Has anyone ever charged their XJS AC with one of these $35 kits sold at Auto Zone or Pep Boys? A friend of mine did this to his Camry when someone else was going to charge $300.

Marshall Moretta
'96 XJS 4.0 Convertible

Submitted by staffel@jcna.com on Mon, 07/24/2006 - 13:43

AC is not rocket science. Very simple systems and few parts. You just have to determine if you have enough freon, if you have a 'flowing system' (compressor working, no blockages). Use tow gauges to test- one low pressure, one high pressure. Then charge to 45# on the low side at idle so at 2500 rpm you have 25# suction. You should see high gauge rise from the static charge to @ 150#- if so the compressor is working. On an XJS I'm working on now, there was no flow. replaced the expansion valve, and the receiver dryir- got high pressure- but 'no 'dip' on the low side-- means there is still a blockage. Since There was flow with 'air compressor basic test) thru the evaporator core-- means a hose has collapsed (like a bad brake hose) or the condensor is plugged. Analysis is the key. The mechanical time isa matter of personal choice. Maby of our JCNA suppliers offerting fair prices for parts. Sherman D Taffel Columbia,Maryland 72 E V-12 FHC,76XJ12C project, 88 XJS Convert, 96 XJR

Submitted by marshall@moret… on Sun, 07/23/2006 - 09:04

Marshall Moretta
'96 XJS 4.0 Convertible
Andy,
My problem is that I didn't even know gauges were needed.
I think I'll leave it to the Jag mechanic.
Thanks,
Marshall

Submitted by asimko@netsolnj.com on Sat, 07/22/2006 - 14:34

You know, a "real" set of guages sells for about $70. at most of these stores. unless you are completely empty, you can get by without a vacuum pump. it would probably be worth the investment, for anyone who does alot of his own work. '59 MGA (sold)

Submitted by SE21-33540J on Sat, 07/22/2006 - 11:24

Marshall,

I too wanted to save some money by doing it myself. All was going well, I was not blowing as cold as needed and the pressure guage with the kit showed that I was only at the bottom of the green zone and not near the red. I added one more can. It caused the high pressure hose to explode spraying everything in the garage with freon. What a mess, and a replacement hose was not available, so a fabricated one cost $$$$. It turns out the pressure guage was defective and was stuck at the lower edge of the green zone.

Unless you have the professional equipment, can run a pressure leakdown test etc., it might be better to leave it to the pro's.

Jerry
1986 XJ-SC 3.6 / 5 Speed
2006 S-type "R"