X308 air con condenser

[ericnagy]

Hello.I am wondering if anyone has had the need to remove and replace the air con condenser radiator in front of the engine cooling radiator on a x308 xj8.I know I have to have the system purged of any gas first but I'm interested to know if it's necessary to remove the bonnet /grille and bumper etc. Thanks for any advice .Eric

[davidr]

Hi Eric - I have just done this job on my 2001 XKR. Different car I know but probably the same parts.
In my case it was done from within the engine compartment. The cooling fans come out first and then the radiator with the condenser attached. Obviously that means draining the coolant etc. I would imagine the principle is the same on the X308 but have to confess I've never done the job on one

[PeterDavisX300]

I'm maybe wrong here. I have an X300, it has two seperate radiators, one for the engine coolant, the other for the Air-Con with a cylindrical dryer on top. The Air-Con radiator is mounted in front of the coolant radiator under the front 'slam-panel'. (although technically it's NOT a 'slam-panel' because Jaguars bonnets close the correct way) To remove the air-con radiator with dryer attached, take the bolts out of the slam-panel, lift the panel off, and having already removed the air-con pipes from the radiator, just lift it out. (THIS FOR X300) I didn't need to take the fans off, or drain the coolant radiator and remove it.

If it's different for the X308, with some kind of combined radiator, my apologies.

Peter

[ericnagy]

Many thanks to you for prompt replies. I am arranging an air con specialist to do a pressure leak test as I think it's from the union's on the receiver / dryer and from the union where a pipe connect to the condenser on the nearside.evidence of green substance so may not need a condenser.a test will verify hopefully.thank you again and enjoy the summer.Eric

[DougX]

Here we go again! I had an air conditioning company visit as it appeared that my A/C was not blowing cold air, although I had it re-gassed in 2019. They drew their magic wand around the system and indicated that I had leaks in my condenser. A new one was needed. So all the time I have tried to re-gas the system, it has been leaking out! Bummer!
So I went to Jaguar for a replacement condenser and the Receiver Drier attached to the conditioner was looking in a poor state so I thought I would replace that too. Jaguar's replacement condenser price £756.50 inc vat!!!! although the indications were that they don’t make it anymore - Why? Receiver Dryer = £117.88. Unbelievable!
Back to e-bay: - XJ8 (X308) a/c conditioner = £73.11 inc vat and 5 year warranty!!!
Receiver Dryer = £42.18 inc vat - Berkshire Jag Parts.
Fitted by Grange Motors Brentwood. = £300 inc vat, re-gas and new fittings!
Now as cool as a cucumber!

[Andy P]

Hi Doug.
Well worth shopping around then,glad you got it sorted.
Take care and stay safe.
Andy

[lovejags]

Can somebody please confirm the procedure as my condenser has just packed up

[Andy P]

Hi lovejags.
Have not done the job myself but here is the X308 Workshop Manual Procedure.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Kq13vq ... sp=sharing
Feel free to download and keep the file.
Hope that helps.
Andy