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Our 5-speed 05 Civic LX SE is approaching 180k miles and the AC clutch appears to be showing signs of its age. I have not measured the gap, but suspect it is worn enough that the shim may need to be removed. Wanted to get thoughts from some of the resident experts here.

The AC does work, coming on and blowing cold air initially after the car sits idle overnight or at work during the day. With summer now here, on hotter days when the car reaches operating temperature, the clutch eventually stops engaging (guessing this happens when it cycles off every ~3 min for gas savings). Both the radiator and condenser fans stay running and I can feel the compressor clutch relay click if the AC button is turned off and back on. Voltage readings at the relay show 13+ volts but the clutch doesn't engage when hot. Is it time to remove the shim? Replace the AC clutch, coil, or both? Is there a way to diagnose the clutch versus the coil?

Appreciate any insight and advice you can offer, both in terms of further diagnosis and repairs.

 
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Sounds like a good time to measure the gap and probably remove a washer.

 
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Agreed

 
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Recommendations were right on. The gap measured over .035". The clutch would engage if tapped with a block of wood.

Happily surprised the nut and clutch plate were not overly difficult to remove. More rust was expected than what was actually present. Removed the washer, lighted brushed up the clutch plate, reinstalled it, and measured the new gap at ~.016". Everything working properly so far. More hot days coming to put it to the test.

I also ordered a thermometer to slide in the vent and help decide if we want to get the system recharged now that the compressor clutch is back in action. A local shop that I trust quoted ~$180 compared to the dealer price of $220. If the temperature is ~45 degrees or below, we will probably leave it be. Otherwise, 16 years and 180k miles seem like an okay point to pay for some AC service.

Thanks again!

 
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Alternatively, buy a bottle with a hose and gauge from a parts store and top it off yourself. Assuming it actually needs more refrigerant. $20 all in.

 
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I have thought about this. I hesitate because of the air present in the tube, between the can and the low side valve. Is there a way to purge that line so that no air/moisture is injected into the system during the recharge?

 
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It's a miniscule amount of air, i wouldn't worry about it. You should use a proper set of manifold gauges though

 
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yes, there is

 
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Huh, back feed from the system to the atmosphere to clear the line. Interesting concept. I would want to get real gauges and also suspect the car doesn't need a full can...what does one then do with the leftover, after puncturing the can? it's not like you can reseal the can. I suspect the system only needs a few ounces.

On a related note, my temp probe arrived. The A/C was blowing 50-52 degrees while max and recirculation were both enabled. The outside temperature was 80 outside. I'm on the fence whether to leave it as-is or service it - whether it be adding some myself or having the shop evac and refill it.

 
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if you have a friend with a car, fill their AC

 
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I have a little valve that threads onto the can that connects to the gauges

 
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Looked at some R134a cans at the hardware store this evening. It looks like many (most?) of the cans are now "self-sealing", so one can use only a few ounces as needed and store the rest. The can seals back up when the valve is removed. Thanks again.

 
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Fancy, as long as it doesn't put any of that sealant crap into the ac system

 
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I think that was a new EPA requirement. Most people would just dump the rest the atmosphere if it didn't self seal.

 
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Haven't seen them up here in Canada

 
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AAA?
My name is Sandro
I must confess I have been leaking Methane to the atmosphere every day.

 
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The self-seal is a mechanical valve rather than a chemical. The nozzle opens the self-sealing valve when screwed on instead of puncturing a hole in the top of the can. I was able to find cans of R134a without any of the stop-leak or other crap added in.

Agreed

 
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good, you don't want to put any of that in the car