I have had my 2004 XK8 with an air-conditioning specialist to fix a fault. He says that I also should have the air-conditioner filter/dryer replaced every two or three years to keep the system in good condition. I cannot find any reference to this service being suggested by the owners manual. Has anyone had expert advice relating to the need for this?
Graham Barker

 

It is a good idea to have the filter/dryer replaced when other parts have been replaced and the system has been let down to air and then recharged.

It is not usually necessary to have it replaced if there have not been any excessive recharge/top up requirements.

 

Stumpy, Thanks for that. After discussion with the technician, he agreed that it was really only useful when having major leakages and recharges.
Graham Barker

 

Is there a step by 99 XK8 step procedure available to do a complete A/C service? I've been watching UTubes and found something on Yahoo. Just want to be sure. When I take this on I only want to do the job once. I. E. Replace the compressor and dryer. I also need an education on the oil that's added to the system. Is there a rebuild kit for the compressor?
The compressor is leaking - dye all over... Although I'm getting cool air there is a bit of a drag on the spinning components - enough to drop the voltage.
Any guidance will be appreciated!!
Thanks in advance!
T

 

A Compressor Clutch service Kit and PAG Oil are available:


(click on the image to enlarge it)

Here is the JTIS section on Compressor removal and refitting:

JTIS - XK8 AC Compressor.pdf

And the section on oil recovery and refill:

JTIS - XK8 AC Refrigerant Oil Adding.pdf

Graham

 

Thanks Graham!!! You're the best!

 

Terry

These days most recovery/recharge facilities use automated machines that carry out the whole vacuum/refrigerant/oil process, including leak testing and dye injection.
So you should only need to do the compressor seals and replace the drier.

 

Thanks, Derek!! This is great information!! Now- where did I hide that extra time????

 

When you replace a compressor the amount of oil all depends on the part supplier. Be careful, read ALL of the instructions as some remans are pre-charged with oil, some not. R-134 systems are very picky about the amount of refrigerant and excess oil takes up space that could/should be used by the refrigerant. Too little oil... well we all know what can happen because of that.

Rebuilding compressors is pretty much a thing of the past. I was around, getting paid to do that back in the days before mass rebuilders took over the market. Today it's difficult to find any but a few individual parts because there's no market for them. Nobody wants to take the time to rebuild anything (even if they know how) because it just doesn't pay. As a result all but the oldest techs don't even have an idea how to rebuild anything. They can diagnose and replace and that's about it. Try to find someone that can rebuild a carburetor, a starter or an alternator or even worse - a speedometer. Techs under forty get quaky about the knees at the thought of rebuilding a lawn mower carb. If they successfully rebuild a starter they think they should be working for Jay Leno's Garage. There used to be as many carburetor/speedometer/electrical shops as there are transmission shops today, maybe more.

 

Kentucky Colonel,
Thanks for the info. I think I saw an A/C Compressor rebuild in a U-Tube and posed the question to the forum membership. But I get that R & R is the best bet these days. That way I'll be sure the device will work as advertised without investing in one-time use special tools and techniques that will get lost or fade over time.
Years ago (not car related) I sat at bench twisting little screws and actually repairing the mechanical devices. Very enjoyable. Of course that market faded making way for the disposial society. But that's the way it goes... For me, I work for free and not under the gun of achieving labor efficiency. Just trying to learn as much as I can about my little car. So far it's been great fun!
Again, Thanks K.C., Graham and Derek, I appreciate all your advice and help!
t

 

Beav, we are old . . . I have rebuilt a compressor.

. . . and I rebuilt a starter at 16.

 

Awesome! Skills that can't be taken away!