I posted several weeks ago about the progressively weaker cooling capability of the car's AC system. Turns out that a cop-friend at work is an ex-AC guy and had an electronic leak detector. He agreed to use it on the X-Type.

He found one leak on the low-pressure side and his educated guess was an O-ring leak. His gauge showed the level was just below 25 psi so we added about two-thirds of a can of 134a with stop-leak from Auto Zone.

This was over a week ago and the thing is blowing cold, cold, cold. It's been in the mid-nineties here in Lovely Louisiana, and so far, so good! I know that it may not be a permanent fix, but if I get through the summer it was $20., and a six-pack of beer well-spent. Hell, I drank two of 'em.

 

I've been having issues with my x types a/c. No cold air blowing whatsoever. First thought was to try the AC Pro, it did nothing. The compressor is running, but when I attached the hose and can it was reading no pressure. I pulled the trigger a few times to add the freon and the pressure jumped up to about 50 psi. AC still didn't work. I wanna try all things before taking it to a shop or a jag dealership to have it diagnosed and repaired. Do you think the 134 a with stop leak would work any differently than the AC Pro?

 

Doesn't sound like it to me. After adding 134a it should at least cool for a short time, I would think.

 

I was stationed in Biloxi....I used the AC charge kits all the time during the summer....granted, a compressor or something that is going bad will eventually make the recharge not work, but a good temp fix. If you recharge the R134A yourself, make sure you get one with a gauge one it. If you overcharge the system....not good also. Again, recharging is a quick fix for AC but still does not fix the problem...just buys you time. In come cases...it can actually do more damage to the system.

But...while stationed in Biloxi, my wife had a 1993 Camaro with a dying AC unit and the compressor was leaking. The R134 would charge it for a few months but it still would leak out. Eventually, the system would not even hold a charge. Again, temp fix.

 

Temp continues to climb here in the Deep-South, USA (95 degrees today). And the AC continues to keep the little X-Type as cool as I could ask for. Fingers still crossed.

 

If you imagine the U.S. weather map, and pay attention to the bottom left corner, that is usually a red splotch this time of year. It is hot like a blow torch, we get a dry heat approaching 115F on most days during the summer. I have empathy for our Jag brother in Lovely Louisiana because I can relate to the heat.

With my car, the air doesn't get cold unless I raise the RPMs. The AC system works good if I have 2000+ RPMs. So, driving around town is fine, but if I park it and want the AC to work, it starts blowing warmer. I figure the compressor is toast, but I don't suspect a leak. How much are new or refurbished compressors for the X?

 

patterson
There is a fix for the compressor.
if you have the system dained then on the back of the compressor there are 2 10mm bolts holding on a plate. behind this plate is a valve what you have to do is remove the valve take out the spring put the valve in then the spring and replace the plate Jag has a procedure for this very easy to do
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ng-mod-116762/

 

Thanks Paul. That sounds great, thanks for the link. So you're saying the original valve and spring placement is backwards as built by the factory?

 

No, they are correct but my understanding is that the valve can pass causing the problems you describe. The fix eliminates the valve function, the newer compressors do not have the valve at all.

 

Thanks Norri. I might like to buy a newer compressor at some point. Are the newer compressor backwards compatible?

Do you know what year the fix was implemented?

 

I bought a aftermarket referb compressor on ebay for $150. Looked brand new. has lasted me 3 years now with no issues.

 

I did the valve/spring fix, it worked for me!