Civic problems: Need advise

[nOnOize]

I recently bought a 97' Civic with plans of converting it into a race car. Just a week ago prior to installing new headers, I have noticed some problems and it kind of getting my attention really well.

Here's one:

I haven't really experienced it in my previous Civic, but this time with my recently acquired Civic, I have noticed that when the aircondition is running, it seems I'm getting less horsepower and/or torque. But, when the aircon is off, I got the power and torque that Civic normally gives. That's what I wondered and looking if there's a remedy for this one.

Other one:

I checked up on the radiator and I found some gasoline residues. I did try to drain and cleaned it and re-check - still no avail. Thus, I'm noticing some clinging noise inside the engine and probably there's a problem with the seal. Could this be the reason why my gasoline is leaking through my radiator? And my gas consumption has increased tremendously.

Last one:

I recently felt that everytime I drop back to second gear, the power isn't enough especially when the aircon is running. Usually when running into road bumps, I had no problem with accelerating in second gear. But, now I totally have it as a problem.


I'd greatly appreciate your advise guys. Just wanna try here first before seeking through car shops.

[LNopal]

I recently bought a 97' Civic with plans of converting it into a race car. Just a week ago prior to installing new headers, I have noticed some problems and it kind of getting my attention really well.

Here's one:

I haven't really experienced it in my previous Civic, but this time with my recently acquired Civic, I have noticed that when the aircondition is running, it seems I'm getting less horsepower and/or torque. But, when the aircon is off, I got the power and torque that Civic normally gives. That's what I wondered and looking if there's a remedy for this one.

Other one:

I checked up on the radiator and I found some gasoline residues. I did try to drain and cleaned it and re-check - still no avail. Thus, I'm noticing some clinging noise inside the engine and probably there's a problem with the seal. Could this be the reason why my gasoline is leaking through my radiator? And my gas consumption has increased tremendously.

Last one:

I recently felt that everytime I drop back to second gear, the power isn't enough especially when the aircon is running. Usually when running into road bumps, I had no problem with accelerating in second gear. But, now I totally have it as a problem.


I'd greatly appreciate your advise guys. Just wanna try here first before seeking through car shops.

1st: AC will deinitely take away at least 10hp away from your engine when it is engaged. you will not feel it in newer cars since the engine is still producing adequate amount of hp. it is more noticable in old cars because the engine tend to lose hp as it gets old.

2nd: it is not gasoline but oil. your engine might have ablown head gasket.

3rd: it is related to #1.

good luck.

[voltscastillo]

for someone who's planning on building a race car you do seem rather clueless about cars.

airconditioning systems have what's called parasitic drag as the compressor locks on and off, the engine has a bit harder time turning the compressor, thus, more fuel is needed = more higher fuel consumption.

i recommend you do the following:

1. clean out the whole a/c unit, and then lubricate the compressor. remember to refill freon.
2. give your engine a tune up, an oil change, a new air filter.
3. buy a new thermostat and thermoswitch for the ENGINE cooling system (hindi ito aircon parts).
4. check and adjust the valve tappet clearances and timing.

go to reputable shops to have these done. shops like H3 or forcedspeed araneta ave will also hook you up with the latest go-fast things you can put in your car.

if there is oil in the water, you may have a blown headgasket. if you know no honda certified mechanic or if you won't go to a reputable shop to install a new headgasket, it will probably be cheaper to just get a new engine and plop it down where the old one used to be. if it's a blown headgasket, at hindi marunong and gumawa at basta sinalpak lang, you will never see the end of your engine problems, i assure you.

[ghosthunter]

For the AC problem, it might have been serviced before and the fan belt could have been over-tightened. If not, it is possible the compressor is starting to fail/seize, increasing the parasitic drag on the engine whenever the compressor is engaged.

[1840boosted]

have your car checked by someone reputable or with known knowledge of general auto repair,it seems that your still starting out with something that's stock and any mechanic worth his salt should be able to handle it,,,
Or you can run to the dealer and pay for diagnosis of all symptoms you mentioned.....

as for engine mods, shop around first and compare ideas and costings before you get into it...
it would still be a matter of your choice!

[ghosthunter]

for someone who's planning on building a race car you do seem rather clueless about cars.

Pssst... be nice. We were all clueless once.

[ghosthunter]

I recently bought a 97' Civic with plans of converting it into a race car. Just a week ago prior to installing new headers, I have noticed some problems and it kind of getting my attention really well.

If you are building a race car, why are you retaining the aircon?