Hello all,

My 1997 XK8 rescue project is still alive. Currently when I idle the car I can hear the front AC valve clicking on and off. I am sure the AC is totally dry as this system has sat for over 5 years. I am not sure it's worth servicing at this point... honestly if it's hot out.. well... the top goes down doesn't it? All the wind you want.

Is there a way to disable the AC compressor safely? Should I just pull the fuse for the AC idle pulley?

Thanks all..

 

Just undo the electrical connections or, as you suggest pull the fuse.

 

Or pull the electric plug for the A/C pressure switch which on the XJ8 is on the pipe directly above the compressor going to the condenser. The compressor won't come on if it thinks there's less than 20psi static pressure, i.e. almost completely empty. Or if you can reach it, disconnect the lead to the clutch. Its one wire, but a fiddly little connector. On the XJ8 requires removing the fender liner to access it.

 

I would say before writing this system off, call around and see if some A/C shop can do a cheap vacuum test (see if the system holds vacuum for a short bit). Or, if you have an air compressor, Harbor Freight has cheap vacuum devices for your A/C gauge set. If it does hold vacuum, do a proper refill and enjoy. If not, try and get a diagnostic and fix it later. Just my thoughts.

 

Yes sir!

I went to Harbor Freight and bought the AC vacuum pump for around $50.00 a few years ago (5?). I've serviced my Jag, my wifes Escalade, my Ford F-150 and my wifes cousins Trailblazer. The Trailblazer was last month and I'm ready for round two for the others since its been five or so years.

That little vacuum pump is awesome!

Easy to use, easy to put in the refrigerant and you cannot hook it up wrong. You'll have cold air in no time!

 

As far as I'm concerned, the A/C is the most important component on the car!

Whether you agree or not, I'm with fmertz on having an a/c shop take a look at it. My rescue project sat in a shed for several years. About the only thing that still worked correctly, once I got the car running, was the a/c ! My guess is that Jaguar builds its a/c systems stoutly !