I have a 1996 XJS.

My AC was out, so I sent it to the shop to get a recharge. Apparently I have a leak in the condenser.

1. Is this a DIY task for someone without any AC equipment. I've changed ball joints, control arm bushings, fan clutches, etc. I've never touched the radiator or AC condenser coils. I'll certainly have it recharged by the shop, once the unit has been changed, but I need to figure out if I should do it, or let them. They want 2 hours to do it themselves. They also want $380 for the condenser. Which brings me to my second question.

2. Is there a better brand to buy? My shop doesn't mind using my parts. (He just won't warranty it, which is completely fair) Is there something I should avoid out there, or are they pretty much all the same?
Thanks!

 

Hello Vee,

I found a place that sells a parallel flow drop in condenser here in Texas. it has been in my car for about 2 years. It did take a while to get as they had to order it, but it definately improved cooling.

Only thing I did not like was that it was made in China, but what isn't?

It was only 200.00.

The same place sold me a OEM new (not reman!!) Sanden compressor right from Japan for about 300.00. I changed my compressor, expansion valve, drier, and evaporator at the same time, as well as all the o rings on the lines and the schradder valves.

As far as A/C, that's one thing I won't touch. Its too crítical here in Texas for me to fool around with.

 

Do you know where you got the O-Rings?

Were they JLM11098 or JLM11097, or something else altogether?

I did manage to find a parallel condenser.

 

Take a look at the write up by Ed http://ecs.fullerton.edu/~sowell/jag/ac/ACRebuild.htm

He did some modifications but you will get the general idea.

I have rebuilt the ac system completely on a miata and my 86 xj6. Ac is a fairly simple process and much easier to work on now that we have r134a refrigerant. Before i did some research I never wanted to touch the ac and would pay and arm and a leg to a mechanic. My recommendation is to buy the ac manifold set and vacuum pump from harbor freight (very cheap and have had no problems). When you put your first can of r134a in, put in the one with uv dye so you can detect any leaks down the road.

What part number and brand are the parallel flow condenser? Does anyone know if they changed the condenser on the xjs to a "better" one, maybe during the facelift.

 

Eh, after some more thorough checking, I found out that the parallel condenser I found was for the 6.0 engine, not the 4.0 that I have. The dimensions were what first piqued my interest.

Looks like I'll be ordering the Nissens brand from Rock Auto. ACKITS.com could not help me either.

Still need some help on the O-Rings, but it seems whatever I'm going to need is stocked at the local AutoZone.

I just checked Harbor Freight, and you are correct, it is a lot cheaper than I thought. $55 for the manifold and $20 for a vacuum...sold!

Thanks.

 

For my 86 xj6 I bought a couple of the r134a conversion kit O rings from advance auto or autozone. Make sure the o rings are green in color so they don't leak with the r134a. I also did a quick look on rock auto and they sell a kit for $5.68 of all new o rings for the xjs.

Vee- does the new condenser come with new o rings? I believe some of my new parts for the miata and my xj6 came with some. Trying to remember from memory...

Also, always buy a new receive dryer/accumulator whenever you open up the a/c system. Probably a $30 part from rock auto, this is the round piece mounted above the radiator that is about a foot long and 2" in diameter.

 

OK, green rings, that clears things up! I now know what to look for.

I have the accumulator/drier included in the package, as well as the aluminum block refrigerant valve.

I don't know where the refrigerant filter is, otherwise I might pick one of those up too.