1989 a/c compressor needed

I have spent weeks trying to locate a new compressor here in the U.S. woth no luck! Every search does not have a good match that will fit. Any help appreciated. 1989 xj40 6 cylinder.

Looks like a SANDEN 510.

Any Sanden 510 will work even if you have to swap clutch/pulley and rear cover.

You can probably get a different MY car with a Sanden 709 to fit if you need to.

bob

David …

Call Jeff the owner of British Auto Specialist. A super guy ! That’s where I got the one for my '89 XJ40.

http://britauto.com

Is that in the U.S.?

David,

Yes - Click on the link that Dennis provided

Got it thanks, I will call them on Monday.

Are replacement Sanden compressors R-12 or R-134 specific? Is it feasible upgrade the compressor capacity to improve cooling efficiency when an R-12 car has been converted to R-134?

John, I remember when R134a was introduced, and Sanden used the same compressors but changed their model numbers to emphasize that they were compatible with the new refrigerant. Pressures are slightly higher, but initially at least, this wasn’t considered a problem. Compressors were often sold loaded with oil, and in this case the intended refrigerant was specified even though the oil could be flushed and changed.

Compressors are generally matched to the rest of the system by the OEM. But increasing capacity will indeed help, at least marginally. The doyen is the Harrison A6, in the day and now. But potential gains in performance depend on the “weakest link” in the system. That’s often the evaporator, which one is stuck with unless you convert to an aftermarket system. IMO, you might want to try a modern parallel flow condenser as a first step. Also, when changing refrigerants, you can get some improvement (specifically in optimal control of superheat) if you swap the expansion valve for one that contains the same refrigerant in its temperature-sensing bulb. IMHO.

Thanks Robert for your detailed explanation. My 1990 XJ40 has been dealer converted to R-134 per Jaguar’s tech bulletin but I do not believe that included a new expansion valve. It may be my imagination, but I do not think it produces as much cold as with R-12 I do get some benefit by clamping off the heater hose as this model year car does not have a vacuum operated heater valve. I believe you are correct that the evaporator is the limiting component.

Here are several TSBs provided by Jaguar to address your questions.

82-39am R-134a Retrofits Kits.pdf (25.9 KB)
82-43 PAG Oil for R134a Systems.pdf (48.2 KB)
82-51 Compressor Refrigerant Leaks.pdf (51.3 KB)

Motorcarman. Thanks for all these bulletin links. I do recall them having spent my career in the Jaguar USA warranty department. In the fullness of time and without the manufacturer’s restraints, legal and otherwise, the aftermarket, and individual home technicians and experimenters, can often add to the methods of repairs and modifications that were not available when the cars were current. And thanks to forums like these that collective knowledge can be disseminated which greatly assists keeping these machines on the road and in good operating condition.

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WellI did not give up, bouhgt a used one fron a junker and it leaked like a sieve! Got some leak seal with uv dye from my ac supplier and tried again, stil leaked but with the uv light I was able to locate leaks, tighten housing bolts and no leaks for weeks now!