Hey everyone, a few months back my 1997 XK8 was involved in a front end collision and has since been sitting. With the warmer weather coming in a few months I am beginning to start getting the car fixed up. I've already taken out the radiator and AC condenser as they were both punctured in the collision. I found a used AC condenser for $50 which seems like a great deal but it is out of a 1998 MY. My question is will this fit? Also being used it says it came out of the vehicle with 115,000miles, will this higher mileage be a problem for the condenser? The details say it will fit but I've heard that 97's are a little specific with fitment. One last question I found on partsgeek.com a aftermarket radiator made by Nissens for a little under $400, I've had good luck with this website but also have heard to stay away from aftermarket parts so what do you guys think? Thanks!

 

Nissens builds good-quality HVAC components. Of more importance to you is getting a replacement condenser that matches the exact positions of your various hose fittings. That can be a challenge sometimes....

 

Appreciate the input. I'm pretty sure I am just going to go ahead and purchase the radiator now. It's just a matter of figuring out if the Condenser will fit because if I buy this one and it doesn't, may only be $50 but still $50 wasted...

 

JEPC doesn't show any part number difference between 97 & 98 for the condenser.

I'd be wary of fitting a 20 year old second hand unit. You don't want to have to do the job twice, and a further regas will eat up anything you might save.

I used a Nissens 94798 which works fine - I just had to do some bending/grinding around the pipe retaining bracket to get it to clear the side of the radiator.

Partsgeek price seems way over if it's the same unit. Rockauto has it for $130:
RockAuto

If the system was punctured, I'd recommend that you replace the receiver/dryer at the same time.

Member RaceDiagnostics has done a step-by-step - his is a 4.2 but it will help:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...2/#post1713380

HTH,
Mike

 

Thanks for the info! I found the receiver/dryer for about $20 so ill add that to my list.

 

Sorry - I really should have read your first post more carefully as your reference to Nissens was related to a replacement radiator, not the condenser

JEPC shows a different part # for the very early cars, but both that and the later (to vin 042775) have been superseded by MJB4190AF, Nissens 66701.
SNG has a replacement at a similar price to Partsgeek, but check RockAuto too.

Jag #4 successfully (eventually) went the Nissens route, but beware there's a couple of banana skins he encountered along the way...
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...57/#post998150