Rep Power: 0

I have a 93 civic dx, 1.5, and when I turn my ac on it boggs the engine down every other second., when it takes off its real sluggish, and when im at an idle, it idles really rough and sometimes dies. It only runs bad when I have the ac turned on. So is there any way to tell if its the ac compressor is going out? Or maybe someone has an idea of what else could be causing it? I dont really want to pay $300 for a compressor and then even more to pay to have it put in, if its not the problem. Any help or advice is greatly appreciated.

 
Rep Power: 234

It's your compressor or compressor clutch. If it's original, being that old it could be either. I don't trust re-man compressors. If you have to get a compressor I would get a new one- unless your not planning on having the car much longer.

Easy way to check if it's the compressor/clutch assembly is to take the belt off. If it runs fine then it's the compressor or clutch. Mechanic will be able to test for compressor or clutch.

If it's the clutch it should be about $300 including labor. The part is $135 (#7): http://www.hondapartscheap.com/south...t=0&quantity=0 If it's the compressor your looking at another $100-200 depending on how much they charge you for parts.

 
Rep Power: 0

What do you mean if it runs fine? Take the belt off and turn the ac on?

 
Rep Power: 188

I don't know about Honda ac compressors specifically, but if your compressor is dragging down the motor that much, it is already destroyed. The more you try to use it, the more broken bits and pieces will get into the rest of your system and destroy/plug up condenser and evaporator. That will get really expensive. You need to get it checked out properly.

It is possible your engine tune is so bad, the ac is good and the extra load from the ac bogs it down.