AC has been non-functional for most of my time owning the car. Not much of a concern as the top gets to stay down 90% of the time.


Had the system evacuated/charged with dye the last week of June and it didn't last but after a few days, the charge gone. When caught in a recent summer monsoon, the top up and no AC led to one sweltering 30 minute drive home from work.


Today, I had the shop look for leaks - leaking around compressor and the 2 lines coming off the compressor are leaking.


Looking at prices for compressors - YIKES!!!! However, I did find this - has anyone ever purchase one of these kits from them??


New Genuine OEM AC Compressor & Clutch + A/C Repair Kit For Jaguar XK8 | eBay

 

I am lucky that a compressor rebuilder is in Fort Worth, TX. (Yellow Rose Distributors) about 40 miles from me. They shipped a rebuilt to me for a 1999 XK8 recently for about $200. (I have used them since the 1990s)

Be aware that the suction hose from EVAP to COMP was changed to a 2 piece hose for the early XKs. I had to change that hose and managed to NOT remove the left Cataverter as recommended in the TSB (412-10).

With the compressor OUT you can juggle the pipe-to-compressor between the gearbox and cataverter. I think I lowered the steering rack.

good luck

bob

 

Bob - thanks - appreciate the insight - will check with Yellow Rose on Monday. Indie quoted between 2000-2500 to repair (parts/labor) so looking for lower cost parts alternatives and worse case scenario - I leave as is.

 

I don't see a problem in using the replacement you provided the link for. I'd be surprised if the compressor is specific to Jaguar - may be a Denso unit used on many different makes. We all know how the huge mark up on Jaguar parts. The reason so many independent parts suppliers function is that they are able to source original parts directly once the supply agreement with the car manufacturer expires.