How to Recharge Your AC! Biohazard Honda Civic Rebuild | Part 11

👕 merch: my-store-d4267d.creator-sprin...
While at an auto auction, I came across this 1997 Honda Civic EK Hatchback. This was categorized as a biohazard with no key. I grew up wrenching on these old Honda EK Hatch's so this one felt special to me and I wanted to save it.
After putting on some fresh wheels and tires, we hit our local speedway to do some autocross in the hatch. Now today we are gonna spend some time recharging the air conditioning. Today we are going to show you how to recharge the AC in your car.
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Time Stamps
00:00 Intro
01:10 Why the AC isn't working
02:07 AC Recharge Products
03:29 How to recharge your AC
04:48 Recharging the AC system
06:32 Did we fix it? Conclusion
Thanks for watching. ✌️
#BendagasGarage

[@bendaga]

Thanks for stopping by! Hope this video is helpful to anyone looking to learn more how to recharge the AC system in their car without having to go to a shop. Everyone's scenario will be different, so this may or may not be the solution to your car. But I would say that the little Honda is now nice and cool 😎 Stay tuned for the next episode! 🗣 Join our discord for more: discord.gg/WvjvHxYnwq 👕 Merch: my-store-d4267d.creator-spring.com/ ✌

[@v5Clone]

You have an exceptional ability to articulate your thoughts, and I deeply appreciate that. Your voice is incredibly soothing, with no pauses that interrupt the flow. Furthermore, I have been following this journey from its inception, and I am elated to witness how it has evolved. Although I don't consider myself a car enthusiast, I hold immense affection for my 2018 Civic EX-T. Your content has only reaffirmed my desire to restore a 90's Civic in the authentic OEM style. I extend my gratitude to you, sir, for consistently delivering A+ content.

[@bendaga]

Thank you for the kind words, appreciate you being here! 🫱🏽‍🫲🏾🫡

[@Racoon-Man]

I know this thing is a little slow and the suspension has a lot of potential as you said but man please keep this thing mechanically as stock as possible as long as possible, it's gonna be rare to find such a clean Civic (other than the rims though, they are amazing).

[@bendaga]

That's my plan, but man is it hard to refrain myself from modding this Honda lol. It's just too easy to swap things out on these cars. But we shall see

[@Joel.2000]

I also had a problem with a low idle on my 98 Civic sedan and it was the idle air control valve. I'm sure you're already aware, but they're pretty expensive brand new so I'd recommend heading to the junkyard and getting a used one or just clean out the old with some parts cleaner it might just be gummed up with carbon.

[@bendaga]

I'm thinking it's gummed up with carbon. But yes you're absolutely right. I'm planning to make a video on this!

[@sammyacevedo9614]

Recommend trying to tighten the schrader valve if not replacing them, they have a gasket inside that can go out with time too

[@bendaga]

Good call 🫡

[@cooldasher12]

Yay I fixed my ac

[@bendaga]

W

[@justinshiltz1097]

Funny you posted this today, I just did this to my f150.

[@bendaga]

just in time

[@flamex5988]

Look how beautifully everything has come along! this is excellent only a handful of people can achieve this mark of restoration. your skill level is undoubtedly good you just got a new sub

[@willm127]

Loving the series! Look forward to each new video. Keep it up bro!

[@bendaga]

thank you! 💙

[@H4T3DMOON]

i love your videos bro keep it up

[@bendaga]

ty bro

[@copperheaddesigns672]

remember if its low there might be a super small leak somewhere and if you have to do this over and over again it would be best to change the entire ac system (you can change just a single part but from experience a new line or compressor may blow out a old line so its best to do it all at once)

[@acerIOstream]

It's also terrible for the environment to do it over and over

[@DJV94022]

So true..dirty evap coil with 20 year old leafs and trash made my high bust..i also rinsed off the condeser coil so i hop that does it for my cheap fix but i know it needs a drier too..txv if its still working after 20 years im sure itll keep kicking

[@DJV94022]

So true..dirty evap coil with 20 year old leafs and trash made my high bust..i also rinsed off the condeser coil so i hop that does it for my cheap fix but i know it needs a drier too..txv if its still working after 20 years im sure itll keep kicking

[@bendaga]

For sure, I'll probably need to trace down the leak in the near future if its not blowing cold air anymore

[@domoface666]

I love this build bro, I agree with you 100% that doing an OEM+ build is the way to go, in my personal opinion tho I would change the suspension set up to something stiffer cuz Ik EKs have lots of body roll on stock suspension, maybe some strut bars on the front and rear and personal I’d paint the valve cover red tbh but regardless what you do bro I’m loving it so far and I’m definitely gonna keep tuning in for each and every video you make on this card bro!! Much love bro

[@JJfromPhilly67]

Here in Philly this would have been an earlier video. So glad the recharge worked. Really enjoyinf the series.

[@bendaga]

Appreciate it!

[@Highwayspet]

🌬️tastefully frosty❄️ You inspired me to try this on my accord, thanks

[@bendaga]

🥶🥶🥶

[@KazamaJoestar]

Haven’t missed a video man love learning through your videos

[@bendaga]

appreciate you 🗣

[@josearmandosalgueiro7907]

Great !! , here having a working AC is a must .. caribbean country with really high temps .. you got me hooked to the biohazard civic bro, not only cause of the car itself , is that you also teach how to check or diy some things, you are so good explaining everything .. i cant wait to see what's next ?

[@bendaga]

Oh wow I can't imagine being in the Caribbean with no AC...beautiful place to live though. Appreciate the kind words, I got more stuff on the way!

[@Memescool651]

I really like this series man. Keep it up💪

[@bendaga]

Glad you're enjoying it; thank you!

[@niranjankammar7783]

I'm really enjoying this series❤, and can you run it on dyno in next vid?

[@spycfaib]

congrats on the ac!! also man you keep edging us with the headlight 😩

[@AsianRodrigo]

Loving the civic videos man!

[@bendaga]

I'm glad; thank you man!

[@Trabant_Vishnya]

I'm really happy for you, man! These 90-s japan hatchbacks are really easy to fix (had a 98' Corolla 3door hatch previously). In my Mercedes W203 broken a\c is a huge mess because of crushed valve in a\c compressor. So, all the climate system is full of metal chip. Replacement costs like a 1\3 of a car and I doubt that repair shop will do it in a good way.

[@bendaga]

Thank you! Happy you can be here to join us. And yeah it's really a blessing how cheap and simple these cars are. Really makes them a joy to tinker with

[@ajja4038]

I’m new and a lady that know nothing about cars but saw the first video was when you first showed this car and have watch all of them of this car till this video and like all of them and to tell you I enjoy watching your videos because you are great at them! And make them so interesting I love your videos now and can’t get enough of them and you you make the videos so well and interesting I want to come back over and over!!the car is Beautiful you have done a wonderful job on it can’t wait for more 🎉oh and I’m a new subscriber 🚙🛞

[@fantastic_buddy_]

I am excited for the cluster change the most 😊

[@flyinghigh8487]

Lucky stuff man , ive been chasing an ac problem on my 09 gti , finally after replacing the expansion valve , ac dryer, and pressure swicth and going through about 3 gallons of refrigerant ive bought a compresser. I have the ac manifold and vaccum kit which is somthing you should definitely get !

[@bendaga]

Oof sorry you had to go through all of that

[@flyinghigh8487]

@Bendaga it happens , still cheaper then having a shop do it lol

[@setha7781]

Looks like a leak from the Schrader valve itself; a valve stem Schrader tool should get it tightened up.

[@bendaga]

good call!

[@refined_code_016]

This car seems like the lucky few out there that didn’t really need much but a cleaning and new parts

[@sergej2850]

You made me get a civic, thanks for all the vids, they will come in handy 😁😁

[@sergej2850]

also MY KEY GOT STUCK IN THE IGNITION!! does anyone know what I could do about it???? it's the spare key, i stuck it in cuz it looked nice haha, now i can't push it in to get it out

[@sergej2850]

the valet key* It starts if i put the normal key next to it, but I can't get it out

[@sergej2850]

got it out a few days back, lots of WD40 and tapping it with a rubber mallet helped

[@OnTourWithPattiSmith]

James has TINY hands!! 💯

[@boosteddreamz2172]

I really enjoy this hatch content. I also have a low idle on my 2000 ex coupe and on a warm day after driving 10 plus mines the idle goes from 700 to around 100-50 I did a tune up and it’s still like that and the engine shakes a bit when it does that

[@bendaga]

ill let you know if I figure it out, thanks for sharing your experience

[@JesusRamirez44]

My car has an issue with the AC being warm ill give this a shot. Love the videos bro can't wait to see the finished build!

[@hypocriticalharambe8274]

I recommended getting a r134a can with a trigger/hose to charge the ac and stop when its at 30-35psi while the compressor is running if you are going to do this don't be afraid to give it higher amounts if it is not running at all.

[@DJV94022]

Also recommend as a house hvac tech , you should rinse off your condensor and radiator while your at it so youre ac can feel cool at stop lights ....and also clean your evaporator coil it may have leafs and 25 year old trash in there

[@JesusRamirez44]

@@hypocriticalharambe8274 thanks bro I went to AutoZone and did just that now it blows nice and cold 🙏

[@bendaga]

@@JesusRamirez44 glad it worked!!

[@boneskkksk]

please make a video driving this honda civic, i like it so much lol

[@bendaga]

Stay tuned 🤠

[@user-wy7jk5bl3q]

I love the car!

[@renamamiya158]

best upgrade

[@bendaga]

Lowkey

[@jjtorres3734]

What a gem, who would've thought this civic would be in such acceptable conditions after being sent for junk.

[@bendaga]

🫡

[@mkoschmall]

In Europe you could have the Civic either with an AC or an electric sunroof for the same price - but not with both (at least not in the normal versions).

[@bendaga]

Lucky; none of the hatches in the states came with a sunroof unless you got an EG

[@residentevilfan4]

My 00 Civic EX coupe has both AC and a sunroof. :)

[@uscarsharburg-tgifstammtis8604]

@@residentevilfan4 Trim levels differed for the US and other markets. I don't recall every detail. For the three door Civic (there also was a five door, that was a collaboration with rover) they were something like 1,4 S; 1,4i S, 1,5i LS and 1,6i ES. However, getting either one of those options on a compact car in Europe at that time was considered utter luxury.

[@JoeVil]

I had a very similar problem on my accord, worked for about 10 to 15 minutes then cut out. I found out it was the compressor coil and clutch would stop working when the engine got hot. Replaced the coil, clutch, and pully for 50 bucks and I didn't even have to take the compressor off the car

[@whatdadogdoin7531]

Which gen is your Accord?? I have the same compressor issue with a leaking condenser and bad O rings

[@JoeVil]

@@whatdadogdoin7531 it's a 9th gen, but the compressors are very similar going back to the 7th gen

[@whatdadogdoin7531]

@@JoeVil mines a 7th gen V6. So it's gonna be hard to work on the compressor

[@DJV94022]

I just recently did mine i cleaned out the evap coil box from trash and leafs.that works perfectly because it had blew my high pressure hose..so after cleaning the evap, new high pressure line and rinsing off the condenser coil with water it recharging it blows cold

[@bendaga]

glad you figured it out!

[@harkin3684]

Dang, I did not know r134a got outlawed. Was just going to get my truck converted from the broken r12 system to it

[@JohnGarcia-hl9wg]

Bro just a suggestion, try to make your camera less wobbly by holding it more steady and turning it slowly. It would greatly benefit us your viewers. love your contents tho

[@its_me_ryy]

Me watching this every morning before work 😂

[@bendaga]

🙏

[@hypocriticalharambe8274]

If it stops short cycling and makes a little bit of noise running put in a oz of pag 46 oil those cans are fine if you have a good hose setup the ones from the parts store with the gage that has a trigger on it to charge 30-40 psi on the low side is recommended and having a high side gage is good if you have a ford as they have issues with expansion valves causing extreme pressure on the high side leading to short cycles. But i just work on cars and there ac all day what so i know.

[@bendaga]

Appreciate the insight!

[@roasty719]

low idle could be the MAF sensor

[@residentevilfan4]

*walks into Autozone* Me: I need R-134a for a 00 Civic EX. Autozone: Here you go. It'll $34 bucks. Me: cool

[@MrCallmevader]

Window tint next?

[@tannermartin6094]

Let’s goooo!!

[@bendaga]

🗣

[@ih_guy5602]

So if I happen to have a car that has a working fan but the A/C isn’t cold, do you have to recharge the A/C with that R-13? This is for an early Jeep compass (and as you know my blazer has working A/C and uses that old R12 and I can agree it is an arm and a leg to to find or pay for it)

[@carflixng]

Do a video on how to find leaks cause ac system is isn't meant to go our at all.

[@shiboni1]

i have a ek3 1.4 1998 and when im drive in low rotation he just turn off, i already look and dont find why some one already have the same problem?

[@Jamaicameme]

Make longer videos please 😢

[@Dougo666]

Replace cabin filter you may be breathing mold in

[@jonathancrincoli6263]

Try not to use the Freon with stop leak in it in the future.

[@MiguelFlores-ig7wd]

Hey man located in Washington where can I look at some of the auctions you go to ?

[@onlysilv]

Copart Arlington

[@nVinter]

the gauge at 3:11 says RETARD if you get it to too much pressure? lol

[@glorentzen]

Do you still have the wrx hatch?

[@rayley11]

On what psi did you put in?

[@arhumtariq9455]

Have you fixed the low idle issue if yes can you tell me how you fixed it my car has the same problem

[@bendaga]

Not yet but I plan to make a video on it!

[@bridenallen494]

Is r134a really outlawed? I just replaced my compressor this month and recharged the AC system on my 2000 sonoma and r134a was very easy to find stocked up front at Auto Zone.

[@Punched0]

It's been outlawed in Washington state because it's terrible for the ozone layer.

[@nineteen7071]

Would you ever consider to convert this car into a sleeper 1000 hp civic ? Would love to see the progress on that

[@organiccold]

Nooooooooo...leave it original, they are so rare like that. They had been all destroyed by mods .

[@timoarrg]

1) No 2) No 3) No 4) Did I say no already? 5) There are more 1000hp civics than stock civics like this so why would you?

[@Kiwi_NZ610]

I had a 1996

[@mine_crafting]

It cloudy again for another few days😭

[@coreygenno9951]

I wish my EK came with air conditioning

[@imbe.]

Bubbling bad!!!! Your AC is leaking from the valves.

[@christopherbustamante3547]

Not first 😠😠😠

[@bendaga]

👨‍🦯

[@NiviaxD]

rip

[@DJV94022]

But you aint last

[@LazyPurppy]

Not last either

[@cadegamer2854]

My dads truck stopped blowing ac but he had to press the ac button and it worked same with my moms car😂😂😂😅

[@whatdadogdoin7531]

You might have a leak on your AC system. This is a temporary fix. It's gonna leak out which is bad for the environment. In my car I have no ac. Got it inspected at the dealership and they found the compressor to be burnt out, holes in the condenser due to rock chips and bad O rings. So all the refrigerant which was put on, leaked out over time. I have to drive the car with the windows down in this heat

[@salecon]

Makes me wonder why people delete their AC in their car, like nah AC is a must lol

[@bendaga]

especially if you live in a warm climate

[@01Elantraaa]

LOT NUMBER?

[@ayanrizvi8323]

can we please just ignore the bmw carpet mats in a honda 🤣

[@christopherbustamante3547]

G7i

[@MatthewClarkPSison]

first

[@bendaga]

W

[@tharulnethsuka5408]

you need to tune the engine man

[@retro_88yota]

r12 was used on evreything 1993 and before. 1994 and on was r134a. starting in 2016ish r1234yf was starting to be used. this really isint the right way to service an ac sytem. to fill up a low system a manifold gauge set is really what you need so you can accurately diagnose and charge the system its really to correctly recharge a system with one of those crappy little cans.

[@DR-UTAH]

I want it how much would you sell it for.

[@Jrod1702]

That's my old car