1988 Honda Prelude-Air conditioning problem.?

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Carib Guy

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My 1988 Honda Prelude is having air conditioning issues.
The air conditioning blows cold air when the car is idle. After driving for about 10 minutes it starts to blow warm air. If I stop and wait and wait for 10 minutes it will start to blow air cold air again. In the winter I am able to use the air conditioner to defog the car without any problems it blows cold air to keep the car defogged.

One place that told me over the phone that I automatically need to replace the old system with a new one at a cost of $1000. Didn't go to them.
Second guy did not pay attention to my explanation of the problem. He started the car then after a few minutes felt the compressor and stuck a thermometer in the vent and then told me it works. I had to explain the problem again drive around for about 5 minutes and it started to blow warm air and which point he told he didn't know what the problem was. Third guy told me replace the old system then check for leaks which seems like cart before horse
 
As a backyard mechanic i would guess the clutch on the compressor is bad. When your rpm is high it slips but when it low at idle it turns. Try driving around and then look at the compressor you can tell if its turning or not. Have someone turn it on and off.

Only problem you will run into is you have to replace the compressor. thats around 300 bucks, Then you have to replace the gas. But 1988 the gas is not made anymore so you have to convert the system over. Over all it's going to cost a lot more than the car is worth.

You might be able to pull the clutch off another compressor and replace it but i have never tried this. I would guess it would be a bear.
 
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