This unit hasn't worked for years and I'm removing it to get at other things up front, during my restoration process. The Bentley manual has big warnings about unqualified persons (me), fooling around with it. That suggests I need to do something to be sure there's no pressure in the system before I unscrew everything and take it off.
I plan to disconnect where the hose from the unit inside the car screws into the unit you see at the center/bottom of the enclosed picture, then remove everything forward of that point.
Can anyone help me with "what to do" to check that the system is safe to totally remove from the car?

Submitted by NE23-54945 on Sun, 02/09/2014 - 19:33

Tony, allll these years it should be dea, piss test the 2 bleeder valves, or take a tire valve remover and lossen both till all the Freon comes out, it wont take long. P.S. unless your car is going concours, the sanden compressor will blow away the original, fit in the same spot and use 80 percent LESS energy to run.
gtjoey1314

Submitted by NC13-54772 on Thu, 02/06/2014 - 10:56

Tony there may be some residual pressure in the system perhaps 5 to 20 psi. You can reuse the old compressor with R134a but you may wish to replace with a newer smoother running unit
Chuck

Submitted by reachafw@hotmail.com on Thu, 02/06/2014 - 10:12

Phillip and Bruce
I'm removing the A/C to refurbish the engine compartment. I plan to keep the A/C fully functional since I have a FHC. I'll try the pssssst! test on the 2 valves. I doubt there is any freon in the system since the last time I turned it on (many years ago), the unit functioned properly (the clutch on the compressor engaged), but no cooling occurred in the cabin.
Thanks for the offer to chat about this, Phillip. I suspect that the removal process (sans freon) is pretty straightforward.

Submitted by phw@northstate.net on Fri, 01/31/2014 - 14:54

Tony,

I too own a series 2 car that came with factory a/c. The previous owner had started the removal process and I finished it...(never really felt the need for A/C in a OTS, I know, I know, but still).

There are a number of issues that you most likely will run into. Relocating the alternator, closing off the holes in the firewall where the hoses went through, the radio box and likely there will be a console issue.

If you are interested, I will be most willing to discuss my findings with you off line. Just send me a personal email and I will respond with my phone number and you can give me a call.

Best,

Phil Wood
phwatnorthstate.net

Submitted by bfahnest@gmail.com on Fri, 01/31/2014 - 13:34

chances are there is no freon left in your system . When you get the book you will see that there are two shrader valves (like a tire valve)under screw on caps. Press them and listen if there is any pressure behind them. If not you are good to go. If there is a good amount of pressure (use your best judgment) any home HVAC company can harvest the freon from your system

Bruce

Submitted by reachafw@hotmail.com on Fri, 01/31/2014 - 13:20

Joel, I ordered the book. My car is a late Series II...the compressor does lay on its side. I suppose the book will tell me how to check to see if there's any freon left in the system, and if so, do you have a suggestion of the type of person to call to come out and do the work, since the car isn't drivable?

Submitted by NC98-56048 on Wed, 01/29/2014 - 22:47

Tony; You need to get the Jag A/C booklet that JCNA sells, B-J50RL, it will answer your questions I think. If your car is a 71 I think the compressor lays on it's side. If your A/C is still as originally installed then it has the valves on the compressor that allow you to pump the 'freon' into the evaporator side so the compressor can be safely removed.
If you are like me and don't understand the workings well then you would do well to use a A/C person to evacuate the system so you can do your restoration. Where you indicate you plan on disconnecting it is the 'dryer/receiver' and whatever Freon is in the system will escape., possibly injuring you and certainly the environment.
Good luck and I wish you well. Joel