i was wondering if anyone has converted there ac compressor into a air compressor i know they are not a selfcontaned oil system so you have to get oil into the compressor some how i was wondering if anyone has done this convertion. have seen a couple done but dont really know what i need to do this convertion any help would be appreciated

 

I wouldn't think it to work very well honestly.
Moisture would kill the pump after a while of operation.

Neat idea though.

I'm trying to think about how much pressure you would manage to push with it.

I got nothing. Doesn't seem like every pump could do it. They are just to finicky from my knowledge in HVAC.
Though, I spose possible. Using an actual pump would be a better solution IMO.

 

i have seen it done on those dam trucks that are frame dragers with bags they had a water seperator going into the compressor and they are capable of over 300psi i have seen an ac system peg the ac machine gauge at 300psi from a blocked condensor so they are very capable of making the pressure i just dont know how to get some oil in teher to lube it because fords use pag oil in the ac sysrem to lube the compressor i have seen a friends truck that was not a self containded compressor that lasted for 2 years and was working fine when he sold the truck but the problem i have is he did not set it up the guy before him did it

 

I'm in the process of gathering stuff for the york air. I'll post you a couple threads to check out. I've got the compressor, air tanks, regulator. Getting close. Just need time.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ally-here.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...tercooler.html

 

The old style R12 compressors from the 70's can do it pretty good. Newer styles like we have can't. It's expensive but these engines in some buses and big trucks have a gear driven air compressor on them. Electric is a lot easier. I kinda like my ac.

 

it is too much to convert the compressor to run strictly for air. you are better off (IMO) leaving the stock compressor as is and add in a york compressor. they can be had for cheap if you know what and where to look for. everytime i go to the pull a part i look and grab one as i also use a york on my rock crawler. they are good for parts even if they are not functioning. you MIGHT be able to use a Sanden compressor but i have never messed with one of those so i dont know how they bolt on.

i have changed my setup a few times but you are welcome to look in my gallery (googles, not FTE's) on how i did mine.

when i first installed the OBA i did not move my batteries and i did not have an IC. it is easy to modify the IC pipe to route under where i mounted the compressor. i moved my batts to get them out of the engine bay and bc i was making new batt cables. it is not nescessary but it helps. also, when i first installed the system i made my own pulley. i thought it would be fine but i had problems long term so i turned to Kilby Enterprises for their integrated alt pulley.

have any other questions let me know, i would be glad to help. i LOVE being able to air up my truck/trailer tires anywhere i go not to mention run impact gun! i have gotten some compliments from people who i have stopped to help them with their flat tire

-cutts-

 

Thanks cutts.


Neat to know you can modify the AC compressor.
But the York Air is pretty simple. I would go that route IMO.

 

The york starts life out as a A/c compressor but its a sump design that used A/C oil. I just run motor oil in mine and use a separator to clean the oil out.

Oiling a scroll or vane A/c Compressor will be your biggest issue. I have no experience so I can't say how or how much would be needed to fit the bill.

 

Thanks for the great info tim.

 

People have been using A/C compressors for air compressors since the '80's that I'm aware of. Mostly trail rigs back then, it was a cheap easy way to inflate tires and run air tools in a pinch. Worked (works?) fine, but I have no idea how long the compressor itself will last. Might just need lubed every so often in the intake, not sure.
But it's an old proven idea.

They even would pull a sprk plug and screw in an air fitting and use cylinder pressure to inflate tires, too. We are spoiled now with the options we have today, 30 years later.

As mentioned the York is the best for this, but they are getting extremely hard to find.

 

I have done the york conversion on my buggy, pritty simple. I removed the stock compressor and built a new bracket to hold the york. You need to also find a regulator and a switch as well as other misc parts. AS far as I know this is the only way to do it. Best mod I have on that thing tho

 

We had one years ago on a tow truck and we had an intake filter on it that we used to use a squirt can and keep it oiled, held up for a few years. We would turn it on when we left the shop to fill the tank on the way in case we needed air, then sut it off