2006 XK8 convertible with 119,250 miles....

My wife and I drove the car to lunch and back yesterday afternoon, a 35-mile round trip. It was a hot and humid day here with temps in the low 90s. We both noticed that the A/C was blowing "cool" but not its usual "cold". This A/C system was last evacuated and recharged in late September 2012 so I hope it just needs a fresh recharge of R-134a, but I vividly remember that the factory Denso compressor in my previous 2005 S-Type gradually failed during the summer of 2010 (going from cold to cool to ambient over a week-long stretch) so I am doing some research in case I have to deal with a compressor issue....

While I found a great local resource in July 2018 for refurbishing alternators and starters, I have been unable to find one that refurbishes compressors. Refurbishing is always my preferred option in a case like this because it is much less costly and it returns the original component to the vehicle which always guarantees a perfect fit. If I must ship the compressor off somewhere for a week or more for repairs, that is certainly acceptable....

Does anyone have a trusted source for compressor refurbishment?

 

Just to let you know they cost less than $200 new, is it worth referbing. BTW they are not that easy to get out, hard to get bolts... I actually found them cheapest at walmart.com

 

A simple low side/high side pressure test will tell you in a minute whether you have a low charge condition or a legitimate compressor failure.

That is enormously easier, cheaper and considerably faster than a compressor replacement.

 

I will not repair/replace the compressor unless it proves to be faulty. As I initially stated, I hope the system simply needs re-gassing. I have the car booked into my trusted shop for next Tuesday morning....

Have yet to see a $200 new replacement compressor during my online research. Best price thus far has been about $360. Did not check walmart.com but I will do so. Thanks for the tip....

I did notice that there are far more (and less expensive) compressor options for the earlier XK8 models (pre-2003)….



Update: I was unable to find the proper compressor at Walmart.com....

 

Jon - hopefully just a recharge is needed. If you do need more than that, I purchased a kit for $311 - included new compressor, receiver/dryer, PAG oil and all O-rings/seals

https://www.ebay.com/usr/buyautopart...72.m2749.l2754