Can A/C compressors work sometime?

[Nick]

Situation:
Honda CRV ’04 AC not working regularly

Basic Symptoms:
with the A/C switched ON, either:

A ) the compressor clutch does not engage and H-line= 115psi, L-line= 130psi, and the Air is hot and humid ~90F

B ) the compressor clutch engages and the gauges read H=115psi, L=20-50psi via cycling and the air is super cold ~40F

The pressure holds in both cases indicating no major leaks. My condenser fins are half gone and needs changing. So my questions are..

1)Why does my A/C system switch from great to sauna-conditions!?
2)Are these gauge readings indicative of my problem?
3)Can compressors that are bad work well for 20 minutes and then shut off permanently for the rest of the drive?
4)Is charging my system with an overthecounter charging bottle of refrigerant before doing further diagnosis a bad idea?

Thanks as always, Nick

Topic

[college man]

Based off the pressures you show.I would suggest your
system is low on charge.

[Bill]

I have seen compressor clutches work until they get hot and start working again when cool many times. A break in the clutch coil windings causes that.

I agree with college man. Looks like a low charge but if the condenser fins are half gone don’t expect it to ever work correctly.

[Nick]

thanks wysetech and college man.

I think wysetech you might be right regarding the clutch overheating and shutting down. Is it possible to fix the clutch coil windings? kits? And is there a spray for fixing that?

Both of you mentioned a low charge. What are normal psi values in the Hi and Low lines given 75F Temp outdoors.

[Bill]

In regards to the clutch coil you would need to replace it but you would need special tools to do it. I usually replace the complete compressor unless low mileage. This way you get a warranty on the whole compressor.

Don’t have a chart in front of me but if it’s 75f ambient the 134a static pressures should be about 78psi

[Nick]

I don’t see that number in the Honda chart.
Are you sure that’s not too much pressure in the low/static line?
Can anyone confirm?

Attachments:

• acchart0ii.jpg

[Bill]

Static means cold engine not running. It’s the same for all 134a cars.

[Author]

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