I was looking at the auto parts store today, and I noticed they have a 134A conversion kit for our CRX's (assuming you know what compressor you have).

I'm interested in getting this kit, and converting my ststem over, and then recharging it but I have a few problems.

Firstly, this was a bag full of O-rings and gaskets, and a can of compressor oil - no directions. Anyone know of a good resource on the internet on how to perform this overhaul?

Next, my current AC is not working. How do I go about diagnosing the problem? Someone mentioned to me "Does your compressor kick on?". How do I tell? The belt turns, but there's no noticable difference in noise, RPM, or anything like that.

Last, Lets assume that I have a refrigerant leak. On my airbox, there's a sticker which says something like 'The air conditioning system is equipped with flourinert (or something like that) which is a special dye in the AC system to detect leaks." Ok, great. How do I detect leaks, with a blacklight perhaps?

I'm really mechanically inclined, but I have never worked with AC systems. So, I don't need the 'basic instruction' course, I just need a nudge in the right direction.

Also, I know the AC robs a lot of HP from the motor, and supposedly kills the gas mileage on the little CRX's... but I'm a really big 225lb guy, and I need that shit.

-Des!

don't know of a DIY for it, but you might be able to find the exploded parts diagram in any number of manuals. as far as everything working, if you dont notice any drop in power or the engine idle increasing when you switch the AC on, the clutch in the AC compressor probably isn't engaging. as far as detecting leaks go, it would look like green slime and would glow under a black light. the only problem is that your system is so old, if there is a leak, it probably is also old so you'll find it when you first charge the system up. make sure you change the dryer too. any time the system is opened to the atmosphere it absolutely needs to be replaced. when water reacts with the refridgerant, it eats away at the your AC hoses etc.

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"Racing is a matter of spirit not strength."

How long has it been since your AC has worked? If is's been a while, all the dye is probably gone so your not going to find the leak that way. On the other hand if the kit comes with all the O rings, replacing those might take care of any leak you have. To diagnose the problem itself, one thing you can try is to remove the pressure switch plug and jump it. The plug is located right next to the larger radiator fan on the pass. side. It's white. Take the plug off the switch, then start the car. Now take a wire or paper clip and jump the 2 terminals on the plug. You should hear the compressor kick on. If it does it just means you are low on freon (the compressor will not kick on without freon in the system). If it doesn't either the compressor is shot, or there is an electrical prob. If your low on freon, you could try converting it and then buy some more of the dye and put it in, After you wash all the lines and compressor. Then if it leaks you'll see the dye. By the way before converting, If tere is any freon left in there, you should probably have someone pump the system out. It's illegal around here to let it escape into the atmosphere. Good luck!

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1991 CRX HF with a D16a6 swap.
OBX Short shifter, E-bay intake, SI rims, SI front brakes, SI radiator, KYB AGX shocks all around,
Tenzo R seats
Comming this tax season- Turbo A6

I apprecaite the responses.

The AC has not worked since I bought the car. I tested it a few times today, and the compressor does not come on. I'll try the jumper technique, and see if it kicks on.

Boy, it would be nice if it were just a simple electrical problem.

-Des!

Everything in the AC system is pretty cheap for our car anyway. If the compressor clutch is shot then just buy a new compressor, it will be worth it. Also, I second the idea of the pressure switch. Usually what ends up happening on AC systems is a small leak develops, and because of this the pressure switch detects loss of system pressure and doesn't allow the AC compressor to turn on. The problem is complicated when the person who had the AC problem sells the car and doesn't tell the buyer what was wrong.

As far as converting your system, you should change all the o-rings as well as your receiver dryer (they are cheap). You will also need the high & low pressure fitting adapters (not sure if they were in your kit, but they are also cheap). I would change out all you rings, do the receiver dryer, and the fittings. Once that is done, fill the system with R134A. To do this you need to start the car and turn the AC on. Once you start adding the refrigerant you'll hear the compressor kick on. This is because the pressure in the system is increasing and it will "flip" the pressure switch to the on position, and hopefully turn on your compressor.

You can jump the pressure switch, but why bother. You have to convert everything anyway. The only thing you loose is the R134a if you have to change the compressor, but it's inexpensive.

Once the system is running and blowing cold, then monitor it and see if it gradually gets less and less efficient. If it does, then your leak is still present and you will have to find it. That's another thread

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Good info, thanks.

The kit I saw came with a bottle of compressor oil. I have not looked at the compressor in detail yet, but is there an obvious fill / drain on the compressor itself?

-Des!

There are also 2 relays. One for the compressor and one for the fans. These relays go out frequently. They are located behind the passenger side headlight. If one of those is out then nothing will work, regardless. Luckily someone did the R134-A swap on mine before I bought it. I have replaced the the compressor and low pressure port. Good luck.