I recently started my 1996 Honda civic 5-speed for the first time in 50 days. The last time the vehicle was run was 12/3/2011, I just started it for the first time on 1/20/2012. The vehicle is in Richmond ,Virginia, although it is winter the temps have been abnormally bearable 35-45 degrees. Anyhow... when I started the vehicle is was about 40degrees outside (not too cold) I heard a very loud grinding coming from the AC compressor clutch. The AC was in the OFF position, but I could see the hub turning every few seconds as if partially engaged. Could having let the car sit cause rust/corrosion build up within the AC compressor clutch and in turn is causing this issue? I let the vehicle run for 15 minutes and the loud grinding noise kind of went away. I shut the vehicle OFF and let it sit for 20 minutes, then turned it back ON. The sound returned and the disapated. I am positive the AC compressor clutch did not do this prior to being turned off back on 12/3/2011. This is why I think there is rust/corrosion within the AC compressor clutch. Has anyone seen this before??

Thanks

 

HAHAHH You too, eh?
I'm dealing with the same issue at the moment, after (of course) buying a brand new battery, and an idler pulley. I have the corrosion/rust buildup on mine, with limited movement ect. ect.

I'm in the process of buying a new ac compressor. I see on eBay, and other online stores that the 1.7 ac compressor will fit(?) the 2.0 Si (what my civic is). Is this true, are the compressors the same for both motor sizes???

Any help would be HUGELY appreciated!!!! Thanks!