Hey, so i bought an el cheapo 134a manafold kit from harbor freight (similar to this one AC Gauges - Save on this AC Manifold Gauge Set )

but the high and low side fittings are different than the connections. the cap say they are a M8 and M10 , and the schrader from the hoses do not fit. Is there an adapter that can be used from the schrader to the high and low side?

 

Well that sucks! I just bought one from them today. Haven't tried to hook it up yet. If I find out anything good I'll post it.

 

I wiggled and jiggled and got them on...

then i got 75 high side and 55 low side

I evacuated some of the 134a to 55 high and 25 low

that does not seems right, but I dont know the correct ranges.

AC blew hot air the whole time.

 

http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...&ct=clnk&gl=us

that may be of help
I have hot air at any setting and all the time...I'm checking the heater valve in the morning

 

I took my Harbor Freight guage set back. The low side manifold valve leaked constantly, couldn't shut it off completely. I get the replacement home and the high side fitting on the manifold is screwed in, no kidding, one and a half turns. I took it out and looked. The hole for it is not threaded. So it'll go back tomorrow.

 

f'n Harbor freight....

I dumped some 134a with stop leak, and dye(about 28 oz). No leaks, but no delta P across the compressor.

I guess I'm in for a compressor replacement , but I'm going to go through the fuses and relays one more time.

 

If the clutch is engaged and turning and you have no pressure difference, then yes, your compressor is toast...

During your replacement, make sure to purge the entire system of any old oils (this can be a bit of a chore, but needed or you'll ruin the new compressor..they sell flushing agents at most refrigeration wholesale places)...this will also clean out crap that may have come from the compressor..You may have to remove the expansion device (fixed orifice) to clean out the evaperator.

Do you have a vacuum pump?..you'll need one of those too.

 

Oh joy! My compressor is in next day air...hot air in vents, rust and a bit of oil visible on the clutch, no pressure at all,,, hoping its only the compressor...JTIS seems to be very detailed on everything! Hoping that I don't have to manufacture a tensioner tool, but the wellder is on standby...hoping to get some flushing agent at a local autozone or orileys or napa

 

I did whole smash while I had the engine out. New compressor, new accumulator, new orifice tube, flushed out the system, replaced all the o-rings... too bad it's leaking. I'll try to find out where this weekend.
If you're replacing the compressor cause it's failed, I can almost guarantee you that the orifice tube inlet screen is coated in crap, and needs to be replaced. You'll need to swap the accumulator, too. It's up in the forward part of the right front fender, while the spring lock fitting is at the upper back end of the right front fender. You might find some helpful pictures and text here: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...c-drier-87403/

 

yep, I have access to a vacuum pump, nitrogen to purge, and all the AC tools... What I don't have, and would like, is a lift.

 

Absolutely..all good info..thanks for adding

 

I should get my parts today...after looking at many different compressors, I found that one company sold the hole kit and kabootle and a fair price for a "new" compressor, accumulator, filter, oil, 2002 2004 Jaguar x Type A C AC Compressor Kit | eBay after calling them they discounted it even more and the shipping also.

I will remove the parts today, and perhaps video the process.

 

Once you get the whole system back together..Pressure test it for leaks (150psi) with the dry nitrogen you said you had..Look for leaks at all the connection with bubble soap solution..you can use the kid's bubble toy stuff or get some at a refrigeration wholesale house.

I teach the EPA certification for the sections 609 (MVAC) and 608 (Universal)



Once you proven all the leaks are found or non existing...Bleed off the nitrogen pressure to 0 psi and then put on the vacuum pump and suck both sides of the system down for about 30 minutes..close of both sides of the manifold guage...then put in some fresh nitrogen again and be sure to purge the center hose of any air that you removed from the vacuum pump to the manifold gauge.open both sides of manifold guage...Put in enough nitrogen to bring the presuure up to 2 to 3 psi, then let it out and connect to the vacuum pump again and repeat this process two more times before charging..

Let me add as a reminder..ALWAYS purge the hose that is free to the air before letting it into the system...While beginning to charge, use the refrigerant to purge any air from the hose.
Good luck

 

DPK,
I haven't used Nitrogen before. Does the cycling back and forth from Nitrogen to vacuum allow the desiccant in the accumulator to give up any water it's holding onto?

What I have done is pull vacuum and let it sit 30 minutes, then pull vacuum again and let it sit overnight, and finally pull vacuum again in the morning. I think the boiling point of water at vacuum of something like 28 or 29 in Hg is about 70 deg F which is any summer night in the south.

 

The Nitrogen is DRY and it will absorb any remaining moisture in the system anywhere, it acts like a sponge..But your overnight method is also good but not needed if you use nitrogen between steps.

 

Yeah, but I already have vacuum. Nitrogen, I'd have to buy. LOL. The vacuum is cheap too because my father made the vacuum pump out of an old refrigeration compressor and washing machine motor decades ago. The compressor is a Kelvinator if that gives any clue. I'll post a pic here next time I drag it out, which might be this weekend. It looks like something your dad would make, if your dad was Red Green.

 

I don't want to discourage you, but that old fashioned Vacuum pump made from an antique refrigerator compressor will not do the job I'm afraid..A Refrigeration compressor of even today's standards can only pull a vacuum of no more than 17" to 18" of Vac hg at best...you need a minimum vacuum to properly evacuate of 28" of Vac hg...You just won't get that with an old refrigeration compressor....

If your dear old Dad's can pull better than 28", then your good to go..try it first before you actually need it.

 

Unless the gauge is wrong (Robinair) it will pull more than 28 in.

 

Excellent..then try it , you may be okay then..

 

I am trying to recharge my AC for a 2003 Jaguar X type too, but somehow the connectors do not fit. I purchase the canister with an atachment hose and coupling.
In one of the other postings there is a note that "Special couplings" are needed. Did you guye hear anything about special couplings?

Thanks,