94 Honda Accord EX

So.. after I replaced my condenser fan with a cheapo ebay brand. I noticed it rubbed on the A/C Suction Hose but didnt think any thing of it.

2 weeks later.

I get home from a fishing trip and I hear a very audible hissing sound.
Yep the rubbing cut straight through the metal fittings on the suction hose.

I just ordered an original from honda to replace. But before I recharge the system.

What do I need to do to prepair it for a new charge?
And can I do it myself with the kits they sell at walmart?
Also what about the oil?

Thanks guys. This is one of the best forums i've been to. Saved me lots of time and frustration.

 

You'll need a vacuum pump to remove ALL the air & moisture before you fill with refrigerant. There's a couple guys on here that are good with A/C, so hope someone chimes in...

ps... it's R-134a.

 

haha.. thanks.

I had my flashlight in my sights when typing that up lol.

 

With regard to changing out with R134 the current refrigerant, you should be OK. I did that on my 93 Accord and it worked. The kits at Walmart / Auto zone come with a gauge st, adapter fittings for the suction and discharge line, and some cans of R134 depending on what kit you buy. They come with instructions DVD. take some time to read, and find out for sure where the suction charging port is and it is very important. You don't want to charge from the high pressure side as it can be dangerous.
Important: R134 is under pressure, and being a refrigerant you have to be careful to keep your eyes covered with safety glasses and preferably the eyes turned away from the charging port and not looking into it as some leak during connecting the hose can spray on you.

Steps:

1. Install the new hose that replaces the damaged hose and tighten the fittings.
2. Generally an accepted norm is to change the accumulator or receiver drier.
3. Yes, as mentioned above the first thing is to evacuate the lines with the vacuum pump to get rid of the left over R12, moisture and some old oil. If the vacuum pump has the hose fittings to match the existing valve that will be perfect.
4. Buy one of the R 134 conversion kits. Typically there is nothing great about the conversion kit. It will have a new charging adapter for the R134 refrigerant, a gauge set and instructions.
5. Install those fittings in the suction and discharge port.
6. Get the R 134 cans that have the oil already in it or buy an oil charge can and follow instructions and load it.
7. Follow instructions and add the R134.
8. Your car manual or under the dash label should indicate the refrigerant capacity. Be sure to keep the amount of refrigerant you are putting below that qty.I would keep the qty about 4-6 oz less than the capacity indicated on the label.
9. When charging the R134, follow the instructions in the kit and don't invert the can to speed the charging process. You can damage the compressor by charging the liquid.
Finally, charging R 134 during the hot time of the day would be better since the R134 can evaporate much faster and also the AC system will have the thermal load to speed the charging process.

I hope I covered every thing. In case I missed or posted incorrect info, other readers please feel free to correct me.

Good Luck and stay cool!

 

This is a good answer from this member..
Thank You for helping out another member

WheelBrokerAng

 

Good except for the conversion kit. I think his 1993 has had R-134a from the factory, so it's not a CONVERSION exactly. It just leaked out when the hose ripped.

In any case, fusionstar you should look for the refrigerant sticker somewhere in the engine compartment to verify that your car had R134a before the leak. I think Honda quit using R-12 before 1993.

 

wow, thanks. Thats a big write up, much appreciated. I dont have a vacuum pump or the gauges so I think this will have to go to the a/c repair shop. I was quoted 80 bucks to vac and fully recharge the system. So ill probably have to go that route. I lack the proper tools to do it in the garage. Thanks

Torn

 

To:
WheelBrokerAng
Administrator


Thanks for the complement regarding my post. I know I have benefited a lot from this forum to diagnose problems with my car. It was possible only because another member unselfishly took the time to document and explain it. One of the classic posts I have come across is the main relay problems associated with cold solder joints and I was able to do it myself for nothing, after wasting $300 with the mechanics who were experimenting replacing different items. This place is a great source for a wealth of knowledge, and even if you don't do it yourself you could be a knowledgeable consumer when you go to a dealership or a mechanic. This way being aware of the problems, you save yourself from getting ripped off. Therefore, it is time for me to give back and I enjoy it.
The 1993 Accord I have is a 10th anniversary edition and it had the R12. I had to install the adapters before charging with R 134.
ramachan9

 

Good info. So fusionstar DOES need to do the conversion after all.