Only a few more jobs to do on my '89 XJS that I rescued from a field. Driving it every day since late February. Now, I'm going to try to get the A/C to work. Since it is a convertible, A/C not critical, I thought I would go up to Wal-Mart, buy 2 cans of R134, fill the system, and, pray. The compressor has a sticker on it that says it will work with R12 or R134. The compressor currently does not kick on, no A/C pressure to speak of, the controls seem to shift the air flow inside, and, I am unsure as to if I have a fuse on the compressor that blew do to low pressure. My question is, what does anyone think of all this? Any advice? Thanks, I hope I get lots of replies...

 

Couple of tips: Before you try to fill the system, take apart any hose fittings you can as well as the hoses to compressor, and install new o rings. This is cheap, and since your system is empty, it will help eliminate leak points. Having a gauge is a good idea as well, they are cheap, and it helps make sure you dont overfill the system. Put a can of oil charge in as well to help that compressor. Finally, sometimes you have to put a little voltage to the compressor manually while you put in your first can of 134, to get past the low pressure switch. If you can find the low pressure switch, you can bypass it temporarily while you are filling with that first can. That works too. Good Luck!!

 

if the compressor clutch is not engaging at all... check the relay also... should be in the engine compartment, along the passenger side, under a cover.

 

Thanks, two good suggestions. Now I have something to do, will post results.

 

The original question by gthawk1 interested me. He said that the compressor had a lable that indicated the use of R12 or R134 on his ;89 XJS. I have a "93 six cyl and wonder if it applies to my model?
I have heard that the A/C conversion requires a system flush and different oil and seal replacement.
Comments apppreciated
Also has anyone heard of or used Freeze 12; it is supposed to be a substitute for R12???

 

Two answers
1. Yes Freeze 12 is a R12 substitute.
2. The a/c compressor will not generally work on either type of Freon, as is indicated on the sticker. The oils are different, pressures different, and even the charging ports are different. Charging ports on R12 are thread on Schrader valves, on R134 they are larger and quick connect style.
Be cautious as you proceed.

 

Afterburner1, there is a blue label on my compressor, it says, "This product is compatible with R 12 and R 134". My gauge with hose, that I use for R134, fits on the valve right next to the compressor. The valve looks like it has a valve on top of a valve. Originally for R12, then modified for R134? So, maybe some prior owner had it converted to R134. Why the compressor says both, I don't know, maybe ORIGINALLY it could be set up with either.