I currrently had problems with my 99 xj's compressor. I replaced the compressor and sure enough i had freeon coming out the back of it. i was told that the condensor might be cloged up. i was thinking of replacing all of the old A/C components with new ones. What are the components that are to be replaced? i have a 4.0

 

Accumulator/dryer, liquid line/orifice tube, manifold/hose assembly, compressor and condenser are all under the hood.....very easy to replace. The evaporator is under/behind the dash.....not so easy to replace.

The evap, cond and hose assembly (if re-used) can easily be flushed/cleaned internally using a/c flush and compressed air. The dryer and orifice tube should always be replaced when replacing the compressor.

 

Like djb said. At the minimum look at the paper work that comes with the compressor and replace the recommended components if those are not replaced you will void the warranty on the compressor.

 

Pretty easy job, just did it myself this past Saturday. I replaced the compressor, accumulator, liquid line / orifice tube and condenser. Took 5 or 6 hours, but I work really slow. First take it to a garage and get them to evacuate the system of any remaining refrigerant.

There is a guy on ebay that sells a brand new compressor + accumulator for about 200$. I bought a Spectra Premium condensor from rockauto and the liquid line from NAPA.

 

Sounds like time to convert it to an on board air system.

 

Thanks! For the advice. I got some work to do and parts to buy.

 

Where is the orifice tube located?

 

Since Playbass is offline, I'll steal his thunder.....the XJ orifice tube is built into/inside the new liquid line.

 

Yup. Some people claim you can replace the orifice tube inside of the liquid line, but I couldn't see any way that was possible. Many new compressors' warranties will require you replace it in order to stay within terms. The liquid line + orifice tube cost about 30$ at NAPA.

 

If you have a restriction/plugged line I'd suggest you start with the liquid line which contains the orifice tube. $27 plus tax at Auto Zone, Advance, O'Reilly's, ... If you are refilling the system yourself, its best to pull a vacuum on the system before recharging. Pulling a vacuum boils out moisture. The hardest part will probably be dealing with the quick disconnects if you're used to working on older cars that had flanged joints or pipe/tubing fittings. Once you do one it will be easy. The quick disconnect tool set makes things easier.

 

Thanks for the info guys.

 

For what its worth, I cut mine open when I changed the liquid line to see where the orifice tube is. Its impossible to change the orifice tube separately from the liquid line on left hand drive vehicles. The orifice tube is in the middle of the line and held in place by two indents on the line.