Depressurizing 1989 Accord Air Conditioning Sys

Achilles600 · 10-27-2009, 05:34 PM

How tough or dangerous is it to discharge the AC on an 1989 Honda Accord LXi. I'm looking to take off the compressor from a parts car and put it on mine. The parts car isn't mine and doesn't drive so there's no way to get it to a mechanic, the A/C on it magically still works though. So is it possible for me to depressurize the A/C on site so i can take off the compressor?

TexasHonda · 10-28-2009, 07:34 PM

Not tough or dangerous. It may be a federal offense to discharge to atmosphere. Most AC shops will recover,...for a fee.

I would suggest retrofitting to R134a. R12 is becoming hard to get and very expensive. You will need some AC parts. Suggest checking w/ ackits.com for parts. Check auto ac forum on that site for guidance on repair, retrofitting, vacuuming, and charging.

1) Before removing old compressor, have system leak checked and determine where all leaks need to be repaired, and repair them. Install R134a adapter connections (good quality)
2) New orings on all connections (hoses, condensor, compressor).
3) Consider removing evaporator, cleaning, and replacing all orings on expansion valve and thermal feedback bulb. Old cars leak at orings and your's is old. Leakage will cause dirt/grime to build on expansion valve and reduce cooling efficiency. Drain any oil that will flow out. Air blasting won't help much w/ evaporator.
4) Air blast condensor and hoses to blow out mineral oil.
5) Install replacement compressor, after draining all mineral oil.
6) Add 7-oz of ester oil or double-end capped PAG to new receiver/drier and compressor.
7) Close system and leak check w/ vacuum. It should hold vacuum after 15 mins of steady vacuuming to remove moisture. If it won't hold vacuum, you've still got leaks that need repair.
8) When it holds vacuum add about 80-90% of R12 spec charge volume to your system. Add least amount that gets you to perhaps 40-45F cold air from vents, w/ recirculate, max fan, doors and windows closed for 10 mins. A set of ac manifold gauges is necessary. Low side should come down to 25-30 psi, and high side should be ~2.5*degF air temp entering condensor; for instance 80F = 200 psi. This is rough guide, and pressure could vary considerably.

good luck

Matt04V6EX · 11-13-2009, 04:18 AM

agreed on retrofitting. It is extremely illegal to just vent it out, also it's gonna be kinda tough w/o having a recovery/evacuation machine

10-27-2009, 05:34 PM	#1
Achilles600 New Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 1	Depressurizing 1989 Accord Air Conditioning Sys How tough or dangerous is it to discharge the AC on an 1989 Honda Accord LXi. I'm looking to take off the compressor from a parts car and put it on mine. The parts car isn't mine and doesn't drive so there's no way to get it to a mechanic, the A/C on it magically still works though. So is it possible for me to depressurize the A/C on site so i can take off the compressor?

10-28-2009, 07:34 PM	#2
TexasHonda Bronze Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 447	Not tough or dangerous. It may be a federal offense to discharge to atmosphere. Most AC shops will recover,...for a fee. I would suggest retrofitting to R134a. R12 is becoming hard to get and very expensive. You will need some AC parts. Suggest checking w/ ackits.com for parts. Check auto ac forum on that site for guidance on repair, retrofitting, vacuuming, and charging. 1) Before removing old compressor, have system leak checked and determine where all leaks need to be repaired, and repair them. Install R134a adapter connections (good quality) 2) New orings on all connections (hoses, condensor, compressor). 3) Consider removing evaporator, cleaning, and replacing all orings on expansion valve and thermal feedback bulb. Old cars leak at orings and your's is old. Leakage will cause dirt/grime to build on expansion valve and reduce cooling efficiency. Drain any oil that will flow out. Air blasting won't help much w/ evaporator. 4) Air blast condensor and hoses to blow out mineral oil. 5) Install replacement compressor, after draining all mineral oil. 6) Add 7-oz of ester oil or double-end capped PAG to new receiver/drier and compressor. 7) Close system and leak check w/ vacuum. It should hold vacuum after 15 mins of steady vacuuming to remove moisture. If it won't hold vacuum, you've still got leaks that need repair. 8) When it holds vacuum add about 80-90% of R12 spec charge volume to your system. Add least amount that gets you to perhaps 40-45F cold air from vents, w/ recirculate, max fan, doors and windows closed for 10 mins. A set of ac manifold gauges is necessary. Low side should come down to 25-30 psi, and high side should be ~2.5*degF air temp entering condensor; for instance 80F = 200 psi. This is rough guide, and pressure could vary considerably. good luck __________________ 1994 Accord EX 1997 Acura 2.5 TL 2007 Accord SE 2001 Toyota Celica 1999 Subaru Forester See you down the ROW!

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11-13-2009, 04:18 AM	#3
Matt04V6EX New Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: NJ Posts: 17	agreed on retrofitting. It is extremely illegal to just vent it out, also it's gonna be kinda tough w/o having a recovery/evacuation machine

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