Airconditioning issues?

[steveinjapan]

I guess 20 years is long enough for auto a/c to keep working and now mine is about done in. The compressor is working (the lines run hot) but it's probably low on gas and I know better than to just refill it and hope for the best. Honda dealer says they'd need to keep the car for a few WEEKS to diagnose and fix it, and my regular mechanic won't tackle it.

So what are the most likely problems? Anyone have experience? I'm resigned to spending a bundle but at least the parts are all available.

[Steve_M]

Is the compressor actually cutting in and out when switching the system on and off?

[steveinjapan]

Yes, definiitely. There is actually some slight cooling. It basically went from working OK to weak in about a week's time.

Yesterday I watched my regular tech use the leak detector. There didn't seem to be anything drastic either at the compressor, in the footwells, or at the condenser. When he opened the hex nut on the condenser there was obviously gas left. And that's about all I can tell you.

In any case I'm not going to leave it at the dealer's since they complained about how hard Beats are to work on. Got an appointment in a weeks time with the shop that went through the car when I first bought it, the only Beat/MTREC specialist on the island. He said if he can't fix it he'll send it to a nearby a/c specialist who willl.

[Steve_M]

Sounds like just low gas level then.

Compressor wont actually cut in if the pressure is too low (Theres a low/high pressure switch to protect the system)

The system should hold 650 grams of refrigerant.

[steveinjapan]

Thanks Steve... I'd imagine that after 20 years there could be a bit of corrosion or other deterioration. I understood that there is a slow leak and that it would be advisable to find and fix it. For some reason, this takes quite some time. Things move slow here in general, but that's why I like Okinawa.

[Seventynine]

I'll have a whole system i'll be taking out shortly if there's anything you need. the pump is seized but everything else should be fine

Thanks!

[Bruce]

This was my successful experience - it might be of help. The air con chap could not quite believe that the air con system was still working despite zero maintenance (except a new belt) for at least 13 years…

http://www.u-ukhbc.co.uk/vbb/showthread.php?3603-Turning-on-Air-Con-blows-fan-relay-fuse-and-turns-off-ventilation-controls-Help!

[steveinjapan]

This was my successful experience - it might be of help. The air con chap could not quite believe that the air con system was still working despite zero maintenance (except a new belt) for at least 13 years…

http://www.u-ukhbc.co.uk/vbb/showthread.php?3603-Turning-on-Air-Con-blows-fan-relay-fuse-and-turns-off-ventilation-controls-Help!

Thanks Bruce. I'll let you know the diagnosis after I've brought it to a shopp I trust. I'm betting on a leaky evap or something like that.

[steveinjapan]

So the verdict was in fact that it just needed a recharge. My Beat specialist says it's normal for a charge to last only 3-4 years. Wish he would have tightened the belt while he had the car, but I was so happy it didn't cost a fortune that I splurged on a bottle of Lagavulin 16 on the way home.