Air Zenith OB2 compressor :-(
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,226
Likes: 63
Air Zenith OB2 compressor :-(
I waited to hear from tech support, apparently like some other corporations, they are only interested in answering your question when you are looking to buy.
I watched several videos on this compressor before deciding to buy it. It looks well made and appears to be easily rebuild-able, but it is made in china.
This is note I sent to Air Zenith with regards to their cheesey supplied wiring.
This is supposed to be a "can be installed under the truck" compressor.
*********************
Hello,
While looking for compressors to replace the undersized supplied compressor that came with my truck’s air ride, I found the Air Zenith. My choices for affordable (opposed to $1000+ 12 volt compressors) came down to the Viair 480 and the AZ OB2.
I had asked a couple of questions and apparently not enough with respect to the AZ. I had thought I would be able to use a ½” impact gun to remove my wheels. Can’t do it. I can “just about” get 6 of the 8 lug nuts off. That is at a supply of 3 gallons at 150 psi.
I can live with that since I carry an electric impact in my truck, although a little disappointed.
My main concerns are:
I have my compressor mounted under the pickup bed. I relocated the filter to a dry location, not easy due to the oddball threads.
But the short wiring harness leaves little in the way of options for the relay.
I was able to put the relay inside a bed support. This is a box channel under the pickup bed.
Standing in my driveway yesterday I heard a rumbling noise that took a bit to find it. It was the compressor kicking on with the truck off, and the air tank full.
What I found was that the relay had gotten wet, don’t know how, but it did. And the moisture in the relay was causing it to arc/make contact/run the compressor.
Took the relay apart, cleaned it and tried it again. The relay now sticks in the on position once activated.
I now do not have an 80 amp relay for the system and need one.
But - I really think the wiring and relay need to be upgraded. There is no way, following directions, to mount the relay in a completely weatherproof location without at least dissembling the harness connector.
********************
Pictures next post
I watched several videos on this compressor before deciding to buy it. It looks well made and appears to be easily rebuild-able, but it is made in china.
This is note I sent to Air Zenith with regards to their cheesey supplied wiring.
This is supposed to be a "can be installed under the truck" compressor.
*********************
Hello,
While looking for compressors to replace the undersized supplied compressor that came with my truck’s air ride, I found the Air Zenith. My choices for affordable (opposed to $1000+ 12 volt compressors) came down to the Viair 480 and the AZ OB2.
I had asked a couple of questions and apparently not enough with respect to the AZ. I had thought I would be able to use a ½” impact gun to remove my wheels. Can’t do it. I can “just about” get 6 of the 8 lug nuts off. That is at a supply of 3 gallons at 150 psi.
I can live with that since I carry an electric impact in my truck, although a little disappointed.
My main concerns are:
- Lack of standard fittings for the air filter relocation and the forced purchase of additional parts.
- Lack of any weather integrity for the relay and connector, and because of the non weather integrity, the way too short attached harness. Which the instructions are adamant about not disassembling.
I have my compressor mounted under the pickup bed. I relocated the filter to a dry location, not easy due to the oddball threads.
But the short wiring harness leaves little in the way of options for the relay.
I was able to put the relay inside a bed support. This is a box channel under the pickup bed.
Standing in my driveway yesterday I heard a rumbling noise that took a bit to find it. It was the compressor kicking on with the truck off, and the air tank full.
What I found was that the relay had gotten wet, don’t know how, but it did. And the moisture in the relay was causing it to arc/make contact/run the compressor.
Took the relay apart, cleaned it and tried it again. The relay now sticks in the on position once activated.
I now do not have an 80 amp relay for the system and need one.
But - I really think the wiring and relay need to be upgraded. There is no way, following directions, to mount the relay in a completely weatherproof location without at least dissembling the harness connector.
********************
Pictures next post
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,226
Likes: 63
With a 3 gallon air tank and a 1/2" impact, I can just get 6 lug nuts off before the gun runs to slow.
So much for a 200 psi 100% duty cycle compressor. After the fact I found that the CFM's were rated at 0 psi!
So much for a 200 psi 100% duty cycle compressor. After the fact I found that the CFM's were rated at 0 psi!
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 602
Likes: 312
It looks like you would be better off with larger wiring to supply power to the compressor. It may not be performing up to it's potential because of it. I've got an ExtremeAire Outback mounted under my truck with tank and pressure switch mounted on top of the transfer case skid plate. The marine rated circuit breaker and 200 amp rated constant duty solenoid are mounted in the engine compartment. Here's a few pictures.
Marine rated circuit breaker
200 amp constant duty solenoid
Tank and 120 psi on/150psi off pressure switch
I have a switch on the dash to turn the compressor on. This is installed on my Dodge Dually so no upfitter switches. I purchased the solenoid, circuit breaker, and 6 gauge wiring from http://http://www.waytekwire.com/CatPDF.htm
Rich
Marine rated circuit breaker
200 amp constant duty solenoid
Tank and 120 psi on/150psi off pressure switch
I have a switch on the dash to turn the compressor on. This is installed on my Dodge Dually so no upfitter switches. I purchased the solenoid, circuit breaker, and 6 gauge wiring from http://http://www.waytekwire.com/CatPDF.htm
Rich
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
From: Fox Lake, WI
Porthole,
My experience with the Airlift relay is that it will still get water inside even though it is somewhat protected. When mine failed, Since Airlift won't supply just the relay as a replacement item-they supply only the entire wire harness- i replaced it with a standard GM relay and made it watertight myself.
My experience with the Airlift relay is that it will still get water inside even though it is somewhat protected. When mine failed, Since Airlift won't supply just the relay as a replacement item-they supply only the entire wire harness- i replaced it with a standard GM relay and made it watertight myself.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,521
Likes: 11
From: Greenwood, SC
I'm sure you will make your system right for you. You seem skilled and wise. It's just too bad that it's not how you need it out of the box.
I am loyal to VIAIR. My systems have been perfectly reliable and I use them constantly. I have had zero issues with weather or conditions doing damage to any of the components.
Viair #10007 - Constant Duty Onboard Air System - (Duty Cycle 100% @ 100 psi) - # 10007
I am loyal to VIAIR. My systems have been perfectly reliable and I use them constantly. I have had zero issues with weather or conditions doing damage to any of the components.
Viair #10007 - Constant Duty Onboard Air System - (Duty Cycle 100% @ 100 psi) - # 10007
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Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,591
Likes: 14
From: Pflugerville, tx
Porthole,
My experience with the Airlift relay is that it will still get water inside even though it is somewhat protected. When mine failed, Since Airlift won't supply just the relay as a replacement item-they supply only the entire wire harness- i replaced it with a standard GM relay and made it watertight myself.
My experience with the Airlift relay is that it will still get water inside even though it is somewhat protected. When mine failed, Since Airlift won't supply just the relay as a replacement item-they supply only the entire wire harness- i replaced it with a standard GM relay and made it watertight myself.
Waterproof Relay Kit - 40Amp 12v Sealed Relay, Socket, Terminals & Mounting Tab | eBay
sam
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,226
Likes: 63
My wiring is good, marine grade 8 gauge, 8' run.
The supplied wiring is is undersized.
I know the AirLift and Firestone are not totally waterproof, point is they are weather resistant.
The Air Zenith relay apparently can't even handle being damp.
I would have mounted up in the tool box, but the instructions were adamant about not even disconnecting the relay, let alone modifying the wiring.
I may go to 100% duty heavy duty solenoid and skip the relay.
The supplied wiring is is undersized.
I know the AirLift and Firestone are not totally waterproof, point is they are weather resistant.
The Air Zenith relay apparently can't even handle being damp.
I would have mounted up in the tool box, but the instructions were adamant about not even disconnecting the relay, let alone modifying the wiring.
I may go to 100% duty heavy duty solenoid and skip the relay.
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