The Mud Pit > Wrenching
AC to air compressor
CaptORM:
Anybody got some good info on changing the ac compressor into an air compressor. been doing some research, was wondering if anybody else had looked into it...
calvynandhobbs:
Kirk did it on his YJ. There are quite a few good online articles and it's something that I want to do before we hit the meat of our wheeling schedule this year. I just don't feel comfortable yet in doing it myself. Maybe we can everybody that wants to do the conversion together at one place and have a wrenchathon.
PaulW:
I've thought about doing it before, but the only problem is you have to use a certain type of compressor that can use an external oil source. If you try to use the stock compressor you'll have NO oil in it and burn it out before you air up 3 tires. Search google for archive posts and you'll find it.
Seabee_BUC:
Yeah, just spend the $159 bucks for the fake powertank on Ebay and call it good. Easy, fast and portable. This is the guys store but he doesn't have any right now showing as available. E-mail him if you're interested. It basically a no name Powertank complete with the regulator and hose, but for a couple hundo less...
kirksjeep:
If you use a stock AC Compressor you have to make an oiling system. Here is a quick run down of how I made mine, and trust me, it kicks out a lot of air.
Used a small valve cover breather filter for the intake, this run to the low side of the compressor. On this line I created a return for the oiling system (discussed later). Coming out of the high side of the compressor I used stainless steel braided line, since the poly line I used in the rest of the system, was melting since it was getting too hot. The braided line run to an oil separator made by Husky with a spring loaded dump valve at the bottom. From the bottom of the oil separator, I used some small clear tubing that runs to the low side hose discussed above. I dumped some air compressor oil into the low side hose and it cycles through and ends up in the oil separator. Every few minutes, I just turn the dump valve and the oil shoots back into the system. I haven't used mine a ton, but guys on-line with similar setups have run them for a while like this with no problem.
On the output of the oil separator I ran the hose to an old gallon and a half fire extinguisher that I use for a tank. Out of the tank I made a manifold that has a cut off valve, pressure gauge and a regulator. I put a quick disconnect on the end. I ran power to a rocker switch and then to a pressure switch in the system and then to the compressor. The compressor kick on at 90 psi and shuts off at 120 psi. I have a few small leaks some where so I usually keep the system off until I need it. Just to give you an idea of the performance, we aired up 14 33-35" tires in same time it took Axle to air up his 4 tires. We weren't racing, and we had to made some repairs to melted hose, but trust me, it works fast. I put a calibrated zip tie under the stop for the throttle body and it keeps the engine RPMs about 1600.
I'll try to get some pics and a parts list, since I know several people were interested after seeing my system. If you have any questions let me know.
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