So after finally getting my 94 (build in Mar 93) XJS on the road, I started playing around with the air conditioning system. Apparently its "always on", and my vehicle is blowing warm air . Looking through some of the old posts regarding the compressor, the concensus seems to be the seal on the compressor along with the orings fail. Ebay has several kits to replace the seal on the compressor. Has anyone used one of these kits? My plan is to replace the dryer, expansion valve, orings and the seal/bearing- clutch and take it in for a refil. But want to make sure I purchase the correct kit. I don't have the exact model of the compressor as I'm not home right now. Please adivse best way to go here.

 

Fenair International will be the best place for your enquiries. They specialise in classic car A/C
https://www.fenair.co.uk/

 

I checked out their site, seems I'll also need to convert it to R134a as well...will a compressor for that specific refrigerant be a better way to go or does it not matter? I saw one posting say that the seals on the original compressor were at the upper limit of the higher pressure of the 134A.

 

What gas has your 94 got in the system?

 

Based on what I've read, its the R12. It was built in Mar of 93. I'll confirm later today.

 

Jaguar issued a TECH GUIDE for retrofit 134a.

 

thanks I'll give it a read tomorrow

 

so I got home today and popped the hood, saw a retrofit placard on the hood, but nothing written on it...but are these not the 134 ports?

 

Already Refrigerant 134a fitted to your car.

Diagnose your A/C problem and get it going!

 

well that's good news...I don't see the clutch engaging so I'm guessing its just low on refrigerant. Waiting on new gauge set to arrive tomorrow to check that. Is that metal tube on the low pressure line the dryer? the replacements seem to be long black tubes.
edit....it's a muffler...dryer is in the front of the radiator.

 

You asked if you should rebuild your compressor. No, you should not. Go to Rockauto.com and see how cheap a new one is. Then google Sanden compressor rebuild tools and see how expensive they are! In mean time, your inclination to throw a charge in and see where it leaks is a sound plan. The compressor might be fine and just cut out for low pressure, as you said.

 

So I hooked up my gauges and the system was empty. The cost of replacing the R134A would be around 90.00. I would hate to waste that much refrigerant, so I ordered the new compressor kit. I was hoping the 200.00 compressor would fit the bill, but I need the v-belt compressor, which costs 100.00 more. I also realized that I need an odd expansion valve, which Rock Auto didn't even sell (at least under the Jaguar heading). Ebay for the win on that part. The part number I found was a 38654 sold under the Four Seasons label. Looks like it will be fun to swap out.

 

Last time I looked at the Walmart auto parts area, the 134a refrigerant was $9.98 for a 12 oz. can.

 

yeah that's about what I paid on amazon....but I need like 7 of those cans...to fill the system! If it was just a top off...I'd give it a go, but it seems every seal on this car is on it way out.

 

I think you should read up on the retrofit if your car WAS R12.

The R134a charge is supposed to be about 80% of the R12 charge weight.

2.5 lbs would be 2 lb.
40 oz x .8 = 32.

 

That number I had was from the retrofit instructions provided above.... 1150 grams was the complete fill up. 170 grams per can (6 oz cans) -6.7 cans

 

So I installed a new compressor, dryer, and the ever to be cursed at...expansion valve. Can someone confirm I have the two lines to the rear of the compressor connected. High pressure line is on the bottom, but the picture is sideway...so on the right as well Thanks...