Hi The air con on my XJ8 isnt working. I took it to an air con 'specialist' who said that the condenser and 'hose 5' have blown (I have the part numbers). I can get a replacement condenser from ebay at a decent price (albeit a pattern part which is always a gamble!) but I cant find a replacement hose anywhere. Any ideas/suggestions welcome.

 

Highly recommend you get more estimates....I've been quoted excessive amounts only to look around and find someone tell me that they only need to replace 'whatever parts' at half of the other guys.
Of course I've been told close to the same amount by 3 or 4 shops and I bite the bullet on the most reputable one to fix it. I like to be able to put as many irons in the fire to be able to fix things, but A/C is where I draw the line...its not worth my time.

 

The problem is, I can't get an estimate for the hose because no one seems to have one. The air con specialist couldn't find one either. Not a new one at least. I found a second hand one today and bought it but it may not be any better than the one that leaks. Someone must make them or have old - new stock?

 

The hose part No. is MNC7340BF. The condenser is MNC7390AC.

 

Hose #5 is one of the few items I had to fix on mine -- it developed a small hole about midway. It is taking the high pressure/ temp from the compressor -- maybe this is why it's got a high failure rate. It should be available? -- about $200USD.

Using used hoses is always a bit risky -- especially that one since it seems to fail. If you are going to keep the car -- have the receiver dryer replaced. With AC work -- do it once correctly -- or do it again.

Why do you need the condenser? how did he test. I always question when two leaks are found -- did it just fail or has it been a while? Rocks can take out the condenser at any time.

 

When I bought the car about 3 months ago the air con wasn't that good - tepid at best. I had it recharged by a local Halfords but it only lasted about 10 weeks. I took it somewhere else for a full service. The service note said 'added UV dye. Evidence of leakage both sides of pressure pipe sensor to condenser joint and from pressure sensor'. They said it was pouring out so they wouldn't recharge it even temporarily. I haven't found replacement parts in the UK yet, or anyone who can fix it. I'll keep looking. Its a nice car so I'm happy to spend a few ££'s on it to get it right.

 

All those joints have o rings that should be replaced when separated -- I wonder if someone was mucking around prior to your ownership?

Why did they not replace the o rings and test for leaks?

 

Stop using Google for your only search, I used Bing and on Ebay there is....Jaguar 98 03 XJ8 AC Hoses MNC7340BF | eBay
...and in England...https://britishparts.co.uk/products/...nser-MNC7390AC
There are a ton of listings for the condenser using a Bing search.