I have a 97 XJ VandenPlas. The AC runs but isn't as cool as it should be. My mechanic says there is a blockage in the expansion valve. He says the dealer will only sell the OEM replacement as an expansion valve-evaporator core combination. This really ups the price. I can get an after market valve and the price is significantly less. However, I'm concerned about this $$ difference. Does anyone know about the reliability of an after market expansion valve? It would save me about $500 if I could go this route. Thanks!

 

I just bought an expansion valve from RockAuto ($12.50 + shipping) for X300 (95-97 XJ6) to keep as a spare part (GPD Part # 3411483).


I have an original used one from a faulty evap core and the replacement is identical in appearance.

I'll use it if I need it in the future.

It's your call but I would only replace what is faulty.

bob gauff

 

Thank you for the quick reply! You've saved me a lot of money. I really appreciate it.

 

An expansion valve is an OEM part Jaguar buys, so any good quality supplier out there will provide a replacement. I was just told today my XJS has a leak at the expansion valve, Jaguar told me they would need to order the part from Coventry West since Jaguar no longer carries the parts.

 

Thanks for the recommendations. I went ahead and got the after market replacement part as suggested. I took the jag in today to have the work done and my mechanic says the evaporator valve replacement works fine. However, he just called and says he discovered a bigger issue because the desiccant bag was ruptured and the stuff that was blocking the valve had also blown throughout the system. He is looking into how to clear this out without having to replace everything. I'd appreciate hearing about any alternatives to a full AC replacement.

 

The desiccant 'beads' should not have gotten past the expansion valve orifice.

I would think the 'beads' are larger than the orifice so the 'low side' components should be free from contamination.

The line from the rec/drier to the expansion valve should be the only place where the 'beads' lodged.

A suitable solvent flush should remove all traces of the contamination if BOTH ends of the pipe are opened and flushed.

I have done this before with good results.

bob gauff

 

Thanks again! I shared the information with my mechanic. The flush worked. The AC is nice and cool AND the cost was significantly less than a system replacement.