S2 fhc - aircon renovation

[Damoyorkie]

Dear All,

I have decided to leave my 1969 s2 fhc as a lhd, and I would like to keep the factory aircon completely as it is. Does anybody know if it is possible to simply renovate what is there, or can recommend a specialist to do the same ? I’m in Yorkshire, but willing to travel.

Many thanks,

Damien

[johnetype]

It will be a journey of exploration - I haven't done it on a Jaguar, only on similar cars of '70's vintage.

When you say completely as is you need to consider the following:

That your original compressor still works, isn't seized or leaking. Check the magnetic clutch works and pulls in.
The system has no leaks and the rubber hoses haven't perished or you get new ones made up.
Your system used a refrigerant called R12. R12 is no longer available due to environmental concerns and you will have to use R134a which is the currently widely used refrigerant. Along with the R134a you will have to use PAG or POE lubrication oil not the mineral oil that would have been used along with the R12.
You will need a new receiver/drier. Maybe available from the usuals but certainly on eBay.com for $20.
You will need a pair of R12 to R134a screw on adaptors for the high and low pressure ports - again available on eBay and elsewhere.
It would be good to flush the system through with special A/C cleaner to remove old congealed oil/refrigerant.

Having got this far you will need to visit your local garage with an A/C recharge machine and still with your old receiver drier on get them to pump out your system and see if it will hold a vacuum. This is important to check for leaks. Any leaks must be fixed before you can proceed.

Fit the new receiver drier and return to the A/C recharge machine asap. Have the system again pumped out and filled with R134a plus oil. Quantities are difficult to specify but you need enough so you can try and get the system working. If all is well the compressor clutch will pull in and coldness will be produced. If it all works as it should then it's back to the A/C machine to top off so you get low side and high side pressures in range.
If you can't get it working it's also back to the A/C machine to recover the R134a so it doesn't vent into the environment and scratch your head and wonder if fitting a modern compressor and evaporator weren't the way to go

I can't suggest a specialist to help but one final thought; R134a in a system originally designed for R12 will not be quite as efficient so the system will never be as good as the original at cooling. That said I've found it still good enough.

[Damoyorkie]

Many thanks for this John.

You’re a mine of information. Rear diff is going back in this week, then various bits of bodywork and welding, plus a respray, so it will be a little while before I come back to you with the outcome of your suggestions.

I really appreciate the time you took in responding, though, and hopefully everything that can be saved and renewed will be !

Cheers

Damien.

[Whitact]

Hi Damian,
For a specialist try Clayton Classics. Vehicle heating and air con is their main business and Geoff, the owner, knows all there is to know on the subject.
Cheers

[CoolCat]

The only challenge with S2 air conditioning is the plastic case of the underdash unit. The vents are available, but the fascia is often in deplorable condition, and no replacements are available. If yours is serviceable and if the switch is in place with both knobs, then you're in good shape. Be sure to replace the rubber drain hoses (The hoses lead under the car and drip directly on the exhaust system, I guess they didn't want to leave pools of condensate.)

The compressor is a York Tecumseh, long out of production. Parts are sporadically available for rebuilding, but the usual rebuilders have long ago dropped it from their catalogs. If you need a new compressor, you can use a Sanden with some changes to the hoses. If you want to rebuild, post again and I'll see if I can scare up a supplier for rebuilding parts.

No matter what, you should have the hoses rebuilt.This isn't a big deal, just take them to a shop that does hydraulics and have them install new barrier hose, reusing the old ends. The last thing you want is to lose an expensive charge of R12 due to a faulty hose.

The reciever/dryer should always be replaced when restoring an old system. This part should be readily available.