The recent spell of hot weather had made me realise that my 4.0 AJ16 convertible was not really blowing cold at all. A quick check revealed that the compressor clutch was engaging so I presumed there was at least some gas in there. The boys at my local Dealer had a look this morning and advised that they could see the leak dye over an area of the condenser. With only 115g of gas then recovered from the system, I'm now in for a new condenser and Receiver Drier.

The prices of the condensers vary considerably, s I'm looking for any feedback from members who may have bought one recently. I can source a condenser apparently matching Jaguar part number MHD 7390BA from less than £100 up to £600+ (Jaguar). I'm not sure who were the OEM but I wonder if it might have been Denso?

So, in order of price (lowest first), has anyone got any experience of the following condenser manufacturers:

- Frigair
- Prasco
- Van Wezel
- Delphi
- Denso
- Vemo

I can get the Denso for about £240 delivered, so that's my initial thought, but would appreciate any views.

As regards Receiver Drier, I'm presuming it's just a £35 job from any of the usual suppliers here in the UK, unless anyone has any alternate views?

Once I've got the parts, does anyone know if, on a late big-bumper 4.0 model, whether you can refit the condenser without removing the bonnet? Is it possible to remove from underneath with just the lower tray removed or else pull from above with the bonnet intact?

Tks

Paul

 

Not sure on the XJ-S, but the X300 is Denso.

Delphi is another known brand, the rest, dunno.

 

Paul
Excellent to hear from you! I have recently fitted a D Manners supplied non-OEM condenser to a mate's v12 pre facelift car. It was about 100 odd quid from memory and works fine and was excellent quality.
on a V12 you can fit the condenser without removing the bonnet, but loosening off the rams and standing the bonnet up a bit further is a good plan. The condenser cannot be removed from below. On a v12 it just fits by pegs into holes on the oil cooler; I have an idea on the six cylinder cars it just pegs into a bit of steel support, in rubber cotton reels, a bit like the rad does, being held in place by the radtop panel only..
Your view on the dryer 100% right.
Greg

 

Not for the XJS, but for a Toyota I have used some of the Chinese knockoff condensors and they dropped right in and bolted up. Worked well for a fraction of the OEM price.

 

Here was my experience. I'd recommend replacing the expansion valve as well. It's cheap and it's an easy "while the refrigerant is out" kind of job.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xjs-x27-32/replacing-ac-condenser-drier-expansion-valve-96397/

I should revise to use PAG100 oil, not 150.

I used parts that I ordered from RockAuto. There's no need to stick to OEM on any of the parts.

I think you can do the job without removing the bonnet, just remove the grill and the hydraulic lifters. It would be easier to just remove the four screws and take the darn thing off at that point though. You'll absolutely be pulling it out from above.