Hey guys,

I very recently replaced the A/C compressor on my 2000 Honda Civic Si. I used an OEM Denso compressor and checked that the system it held vacuum for over 24 hrs. I filled 'er up with freon and made sure to use a manifold gauge set to ensure high/low pressure was within range given ambient temperature. I also replaced the receiver/drier and all gaskets, and tightened all the bolts to torque specs.

Everything seemed fine, but it turns out my A/C system has now developed a very bad leak (not sure when it started). I haven't checked the freon level, but the compressor clutch isn't engaging, so I'm guessing it's very low.

I checked with a UV light (freon had dye) and found a few major leak areas:

1) compressor body and splash guard beneath it is speckled in dye
2) suction valve plate has a layer of dye
3) area right behind the right headlamp is COVERED in dye. this seems to be the biggest leak area.


The only thing that struck me as odd when I did the repair was that I had to use almost two full 12oz cans of R134a when I filled up the freon.


Any clue what went wrong?

 

Did you lube o-rings and use new o-rings. If you have a leak fittings are not aligned correctly.