it's a different chassis, but I performed it the exact same as this job.
Alright! Sent :3 Still lovin the decal on my honda.
Awesome, will have it out tomorrow!
Let Gabe know his driver's front tire is on backwards lol
That's so funny you noticed, he noticed the next day when his car was feeling funny!
I worked at a tire store in Indiana growing up, some things just stick...I catch myself staring at tires and tread design and depth... horrible life lol
Haha, it's funny how things like that stick, but important stuff we need to remember doesn't work sometimes.
Yeah, like how I just remembered that the bolts that are seized in my rear struts aren't threaded at the strut lol
Wanna pull a vacuum with a vacuum pump.
Could you mail me some of that cork tape???
Buy a decal and I'll throw it in the envelope.
@@GarageBuiltHondas of course man. Where can I email you?
I went ahead and ordered a decal off the website. Please include some cork tape. Thanks man. I subscribed as well
👍
Hella complicated fuck all that
I have to replace my *entire* system. Lines and all 😭
Idiot me completely missed, when looking for my first used car, that a whole piece of the low pressure side going to the compressor is missing, and the entire system is filled with water 😭
Kill me.
I'm sure you could re-use the lines. Those can be flushed and cleaned easily.
@@GarageBuiltHondas the issue is, i have no idea how long this car has sat unused.
It's a 1997 camry in otherwise perfect condition with a poultry 117k miles. Im the 3rd owner.
Its a normal title.
So idk wtf could have gone on in the past 23 years.
And theres water in thw pipes. I know this because a wide flared end with a fitting is just sitting facing into the open air. Which it obvs shouldn't have been doing.
It goes into the compressor
Im concerned about rust flakings stuffing the expansion valve or screwing with the compressor.
I still think the lines can be reused. They should be aluminum, not steel as most AC lines are bent very easily.
Hey John thank you for this, whats your email?
I can respond here. It's actually faster.