a/c compressor/clutch making noises!

[madras]

Hi, just got my car back from Honda and noticed that at high engine speeds (above about 6-7000rpm) and only when the a/c in on I'm getting a noise so I'm guessing it might be the bearings in the compressor or something. AC is still ICE cold and been recently recharged with a new reciever dryer too. I only just had the cambelt done as well so hope I don't need to take those belts off again!

suggestions, do I need a new compressor or are there bits that can be replaced?

Many thanks,

[duncan]

Before you start [again] on the A/C I suggest you check the belt tension and then adjust the idler wheel to achieve the specified tension before putting your hand in your pocket. A spring balance used for weighing fish and a scrap of paper with the required deflection marked on it will suffice.
For an already run A/C belt Honda specify 12-14 mm deflection with a 10 kg load.
The problem may go away, it may not.

If you have A/c problems I can recommend a supplier called Compressor Tech/Motor Climate, 66-102 Cherrywood Road, Birmingham, 0121 766 5006, and ask for Bob Stokes.

Ask me how I know, my A/C compressor seized, grenading its innards into the other components.

As a price comparison between HUK and Compressor Tech [all excluding VAT];
Receiver/Drier £263.74-v-£20.79;
Expansion Valve £210.34-v-£28.95;
Compressor New-v-Refurbish £1286.12-v-£245;
Evaporator £910-v-built to pattern £295-£350;
Condensors [the radiators at the front] £?-v-built to pattern @ 16mm thick £275, 20-22mm thick £350.
All in all, not a difficult choice, that plus a lot of wisdom and the recommendation of a good local A/C guy for the flushing, purging and gassing.

Before it all goes bang, remember that to remove the A/C compressor requires the removal of rear chassis braces, gear change linkage and front engine cross mount; replacement of the Evaporator is quoted at between 9 and 14 hours and will need the drain down of the coolant and the removal of the dash board. None of which you really want to to do/pay for unless you have to.

The £245 figure for a refurbishment included new clutch, new 'gut pack' replaced bearings, almost everything apart from the pulley and mounts to the body and the manifold to the hoses.

I'm happy to talk if you wish to PM me.

[Greybloke]

Duncan
Im in need of a new compressor (I think) the prices you quoted earlier in the year look quite compelling, I'll give them a call. Did they work on your car or did you do the work yourself, if so would you reccomend them?

Anyone know of anyone else they would trust in the Beds / Herts / Cambs area?

[markc]

I purchased a brand new compressor from eBay (US) a couple of years ago for about $150. P&P was very reasonable and it arrived within a week from ordering.

Yes it's a Chinese made copy but it fitted easily and works well. I did have to swap the pulley as it came with the smaller (Integra) one but that was simple.

I've no idea how long it will last but at that price I'm happy :)

This one looks similar... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1991-2005-ACURA-NSX-NEW-AC-A-C-COMPRESSOR-KIT-/270638829275

Cheers

Mark

[Nick Graves]

This is weird - the Civ's has also started a bit of a squeaky rattle recently.

Blasting the pulley/clutch with WD40 made it STFU, which is a handy test if you are unsure exactly where it's coming from. Of course, it was the last pulley I tried...

I'll see how long the 'fix' lasts, but might also need an air-con specialist in Herts.

[Nick Graves]

http://www.autoairconparts.co.uk/Honda-CIVIC-3-DOOR-HATCH-1.6-Petrol-Manual/Auto-Jan-96-to-Feb-01-car-air-conditioning-compressors-pumps-condensers-aircon-radiators-and-more/

They've nowt for the NSX, but you might possibly find a match by trawling the part numbers. C27 Legends might be a good start - best of luck!

[lotusolly]

When I checked with Honda about replacing mine last year I was informed the part number had changed and now also cross references with the compressor on a civic.

As mark has already stated, the states also list it as being the same part as for an Integra.
Also need to replace mine so could be a good time for a group buy?

Olly

[markc]

I should add that I killed mine at a track day by forgetting to turn the A/C off. Extended periods of high revs will cook the compressor.

Secondly, if your compressor is making grumbling noises, switch off the A/C until it's fixed. The compressor will eventually seize which could destroy the drive belt which could potentially damage the timing belt cover and/or timing belt with expensive results to valves and pistons :(

Cheers

Mark

[Greybloke]

Thanks guys, well my AC has not worked for some months, but as I dont use the car too much at the moment, its not been a big issue, but need to get it all up and running now.

Kaz rebuilt the board for me last year, and I stupidly thought all I needed was a re gas. I've replaced the receiver / collector and took it for a re gas today, only to be told the compressor was knackered. So...... will have a look at the ebay options as this would be much cheaper that the £345 +VAT quoted for a rebuild!!!

[Kaz-kzukNA1]

For your reference, the compressor is Denso 10PA15C. Shared with other Honda models or even with other car manufactures so should be easy to get hold of re-conditioned one.

Please check your gas type and always replace the receiver whenever you have your system overhauled. It's acting as the filter as well.

Ideally, it is best to replace the O-rings at each joints but there are several points where it is best not to loosen them otherwise, you will create new leakage. It would be nice to have the leak detector added when you re-gas the system but your A/C specialist would know better than me.

Hope your system will get healthy soon.

Kaz

[NSX 2000]

For your reference, the compressor is Denso 10PA15C. Shared with other Honda models or even with other car manufactures so should be easy to get hold of re-conditioned one.

Please check your gas type and always replace the receiver whenever you have your system overhauled. It's acting as the filter as well.

Ideally, it is best to replace the O-rings at each joints but there are several points where it is best not to loosen them otherwise, you will create new leakage. It would be nice to have the leak detector added when you re-gas the system but your A/C specialist would know better than me.

Hope your system will get healthy soon.

Kaz

Now that Kaz has put up that part number IIRC Gary (Hagasan (I think that is his forum name)) had to fit a new one to his car and this is the same part as fitted by Porsche. For some reason they don't charge an arm and a leg for this part.

HTH (I could also be wrong:()

Paul

[Greybloke]

For your reference, the compressor is Denso 10PA15C. Shared with other Honda models or even with other car manufactures so should be easy to get hold of re-conditioned one.

Please check your gas type and always replace the receiver whenever you have your system overhauled. It's acting as the filter as well.

Ideally, it is best to replace the O-rings at each joints but there are several points where it is best not to loosen them otherwise, you will create new leakage. It would be nice to have the leak detector added when you re-gas the system but your A/C specialist would know better than me.

Hope your system will get healthy soon.

Kaz
Thanks Kaz, that may well simplify things, and save some dosh as well:)