Good morning from Germany!
The aircon compressor of my 1987 XJ-SC 5.3 just died and I need a new one.
My usual part seller told me that there are two differnt types: One for early cars until 1987 with VIN up to 139051 and later cars. I have an earlier one with VIN 138***.
But following my own research all cars up to 1993 should have the same harrison-type compressor with the part number EAC9616 or JLM1271.
Does anyone know if there really were relevant changes in 1987 on the compressor?
Thanks in advance

 

DocBottster,

A quick look at the Jaguar Parts wesbite indicated that there were other part numbers fitted to the earlier cars. My interpretation is that EAC3386 was fitted to cars from VIN 104081. I'm not sure when the change to EAC9616 occurred.

Hope that helps,

Paul

 

I suspect that the two part numbers are the same compressor with different gasses. EAC9616 is R134, JLM1271 is probably R12. Unless Jaguar were way ahead of the rest of the world with replacing CFCs, the agreement to do so wasn't until 1987, with R12 being banned in 1996.

 

I think the difference is the compressor protection system: Superheat switch versus HSLP switch (High Side Low Pressure).

This is the switch that mounts into the rear of the compressor. Neither the compressors nor the switches are interchangeable

My XJS was 139xxx built Feb '87 and had the HSLP system

Yours likely has the earlier Superheat system.

One clue is that the Superheat system used a three prong Thermal Limiter fuse in the wiring. This was mounted at the compressor bracket. If you have the fuse you have the Superheat system. But.....some owners removed the fuse and rewired the circuit so lack of a fuse isn't 100% proof of the HSLP system

Here's the fuse:



Or you can remove the switch and look at the hole in the back plate



Cheers
DD

 

Thanks guys!
Now I understand the situation much better.