Ok I figured out why my ac quit blowing cold. I went to charge it up and PFSSSSSSSSSSST rear seal blown and spewing all kinds of pretty colored refrigerant out of it.

Since the car had been sitting for 6 years with minimal run time I am figuring all the seals are going to be dried and bad so instead of worrying about it I am going to replace the Compressor. I bought a Compressor works 638868 replacement compressor (since it has already been converted to 134A).

So my questions before I get started are:

1) would your replace the dryer as well? Since the compressor didn't lock up just ran out of Freon.

2) I can rent a vacuum pump from the local auto parts store would you recommend that for after the system is put back together?

3) Any tips or tricks on making removal and installation easier or quicker than the haynes manual says.

4) I shouldn't have to discharge the system as the coolant and pressure was released when the seal blew correct?

Thanks in advance. I have never replaced a compressor on my own but the company I have trusted before to do repairs wanted 1600 to replace the old one. I got this replacement for under 400.

 

Rutty,

I don't see where you identified your model year or VIN, so you really have to look over the attachment carefully to ensure it's appropriate for your vehicle.

The document is an official Jaguar Retrofit instructions for converting R12 to R134. In the doc, they advise to replace the dryer when doing the conversion.

You should be able to sell your old compressor on ebay, I'm sure someone else would like to convert their system as well and your compressor can be rebuilt to R134 specs (instructions included in the doc as well).

Good luck

 

The system was replaced in the late 90s to the 134a system so I am assuming that most of it is aftermarket anyway but I won't know for sure until I take it out.

I found the dryer was only 70 bucks and I had a credit at the local store so I am going to replace it too.

 

Good idea. You're there, you might as well replace it as well. The accumulator (receiver/dryer) holds quite a bit of refrigerant oil. Make sure you add the correct amount and type of oil back into the accumulator before you install it. Also, don't remove the caps on the accumulator until just before installation. There is a desiccant bag in the dryer, which removes the moisture from the system. Your original dryer probably couldn't soak up even a tiny bit more after all these years.

-Nick

 

Well It looks like I am going to be the resident AC guy for my family and friend.. After finding out that the local auto parts store doesn't let you rent tools anymore I had to buy a vaccum pump for the ac as well as the regulator. Oh well maybe I can charge to "charge" friends AC's

 

Do you have an air compressor? Harbor Freight sells a very inexpensive Venturi Style Vacuum Pump. It connects to your air compressor on one end, and the other end has fittings for both R-12 and R-134a Manifold Sets. It's much much much less expensive than a motor-powered vacuum pump, and does the job just as well if you have a good enough compressor.

They also sell gauge sets for a great price. I have both the venturi pump and a manifold gauge set that are both a year or so old. Used the manifold about 6 times, and the pump about 3. Haven't had one problem yet.

-Nick