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Colder Ac/Windows are slow moving

Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2013 6:29 pm
by 91prelude
Hey! Just bought a 1991Prelude Si, it's in good condition and im pretty excited about this Lil old car. Im not mechanically inclined, but a fast learner. Through some videos I've watched, Ive been able to Change the clutch master cylinder/slave valve, but I can't figure out how to make my AC air cooler? It works..Just not cold. My windows also work, yet they move at an aggravating pace :x ANNy sugestions GUYS? Im excited and glad i could find this forum. Very COOL :mrgreen:

Re: Colder Ac/Windows are slow moving

Posted: Sat Jun 08, 2013 3:25 pm
by RedRacer
Hi 91Prelude - Welcome to Prelude Driver! Glad you are getting involved with your 91 Prelude and learning how to do things yourself to make your car a better ride for you and it. This is a good place to start, as far as asking questions and using resources to find and fix problems that might involve issues you're faced while owning your Prelude.

As for the colder A/C. I'd start with charging the system. A/C systems tend to lose their ability to blow cold over time as the refrigerant ages and evaporates. Also, especially in older systems, you will have minor leaks in the system that will allow the refrigerant to escape, leaving your AC not very cold.

Start with hitting the system with an R12 charge, (it's not legal anymore for anyone to sell or dispense except licensed mechs, and it's going to run about 60 bucks a pound, so don't go looking for it at Wal-Mart or AutoZone)

If you must, you can use the more accessible and "green" refrigerant, R134, which is cheaper and can be bought in most automotive stores, but it doesn't cool as well, AND, you'd need to retrofit your system to adapt to the differences between the two refrigerants. Pressures, oils, etc. NOT the best way to go.... if you can, avoid this route except as a last resort.

Once you have a new refrigerant charge, run the system and see how it works. Drive the car, don't test it sitting in the drive or garage. The compressor doesn't work as well at idle or light throttle (say coasting downhill, etc.) If you see improvement, then you know the low coolant charge was the problem. HOWEVER -- keep an eye on it. If you notice that it is starting to cool really well only when the car is under throttle, or it feels like it is going back to the way it was before, you most likely have a leak in the system. Tracking that down can be simple, or difficult. All depends on the location of the leak. A front pressure hose or a rock that's pegged a hole in the condenser in the front of the grill, easy enough to fix. Getting into the system in the dash, evaporator, drier and all that, WAY expensive due to labor and hard to find parts. Not worth the money. Probably cost more than you paid for the car.

If you don't see a change in the coolness after adding refrigerant, then you're going to need to start looking at other parts of the system. Failing compressor/condenser. Evaporator/drier, switches, etc. - lots of things it could be. And again, unless you're an AC tech and have the tools and know how, diagnosing an AC systems IS an expensive effort. Not usually worth it on an older car, unless you just have money to burn.

For the slow windows, well, the motors are old and tired....that's the main issue. Secondary, are the window guide-channels not being "lubed" anymore. Again, another older car issue.

Start by purchasing a small jar of 3M Silicone Paste. Comes with a brush in the jar. Use the brush and go all around the insides of your window channels where the window rolls up into your door frame. Sides, top, bottom, etc. Be liberal in your application making sure the silicone gets INSIDE the channels. Not just on them. Then roll the window up and down a few times to get the silicone pressed into the window channels. This is an easy fix and makes the window operate faster due to less friction. It's also good for the old motors. Takes some of the strain off of them. Google "Lubing window channels" for a few different videos on how to do this, if you need a visual on it.

Good luck! Hope I was able to give you some help on your questions.

Have fun with your Prelude. They are great little cars, no matter how old they may be! Always fun to drive and play with.

Re: Colder Ac/Windows are slow moving

Posted: Sun Jun 09, 2013 1:31 am
by 91prelude
I appreciate the quick Response RedRacer! I got the silicone paste, and its definitely helped. I will start working on the A/c Thank you for all the info! Again Much appreciated

Re: Colder Ac/Windows are slow moving

Posted: Sun Jun 09, 2013 11:38 am
by RedRacer
You're welcome! Glad I could help.

Don't forget to come back and let us know what happened with your AC.

Any more questions, please post them. We'll do our best!