AC compressor change/overheating
 

I've had the AC in my 98 HX changed over the course of a year and a half. The first compressor died, and I had it replaced this summer. However, a few nights ago the AC appeared to stop getting cold (even tho it had been working FLAWLESSLY for a couple months). The following morning while driving to work, I noticed that the AC only blew cold when I stopped at lights/etc. On the open hwy, it was not cold at all. About an hour into that drive, the temp spiked and the head gasket blew. I was so preoccupied with the AC not coming on (and having to roll the windows down to unfog the windshield every cpl minutes) that I never even looked at the temp guage prior to that. My theory is that the compressor was causing a load on the engine and caused it to overheat. The mechanic is telling me that the AC was malfunctioning because the engine was overheating. I'm no expert, so I am not going to say I am 100% sure he's full of crap....but I really can't see how an overheating engine could make the AC stop working. I really feel like he's trying to pull a fast one....and not acknowledge that the bad compressor may have caused the head gasket to blow. I'd appreciate any insight ya'll may have on the subject. I'm fixing to go ahead and just change the gasket myself. I don't want to do it and then have to worry that the engine will overheat again because of load from the compressor. I'd like to address the underlying cause.

Re: AC compressor change/overheating
 

Personally I don't think the AC compressor caused such an excessive load that your HG blew. Your engine overheated for a reason, likely culprits are low coolant level, faulty thermostat, faulty ECT sensor, faulty water pump, even a clogged radiator. Fan relay is less likely since you were moving when it happened.

If you're going to replace the HG, be sure to deck the head, might as well replace the timing belt, tensioner, and water pump if it's been like 75k + miles since it was done, since you'll be that deep in the engine anyway.

Re: AC compressor change/overheating
 

I understand. I'll check and make sure she's cooling properly when the new gasket is in. She's got 284k miles on her. Besides making sure the head isn't warped, are there any major suggestions such as brand/style for gasket, replace bolts or not, etc ? Good quality parts without the Gucci prices of some of the performance gear? I haven't done head work since I had an MGB in the 80s. I also don't want to pour a ton of money into an engine with that high of mileage unless there's a strong possibility that it will last for a good while. Thanks for the advice !

Re: AC compressor change/overheating
 

I would just suck it up and pay for the OEM gaskets from Honda. You don't want those to fail in 30,000 miles because you tried to save $10-$20 buying aftermarket crap.

Found this old guide for systematic trouble shooting of overheating:
https://www.civicforums.com/forums/3...reference.html

Re: AC compressor change/overheating
 

Thanks for the link. I'll give it a read. Is there anything better than stock OEM gaskets ? I am not opposed to spending a few extra dollars on that piece. My biggest $$ question was really regarding the bolts. I've read a couple places saying you should always change them. I've seen guys talk about ARP, but they are sooooo expensive. Should I definitely change the bolts, and if so....is there a good quality replacement that people favor without breaking the bank ? Thanks again!

Re: AC compressor change/overheating
 

IMPO the OEM head gasket is most reliable replacement.

The real service manual does not tell you to replace head bolts. Period. The end.
Reuse them unless there's some sort of obvious reason found when disassembled.
Mechanic is correct.
Proof will be determined once the engine problems are solved and the AC is then found to work normally again, or not.

Those engines blow head gaskets due to age and mileage, just like the 7th gen D17 engines described in the thread link above. The AC did not cause it.