Turning air conditioner into onboard air

[Perry]

Just like the title said I was wondering if anyone has turned there air conditioner into a pump for on board air?????
I figure since I don't use my air that it would be put to more use pumping air for the tires.

 

[sn0border88]

search in the offroad projects forums, there was a few threads in the a while back. basically you need an air filter going inline to the inlet port for the ac compressor. There in the out line there needs to be an oil/water-air seperator before and accessories. Then just run the lines to whereever you want, a tank or just to air chucks at either end of the truck. The clutch can either be left as is and you can turn it on with the AC button on the stock controls or you can run a 12v wire to it and power it via a switch. The hardest part is gettiing the compressor fitted for air nozzles. if you find a place that can do this please let me know, im very intrested.

if you want more info any search on any forum regarding the same topic should show you the same basic things, maybe even with a diagram. Just remember, an air filter and even a tool oiler before the compresson, the a seperator afterwards. have fun.

Also search on here for an exploded view of the ac pump, it may makes things easier on you. I know I saw one at some point.

 

[Doubt Incarnate]

keep in mind that this is a compressor designed for closed systems, and the necesary lubricants are in the a/c charge, with that in mind dont be to upset if it locks up.

 

[Perry]

What if you exchange it for like a York? At least there is a place in the engine compartment for it.

 

[sn0border88]

why spend the extra money and time when if you just want to fill tires the stock system will work fine? Just keep a spare belt and clutch incase it locks up, but if you keep it oiled with an inline oiler you shouldnt have that problem.

 

[410Fortune]

the stock compressor will work fine Perry, you just have to keep it oiled.

If you set it up right that sucker will run air tools better then my home compressor...


onboardair.com

 

[Doubt Incarnate]

i've always wondered about the possibility of using the pump for the air suspension. dads 'wing does it, has a little valve you can hook up to right on the fairing. obviously not a super duty thing, but for airing a flat when your 15 miles from a station, or your at the station but dont have quarters (*******s! now i have to pay for air)

 

[briwayjones]

The AC compressor is heavy enough that it won't burn it out?

 

[tdavis]

I have a Sanden A/C compressor on the zuk, that I've converted into an air compressor. I have burned one up in the field. My current compressor I simply add 10w30 oil to every few trips, and carry an oil bottle if I have use the compressor to run the drill or die grinder.

Engine driven compressors are kick ass. They deliver high volumes and high pressures easily. I run my air system at 225PSI on, and 250PSI off and use a small air tank.

To convert any A/C compressor to and air compressor, you simply need

Input side of compressor:

air filter -> inline oiler (not needed on a York)

Output side of compressor:

high-pressure/high-temp line (stock is great for this!) (keep this as long as possible)-> check valve -> pressure sensor -> oil coalescing filter -> air tank -> fittings.

The pressure sensor is used to power the clutch on the A/C compressor. You put it inline; there is no need for a relay, the clutch only pulls a few amps. Since the Explorer came stock with A/C, you can use the dash switch to turn it on/off.

Do note - if you use the dash switch as the on/off, it will cycle the compressor whenever you have the dash controls on defrost and the two A/C settings.

I also used 3/8" sized fittings on everything; that way, I know the system can flow more air than I will ever need.

 

[95exploderboy]

Do what I did and mount a York, I never tried it with a stock ac pump so I can't tell u the difference, but i do know that my York works great. Here is a lil writeup I did on my setup My York