Awhile back I did a burnout and it seemed like it torqued my motor slightly, resulting in the u-joint on the steering arm contacting a metal pipe that runs adjacent to the steering, causing it to noticeably bind when I turned the wheel far enough for the joint to connect to the pipe. I applied some pressure and moved the pipe away from the arm enough that it seemed to be ok. Fast forward to now and I see that it is, in fact, not quite far enough, rather its just no longer binding and is clearly wearing a hole.

What I don't know is what the heck is this pipe for? I'd like to either patch it with some JB weld (or similar) or replace it, but I need to know what I'm getting into and what to order. Its metal which implies it might be under significant pressure and its covered in green, which at first makes me think antifreeze, except the Jag uses orange, not green, so I'm at a loss here. Anyone know what this is?

 

There are 3 pipes that run along the back of the engine.
Gearbox cooler lines. (to and from the radiator)
A/C suction pipe from evaporator to compressor.(it is filled with refrigerant, PAG oil and green dye for leak detection)

 

I'm going to go out on a limb then and say this is probably that suction pipe and the green dye is doing its job admirably.

Can I clean this up, flex it out of the way and seal it jbweld (or product you might recommend) and reasonably expect it to hold or is this unlikely to be repairable? Since some refrigerant has already leaked out I might have a moisture issue in the system now? Must be a tiny little leak as the ac still blows cold.

 

You suction pipe is likely the ONE PIECE pipe that cannot be replaced as one piece without removing the engine, gearbox or dropping the front cross member.

We did have an alternative a few decades ago but Jaguar stopped offering the two piece hose/pipe assy.

The aluminum pipe is 16mm (5/8") and I did try a pipe repair 'splice' kit that worked for several months but failed and leaked all the refrigerant. (big green PAG oil mess)

800-640 Line Splice Connector Splicer Coupler For 5/8'' Aluminum Lines, A/C Air Conditioning Repair Splice Connector (For 5/8'' Aluminum Lines)

 

You could try to clean completely with solvent and apply epoxy with a 'split' rubber or plastic hose to clamp around the repair.

I simply found an old 2 piece hose/pipe assy and installed that. (they are rare and VERY hard to find)
1998 X100 and X308 cars should have the 2 piece hose from the factory so keep an eye out for one?
1999MY started the ONE PIECE suction hose/pipe assy. unless the TSB repair was done.

All I can say is "BEEN-THERE-DONE-THAT".

good luck

 

Here are some examples of the two piece to one piece pipe/hose repair when the hose part leaks.(or whistles)

Jaguar issued original two part assy. and my solution to the 'hard-to-find' two piece part.

I cut a few XKR engine oil cooler lines to get the aluminum 'joints' to simulate the two piece part.
I had a metal 'fab-shop' TIG weld the joints to duplicate the original Jag part.(I don't TIG weld that often so I had them do it)

You still need to remove the left cataverter and motor mount to get to the compressor pipes.
Then one pipe up to the EVAP and the other to the compressor.
Bolt them together and EVACUATE/CHARGE.

 

I suspect the moral to this saga is don't do burnouts.

 

Fortunately we live in an amoral society these days...

Thanks Motorcarman for the detailed advice. Guess I'll see what rabbit hole this leads me down now. I'll keep an eye out for the parts you're recommending.