First thing. The cone air filter has been damaged by sitting on the hot side of the A/C tubes. As seen in the pictures below.
I am trying to figure out how to fix this problem. A smaller filter won't help because the weight of the filter rotates the tube so it rest there. I was thinking of making a support off a bracket to keep it up and adding a heat shield. Where can I find a universal heat shield to put between the filter and the tube?
Second. My A/C has leaked all the R134. I replaced all the O-rings in the system that weren't under the dash but the A/C is still not holding the vacuum. So I am thinking I need a new compressor. On Rockauto, I have the choice of a new compressor from either Four Seasons or Spectra Premium or a reman compressor from Four Seasons. Any opinions on any of the compressors?
Third. After the clutch pedal is depressed, it doesn't return all the way everytime and the clutch can be a bit "crunchy". I was thinking it might be the master cylinder. Any ideas?
Bracket is the best idea. Make the heat shield yourself out of some inexpensive steel or aluminum plate.
Don't replace anything until you add a dye to the system, pressurize it and find out exactly where it was leaking from.
Sounds right on the clutch providing that you have changed the fluid and bled it properly.
I had a similar problem with a modded Civic, I fabbed a bracket to lift, slightly, the cone and also keep it in place.
If your Civic is in anyway typical, the A/C isn't all that great (well, not super powerful as in 99% of the GM products on the road) and you will be doing good to get 3-4 years out of it. I took very good care of the unit in my Civic...and it still leaked/died. My Integra? Since running fine after several years of "extreme" ownership. My current Civic? I've had it 2 years and have my fingers crossed it will have a working A/C when I finally trade it in, soon.
Build a heat shield box out of sheet roofing tin from Lowes/Whore Depot.
A set of tin snips, rivets and a little silicon will go along way. If you really want to get fancy you can integrate in some weather striping to seal it away from the engine entirely and make it a true CAI
Have fun, wear gloves, be patient
The A/C was really good until it started leaking. Can I add the dye and pressurize the system if it won't hold a vacuum at all? When we replaced the O-rings in the system on of the ones at the compressor was pretty beat up. Also one day when I looked under the hood there was a big puddle of oil right under the compressor.
+1 for heatshield/ bracket I fabbed one up for my civic and it kept the filter in place and away from engine heat. You could also put some sort of heat shielding or wrap on the AC lines, but the filter support makes more sense.
