1997 HONDA CIVIC Oil leak

A/C System Service
Pressure Test Chart
NOTE: Performance Test is on page 22-24,
Test resultsRelated symptomsProbabl€ causeRemedy
Discharge (high)
pressure aDnor-
mally high
After stopping compressor. pres-
sure drops to about 200 kPa
{2.0 kgflcm,,28 psi) quickly, and
then falls gradually.
Air in systemRecover, evacuate, and
recharge with specified amount.
Evacuation: see page 22-45
Charging: see page 22-46
Reduced or no air flow through
condenser
. Clogged condenser fins. Condenser fan not work-
ing properly
Clean.
Check voltage and fan rpm.
Check fan direction.
Line to condenser is excessively
hot.
Restricted flow of refriger-
ant in system
Restricted lines
Discharge pres-
sure abnormally
High and low pressures are bal-
anced soon after stopping compres-
sor, Low side is higher than normal.
. Faulty compressor dis-
charge valve. Faulty compressor seal
Replace the compressor.
Outlet of expansion valve is not
frosted, low pressure gauge indi-
cales vacuum.
. Faulty expansion valve. Moisture in system
. Replace,. Recover, evacuate, and
recharge with specified
amount.
Suction (low)
pressure abnor-
mally low
Expansion valve is not frosted, and
low oressure line is not cold. Low
pressure gauge indicates vacuum.
. Frozen expansion valve. Faulty expansion valve
ReDlace the exoansion valve.
Discharge temperature is low. and
the air flow from vents is restricted.
Frozen evaporatorRun the fan with compressor
off. then check A,/C thermostat.
Exoansion valve is frosted.Clogged expansion valveClean or replace.
Receiver/dryer outlet is cool, and
inlet is warm (should be warm
during operation).
Clogged receiver/dryerReplace.
Suction pres-
sure abnormally
hig h
Low pressure hose and check
joint are cooler than the tempera-
ture around evaporator.
. Expansion valve open too
long. Loose expansion capillary
tube
Repair or replace.
Suction oressure is lowered when
condenser is cooled bv water.
Excessive refrigerant in sys-
tem
Recover. evacuate, and
recharge with specified amount.
High and low pressure are equal-
ized as soon as the compressor is
stopped, and both gauges fluctu-
ate while running.
Faulty gasket
Faulty high pressure valve
Foreign particle stuck in
high pressure valve
Replace the compressor.
Suction and dis-
charge pres-
sures abnormally
h igh
Reduced air flow through con-
denser.
. Clogged condenser fins. Condenser fan not work-
ing properly
Clean condenser.
Check voltage and fan rpm.
Check fan direction.
Suction and dis-
charge pressure
abnormally low
Low pressure hose and metal end
areas are cooler than evaporator.
Clogged or kinked low pres-
sure hose parts
Repair or replace.
Temperature around expansion
valve is too low compared with
that around receiver/dryer.
Clogged high pressure lineRepair or replace.
Refrigerant leaksCompressor clutch is diny,Compressor shaft seal leakingReplace the compressor.
Compressor bolt{s) are diny.Leaking around bolt(s)Tighten bolt(s) or replace com-
pressor.
Compressor gasket is wet with oil.Gasket leakingReplace the compressor.
22-26

Recovery
Use only service equipment that is U.L.-listed and is cer-
tified to meet the requirements of SAE J2210 to remove
HFC-134a (R-134a) from the air conditioner system
CAUTION: Exposure to air conditioner relrigerant and
lubricant vapor or mist can illitate eyes, noss and
throat. Avoid breathing the ail conditioner refrigerant
and lubricant vapor or mist.
lf accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate work
area before resuming service.
R-134a service equipment or vehicle air conditioner sys-
tems should not be pressure tested or leak tested with
compressed air.
!@@ some mixtures ot air and R'13'[a havo been
strown to be combustiblg at elevated pressures and Gan
resuh in fire or explosion causing iniury or property dam-
age, Never use compressed air to pressure test R-134a
service equipment or vehicle air conditioner systems.
Additional health and safetv information may be obtained
from the refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.
1, Connect a R-'134a refrigerant recove rylrecycling/
charging station to the vehicle, as shown. tollowing
the equipment manufacturer's instluctions.
2. Measure the amount of refrigerant oil removed from
the A/C svstem after the recovery process is com-
pleted.
NOTE: Be sure to install the same amount of new
refrigerant oil back into the Iy'C system before charg-
tno.
R€covery/Recyclin g/Cha19ing Station
22-27

Evaporator
1.
Replacement
4.
Move the temperature control to "HOl"
'96-98: Slide the temoerature control lever.'99-00: Turn the ignition switch ON (ll), then turn
the temperature contol knob. Turn the ignition
switch off.
Remove the battsry.
Rgcover the refrigerant with a rocovery/recycling/
charging station (see page 22-271.
Remove the bolts, then disconnect th6 suction 8nd
receiver lines from th6 evaoorator.
NOTE: Plug or cap the lines imm€diatoly after dis-
connecting them to avoid moisture and dust con-
tamination.
6xl.0mm9.8 n*ln ll.0 tg6m.7.2 lbt frl
RECEiVER UNE
Remove the glov6 box (see section 20).
Removo the self-tapping scr€w and the passeng€r's
dashboard lower cover. Removs the bolt. the nut
8nd the kn€e bolst6r, th6n r6mov6 th6 fiv6 bolts and
the glove box frame.
6.
srrcrrc u E
22-28
7. Disconnect the connector from th€ Ay'C thermostat,
and r€movs the wire harness from the ovaporator.
Remov6 tho four self-tapping screws, tho mounting
bolt and ths mounting nut. Disconnect th€ drain
hose, then remov€ th6 avagorator.
6 x l.0.nm9.8 l$m lt.o ldm, 7.2 bl.tt)
Install in the reverse order of removal. Make note of
th€ following items.
o lf you'r6 installing a new evaporator, add rofriger-
ANt OiI {SANDEN, SP-10 Or DENSO, ND-OIL 8)
lsas page 22-221.
. Replace the O-rings with now ones 8t 68ch titting,
and apply 8 thin coat of r€frlgersd oil before
installing them.
NOTE: Be sure to use the right O-rings for HFC-
134a (R-134a) to avoid loakago.
. Apply s€alant to tha grommets.
. Mske sure that ther€ is no air leakage.
. Chargs ths system {s€€ page 22-161, and tost its
performance (see pags 22-211.

Overhaul
1.
3.
Pull out the A,/C thermostat sensor from the evapo-
rator fins.
Remove the self-tapping screws and clamps from
the housings.
Carefully separate the housings, then remove the
evaporator.
lf necessary, remove the expansion valve.
NOTE: When loosening the expansion valve nuts, use
a second wrench to hold the expansion valve or the
evaporator pipe. Otherwise, they can be damaged
5. Assemble in the reverse order of disassembly Make
note of following items.
. Replace the O-rings with new ones at each fitting,
and apply a thin coat of refrigerant oil before
installing them.
NOTE: Be sure to use the right O-rings for HFC-
134a (R-134a) to avoid leakage.
. Install the expansion valve capillary tube so that
it is in direct contact with the suction line. Then
wrap wath taPe.
. Reinstall the Ay'C thermostat sensor to its original
location.
6th tin lrom inld side
Serpentine type:
Laminate typo:
TAPEReplace.lvake sure there is no foreign matter stuck between
60t5mml'2.1! O.2 inl
EVAPORATORblow din out of linswith compressed air,
HOUSING
8 N.m 10.8 kgt m,6 tbf.ftl
6th fin lrom outle't sideCAPILLARY TUAE
VALVEN
u'
ll
6\N.m (2.it kgt.m,17 tbtftl1l
A/C THERMOSTfesr page 22 21
%
EVAPORA
LOWER
22-29

9. lf necessary, remove the compressor bracket as fol-
lows.
. Remove the nut and the washer.
NOTE: When tightening the nut of the left front
mount, make sure the washer is set properly on
the left front engine mount as shown.
. Remove the four mounting bolts and the com-
pressor bracket.
12 x 1.25 rrirn59 N.m 16.0 kgt'm,43 tbf.ft)
COMPRESSORBRACKET
WASHER
1.0 x 1.25 mm44 N.m (i1.5 kg{.m, 33 lbl.ft)
LEFT FRONTMOUNT
10. lnstall in the reverse order of removal. Make note of
the following items.
. lf you're installing a new compressor, drain all
the refrigerant oil from the removed compressor,
and measure its volume. Subtract the volume of
drained oil from '130m? 14 1/3 tl'o2,4 6 lmp'oz);
the result is the amount of oil you should drain
from the new compressor (through the suction
fifting).
. Replace the O-rings with new ones at each fit-
ting, and apply a thin coat of refrigerant oil
before installing them
NOTE: Be sure to use the right O-rings for HFC-
134a (R-134a) to avoid leakage
. Use refrigerant oil (SP-10) for R-134a Sanden and
Hadsys spiral type compressors only'
o To avoid contamination, do not return the oil to
the container once dispensed, and never mix it
with other refrigerant oils.
. lmmediatelY after using the oil, replace the cap
on the container, and seal it to avoid moisture
absorption.
. Do not spill the refrigerant oil on the vehicle; it
may damage the painu if the refrigerant oil con-
tacts the paint, wash it off immediately
. Adjust the Ay'C compressor belt (see page 22-43)
and the power steering pump belt (see section 17)'
. Charge the system (see page 22-46), and test its
oerformance (see Page 22-241
22-31

Compressor (DENSOI
Replacement (cont'd)
9. Remove the bolts, the suction service valve and theO-ring from the compressor,
lf necessary, remove the compressor bracket as fol-lows.
. Remove the nut and the washer from the left frontmount. When tightening the nut to the left frontmount, make sure the washer is set p.operly onthe left front mount as shown.
a Remove the mounting bolts and the compressor
bracket.
12 x 1,25 rnm59 N.m 16.0 kgfrm,
10.
LEFT FRONTMOUNT€ rbf.fi)Roplace.
WASHEB
x 1.25 mm
2s.5 N.m {2.6 kgf.m. 18.8 tbtttl
4/r N.m {4.5 kgf.m, 33 lbt ft}
22-3A
1 1. Install in the reverse order of removal, and note thesertems:
lf you're installing a new compressor. drain all therefrigerant oil from the removed compressor. andmeasure its volume. Subtract the volume ofdrained oil from '140 ml (4 28 fl{,z, 4.9 lmpoz); theresult is the amount of oil you should drain fromthe new compressor (through the suction fifting).Replace the O-rings with new ones at each fining,and apply a thin coat of refrigerant oil beforeinstalling them. Be sure to use the right O,ringsfor HFC-134a (R-134a) to avoid leakage.
Use refrigerant oil {DENSO, ND-OtL8) for HFC-134aDENSO piston type compressors only.To avoid contamination, do not return the oil tothe container once dispensed, and never mix itwith other refrigerant oils.
lmmediately after using the oil, replace the capon the container, and seal it to avoid moisture
absorption.
Do not spill the refrigerant oil on the vehicle; itmay damage the paint; if the refrigerant oil con-tacts the paint, wash it off immediatelv.
Adjust the ly'C compressor belt (see page 22-43)and the power steering pump belt (see section 17).Charge the system (see page 22-46), and test itsperformance (see page 22-24!..

Condenser
Replacement
1.Recover the refrigerant with a recovery/recycling/
charging station lsee page 22-271.
Disconnect the condenser fan connector from theAy'C wire harness, then remove the A,/C wire harnessfrom the condenser fan shroud.
Remove the bolts, then disconnect the dischargeand condenser lines from the condenser.
NOTE: Plug or cap the lines immediately after dis-connecting them to avoid moisture and dust con-tamination,
6r1.0
6x1.0mmolscHARGE L|NE 9.8 N.m 11.0
9.8 N.m 11.0 kgl.m, 7.2 lbf.ftl
22-44
4. Remove the bolt from the suction hose bracket, andremove the two bolts and the upper mount bracket.Remove the condenser assembly by lifting it up.
NOTE: Be careful not to damage the condenser finswhen removing the condenser assembly.
UPPER MOUNT BRACKET
5. Install in the reverse order of removal. Make note ofthe following items.
. lf you're installing a new condenser, add refriger-ant oil (SANDEN, SP-10 or DENSO, ND-O|L 8)
\see page 22-22l.-
. Replace the O-rings with new ones at each fit-ting, and apply a thin coat of refrigerant oilbefo.e installing them.
NOTE; Be sure to use the right O-rings for HFC,134a (R-134a) to avoid leakage.o Be careful not to damage the condenser finswhen installing the condenser assembly.. Charge the system (see page 22-46), and test itsperformance (see page 22-24i.
6x1.0mm9,8 N.m 11.0 kg{.m, 7.2lbtft}
6x1.0mm9.8 N.m 11.0 kst m, 7.2 lbf.ftl

A/C System Service
Charging
Use only service equipment that is U.L.-listed and is cer-
tified to meet the requirements of SAE J2210 to remove
HFC-134a (R-134a) from the air conditioner system.
CAUTION: Exposure to air conditioner refrigerant and
lubricant vapor or mist can irritale eyes, nose and
throat. Avoid breathing the air conditioner retrigerant
and lubricant vaoor or mist,
lf accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate workarea before resuming service, Additional health and
safety information may be obtained from the refrigerant
and lubricant manufacturers.
Refrigerant capacityt 600 - 650 g 121.1 - 22.9 ozl
CAUnON: Do not overcharg€ the system; the comprcssor
will be damaged.
Connect a R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging
station to the vehicle, as shown, following the equipment
manufacturer's instructions.
Recovery/Recycling/Charging Station
22-46
Leak Test
Use only service equipment that is U.L,-listed and is cer-
tified to meet the requirements of SAE J2210 to remove
HFC-134a (R-134a) from the air conditioner system.
CAUTION: Exposure io air conditioner refrigerant and
lubricant vapot or mist can itritats eyes, no36 and thtoat.
Avoid breathing the air conditioner refrigeranl and lubri-
cant vapor or mist,
lf accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate workarea betore resuming service.
R-134a service equipment or vehicle air conditioner sys-
tems should not be pressure tested or leak tested with
comoressed air.
@ some mixtures of air and R-134a have
been shown to be combugtibls at elevatgd prossures
and can result in tire or explosion causing iniuly orplopgrty damage. Nev€r usc compre33od air to pressure
test R-13'la servica oquipment or yohiclo air conditionor
systems.
Additional health and safety information may be obtained
from the refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.
1. Connect a R-134a refrigerant recove rylrecycling/
charging station to the vehicle, as shown in the pre-
vious column, following the equipment manufactur-
er's instructions.
NOTE; Be sure to install the same amount of new
refrigerant oil back into the A,/C system before charg-In9.
Open the high-pressure valve to charge the system
to the specified capacity, then close the supply
valve, and remove the charging system couplers.
Rofrigerant capacity: 600 - 650 g (21.1 - 22.9 oz)
Check the system for leaks using a R-134a refriger-
ant leak detector with an accuracy of 14 9 10.5 ozlper yea. or better.
lf you find leaks that require the system to be opened(to repair or replace hoses. fittings. etc.), recover the
system according to the Recovery Procedure on page
22-27.
After checking and repairing leaks. the system must
be evacuated (see System Evacuation on page 22-451.