Any of you guys have experience replacing the A/C compressor and its associated components? Is it possible to do it myself? I was quoted ~$1000 to fix; I can't afford that right now. Is it possible to get a different belt to just run the alternator?

Thanks.

'98 2.3L Manual

 

I have replaced compressor on 2.2L Accords. It's relatively simple. Remove altenator and PS pump and access is good.

What is matter w/ compressor? Leaking shaft seal, bad clutch bearing, frozen, other?

You can repair a shaft seal leak or clutch bearing easily. Bad compressor requires replacement. You can find decent used compressors for <$100 all day long (check car-part.com and ebay).

Suggest replacing the receiver/drier when you do this job, flushing condensor, and vacuuming for 1/2-1 hr to completely dry the system. Add required lubricant and charge the spec amount of R134a. Most of lubricant is in receiver/drier and compressor. If you replace those parts put in full amount of lubricant. There is some in the evaporator that can't be flushed, so you'll have a small (1-2 oz) overcharge of lubricant. It won't hurt in my experience.

autoacforum.com is great resource for diy AC work. ackits.com is agreat place for parts (compressor shaft seal).

good luck

 

The compressor is frozen. Last time I saw it, it was billowing rancid smoke.

Thanks for the links, Texas. Will the compressor for the 94-97 Honda Accord work with my 2.3CL? can't seem to find anything for a CL that's not for the 3.0. What about TL parts?

 

The compressor is likely toast, but when removed check whether the compressor can be rotated by hand after removing the clutch pulley. It could be a frozen clutch pulley bearing (long shot).

I checked car-part.com and looks like only 98-02 Accords are donors for compressor. Good news is there are plenty of these used compressors for < $100 bucks. Use your zip code to find compressors near you and go by and inspect; rotate by hand for any grinding resistance. There will be slight resistance when you reach compression point on individual cylinders, but pretty small.

Note, if your compressor was frozen, it likely left debris in the condensor, receiver/drier, and evaporator. I would recommend replacing condensor (difficult to remove debris), replacing receiver/drier, and removing and cleaning or replacing expansion valve (debris caught is difficult to remove), and flushing evaporator. If you read autoacforum.com, you'll see this is recommended procedure,...or you can do minimum work and maybe get by, or maybe get to do this whole thing again. No big red easy button for this problem.

good luck

 

Hi, new here have the same problem with my compressor, I'm going to the junkyard tomorrow, so 1998 to 2002 accords right?
thanks in advance and great forum btw i just got done replacing my clutch with a little bit of help from this website.

UTI grad ASE certfd

 

Mea culpa.

I mistakenly did the search on 98 2.3L Accord instead of 98 2.3L Acura. When I did the Acura, I got only Acura 2.3CL's as donors. Prices were similar, perhaps slightly higher, but < $100 and some <$50. You could take a look at Accords, but they must be different.

I checked 97 Acura CL (my daughter's car) where I know the ABS modulator is same as Accord and car-part.com shows the Accord as donor. So I think there may be a difference between Accord and Acura 2.3CL compressors.

good luck

 

just found this on ebay

This auction is for a brand NEW, not rebuilt or used, 10PA17C A/C Compressor with 6 groove clutch assembly. (compressor WITH clutch)
Compressor comes with a free 1 year warranty, and optional LIFETIME warranty.
This compressor fits the following vehicles with...

1998 - 1999 ACURA CL 4 Cylinder 2.3
1997 ACURA CL 4 Cylinder 2.2
1998 - 2001 HONDA ACCORD DX / EX / LX 4 Cylinder 2.3
2001 HONDA ACCORD VALUE PACKAGE 4 Cylinder 2.3
2000 HONDA ACCORD SE 4 Cylinder 2.3
1996 - 1997 HONDA ACCORD VALUE PACKAGE 4 Cylinder 2.2
1995 - 1997 HONDA ACCORD EX 4 Cylinder 2.2
1994 - 1997 HONDA ACCORD DX / LX 4 Cylinder 2.2
1997 HONDA ACCORD SE 4 Cylinder 2.2
1996 HONDA ACCORD 25TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION 4 Cylinder 2.2

 

just ordered an used compressor from lkq for 50 bucks!! sweet deal.

 

Well I ended up deciding to forget about the A/C for a while and I just bypassed the compressor with a smaller belt. However, now the car won't start - the starter turns but suddenly stops and I get a big *click*. Any ideas?

Thanks

 

If starter only clicks when you turn keyswitch to Start, the reason is almost certainly the starter solenoid contacts. These may be replaceable in some cases. Check Sherco Auto Supply's website for repair tips and contacts. I repaired by daughter's 97 2.2CL and it's worked for a couple of years now.

Or you can buy a used or rebuilt starter.

good luck

 

take the back of a screw driver and tap the starter a couple of times, then try to start it, a lot of times debris builds up on the solenoid contacts and makes it fail, tapping it makes the dirt come loose, you will be needing a starter pretty soon.