A6 Compressor replacement
 

Finally warming up in Canada so time to look at the AC system on my 1985 Sovereign. Looking to replace my very noisy AC compressor and can get a new (not reman) Four Seasons Aluminium bodied A6 (p/n 58096) from Rockauto with a new dryer and Expansion valve, delivered all taxes duties paid for $350 US ($465 CAD). I need to determine if I order the flared or o-ring fit kit.

See link below:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...sn=374&jsn=374

Anyone ever tried on of these units or what does the forum recommend?

Same compressor I'm using. Seems fine - although I'm not happy with the performance of R134a so far (pretty much the same as I got with the original A6 so I don't think it's the compressor's fault in my case). For an 85 you will need the o-ring expansion valve.

Hi, found this posted on another thread about fixing / upgrading the AC system ( I'll post the missing thread linking the US product as soon as I find it again ). It can be used to replace R12 or R134a without any other changes to the system. I'm pretty sure this US product is the same as the Aussie version posted below it. It's a mixture of propane / isobutane which cools BETTER, while running at lower pressures which is easier on the compressor and drains LESS HP ! Plus I don't think it requires all the EPA paperwork etc, etc. Just don't smoke if you have to vent the system for repairs. I've not tried it myself yet but will shortly ( HVAC is system dead right now ). I wouldn't be to concerned about it being flammable propane in event of a leak / crash; 1) there's not that much in the system 2) if it does leak under the hood and flame, it will be a quick flash and then gone ( read # 1 ) 2) more worried about 22 gallons of gas in the trunk !

US supplier
https://www.es-refrigerants.com/prod...4a+replacement

Aussie
https://hychill.com.au/products/minus-30

Found the first thread topic about the Aussie version, lots of good info.
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-142473/page4/

Can't find the thread where someone from CA I think suggested / linked the US product, help anyone !

Cheers,
Brian

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.jag...6dd952e170.jpg

Hey, it's ok, he's adding not venting ! Found the other link discussing the US product and the adjustments to charge weights etc.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...switch-217599/

Keep learning all kinds of cool stuff here !
cheers again,
Brian

Hi Brian

I am thinking of this too as I think my system is low on Freon. Please do a detailed write up if you do this for other's benefit because there's a lot out there on doing this but virtually nothing on how to do it if you aren't hugely familiar with AC. For instance, I know to add through the low pressure valve but not which one of the two identical valves the low pressure is. And what about oil. Explanation of the how's and why's would be immensely helpful.

There's also the issue of getting the right gauge which, according to someone on Amazon is not even purchase able any more the feds having outlawed it.

disregard, answered my own question

Before ordering a replacement A6 compressor (new, rebuilt, aluminum, whatever) ask the seller if it's set up for a Superheat Switch or an HSLP Switch (High Side Low Pressure). This is the switch at the back of the compressor. They're not physically interchangeable and the electrical circuit is different...although it's a simple matter to convert one way or the other.

The Series III XJ6 used the Superheat switch until late 1987 model year but some have been converted to the HSLP system.

If you have a 3-prong thermal limiter fuse clipped to the compressor bracket (or dangling nearby), you have the Superheat system

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.jag...695cc3e25b.jpg


Cheers
DD

Thanks Doug. I'll check the car. I thought it was just a case of swapping that plug at the rear of the comp. into the new one.

I think most install a new cut-out switch on High Pressure port when going from R12 to R134a, or to ES134a. See attached.
Rgds David