1998 honda civic a/c compressor replacement...

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pugal - 26 Jun 2006 16:10 GMT

Hello All,
When I turn on the A/C in my 1998 Honda Civic EX....I get the feeling
that the engine is stalling. The dealer checked it and told me that the
A/C compressor must be replaced and the total charge for the
replacement including labor is 1,200/- I checked the price of the
compressor and it is $320. Not sure why the dealer is charging me 3
times the price of the part.
I live in Woburn- Massachusetts. Any recommendations? Please help.

Thanks
Pugal

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Earle Horton - 26 Jun 2006 18:05 GMT

Anyone who works on AC systems has to have special tools and recycling
equipment, plus be certified by the EPA. Many use these requirements as an
excuse to jack up what they charge their customers. Well, somebody has to
pay for the vacuum pump, recycling station, training, and licensing fees.

I put a factory AC kit in my 1999 Civic HX, a couple years back. I did it
in my back yard, but I do have some of the recommended equipment. I figure
compressor replacement should take two hours, one if you know what you are
doing. Then you have to pump down the system, check for leaks, and add
refrigerant. Another hour, if no leaks are found. Then they are going to
charge you maybe $20 retail for 12 oz. more or less of refrigerant. You
figure these guys want to charge you $300 an hour for labor?

Ask around for a good automotive AC repair specialist in your area. It
doesn't have to be a Honda dealer. They don't have to buy the compressor
from Honda. Try the Yellow Pages or ask at the local parts stores. If the
other guys are charging less, then you win. If they are all charging this
rate, then all you lose is some time doing research.

Earle

> Hello All,
> When I turn on the A/C in my 1998 Honda Civic EX....I get the feeling
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> Thanks
> Pugal

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duckbill - 26 Jun 2006 21:09 GMT

Pugal, you may have another option? I think I had a very similar problem
caused my me. My severe hesitation on hot days was caused by my almost
new AC compressor having too much refigerant. I had added a half can of
the factory 134-A refigerant (not freon)in the spring without monitoring
the guages last April. As the weather got hotter, I was getting a belt
squeal on hot days that was dragging down the engine rpm's. I thought I
had a fuel / main relay problem. When I finally put the guages on the AC
last week the high side was reading well over 300 psi at medium rpm. The
higher the rpm the higher the pressure and the more of a load it puts on
your engine. Max pressure on your Civic is 300. Your high side should be
between 240 and 300 psi. Low side should be between 22 and 36 psi. Any
chance someone overloaded your AC with refrigerant?
I would go back to the dealer and have them physically show you the
pressure readings. If they are high, bleed a little off slowly until you
get a 280 psi reading at medium rpms. I hope this helps? Good luck.

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