I have a 2002 Accord SE sedan that has been slowly leaking AC coolant from the compressor. About 2-3x per year, I've recharged it with refrigerant from the auto parts store, and that's worked great.

But now, it seems like it won't take any more coolant. Originally, I thought the leak in the compressor had gotten so bad that anything I put in would leak right back out.

But I noticed the other night, when the Florida sun was down, that if I turn the AC on, the compressor does turn on, and the air coming from the system does get a little bit colder and a lot less humid.

This tells me that the system is holding some coolant.

Since this is an '02 with 140,000 miles, I'm not willing to take it to the dealer and pay for a new compressor. I need to figure out what I can do to solve the problem cheaply.

Is it possible that, because of the leak, that the system has become full of air and won't take any more refrigerant?

Could it be that if I get the system pumped out and recharged, that I can keep it working with my refills like I have for the past 3 years?

Any suggestions and help are appreciated!

Thanks!

 

I think that you need to find and fix the leak on the compressor. Then have the system evacuated and recharged.

Do you know where the leak is at on the a/c compressor? Look for oil/dirt buildup.

 

Is it possible that the system is now overfilled with 134A?

 

I can see where the leak is. The oil and dirt make it very clear. However, I can't find anyone who is willing to repair a compressor. They want to just replace it, at the corresponding cost for a compressor.

That's why I've been recharging it when it starts blowing warm.

 

Wasn't aware that was even possible. How would I know that if that was the case? Would I see certain behavior on the pressure gauge if this were the case? Is this something I could depressurize on my own?

 

Do you a have manifold gauge pack to check pressure? It will be high if overcharged. Over changing I have always been told will also not cool properly. If you put too much 134A in, the compressor will start to make noise at some point. If you don’t have a way of determining how much 134A you have in you could remove all 134A and start over but you are suppose to recycle the old 134A.

I have just gone the new compressor route on my 2003. I got a Denso from an aftermarket part store and looked to be the same as what I took off for around $300. The compressor was easy compared to the dyer bottle to change.

 

DING! DING! DING! We have a winner! Emptied the system and recharged it, and I have AC again!

And in Florida, in late June, that's a good thing!

Thanks everyone!