Thought I’d see if the new XJ would hold a charge for the summer so I picked up some refrigerant and started doing the charge.

Few second into charging and the compressor kicked on after who knows how long and it started pulling the refrigerant in. Then one of the lines popped very loudly a few seconds later, all the fluid came out. Looks like this may have been the weak link in the system. I don’t know how to reconnect this line either. At least I know the compressor works.

 

Chance someone has been into it before and did not have it put together right? WAs the retainer or whatever its called on it? To put back you just push together don't think the tool is needed (did ine 3 years ago but don't recall if they just push back together or if tool was needed) mine also had a metal clip ...retainer ?

 

The lines like that should have a retainer clip that goes over the joint. I can snap a pic. Those lines can be tricky. you need to push and twist and then pull several times to make sure it is seated together. The donut spahes piece has a sprint inside that holds the joint together. Crud often gets in there and keeps everything from seating.

 

Yeah there’s no retainer clip on this one or the other.

judging by the peeled off paint, I’d say someone’s been into it as well.

 

Also don't forget to clean the oil rings and lube them prior to reinstalling. Might be a good idea now to replace the drier since system has been open but I have worked on some of mine in the past and not replace the drier and years later still going.

 

I’ll reconnect the lines but won’t be running the A/C again. I intend to replace the system but was hoping to get some cool air this summer.

 

Even the evap? I did mine 3 years ago hope to never have to do one again in my lifetime. I'm not as young as I used to be and found out since I did it with the seats still in my body does not want to bend and twist anymore without consequences!

 

Maybe. If I have a 3 day weekend I’d do the evap. Years ago I had the dash apart in my 98 looking for the blower motor resistor. I was oblivious to automotive repairs and didn’t think to look on the forums. Turns out I was severely over complicating the fix.

I can’t for the life of me get these lines back together by hand. I can get the first oring in then nothin. Gotta be a tool for this somewhere.

 

I got it back on. Just needed a little more grunt.

 

Can you post a pic so I can pick up a pack?

 

Think they lok like the ones here https://www.moparpartsinc.com/p/Jeep...h5EaAuJV8P8HAQ

 

Bought some clips. They were expensive but I’m going to give them a go.

 

Got the clips in the mail today, however they seem to fit over the connection pretty loosely. Are they supposed to be lose fitting?

oem part number is 4596153

 

Meh, nevermind. Line blew off again... Looks like I’m going to have to replace the whole system.

 

There is a little spring that goes in one of the pipes (the silver one in your picture). If it is damaged, it wont allow the pipe to stay in place. Also, when you are putting the 2 pipes together, you need to make sure that you get the one tube all the way inside the other. You may need to get a set of these to help out. They will help stretch the spring out so that the pipe can slip in. Same thing for getting it back out.

Edit - and put a fan shroud on that thing!